There have been fantastic nights on the NHL schedule recently, some might argue maybe even too much action for hockey fans to track in a given evening.
Friday is not one of those nights.
There is just one game on the schedule, as the New Jersey Devils visit the Buffalo Sabres (7 p.m. ET, NHL Network). This is a game that looked to have considerably more at stake when the schedule came out in the summer, but there are some notable implications for the outcome.
The Devils are five points behind the Washington Capitals for the East’s second wild-card spot, and six points behind the Philadelphia Flyers for the No. 3 seed in the Metro Division. Notably, New Jersey has more regulation wins than both clubs, so pulling even in the standings is all that’s required to get into the playoffs.
Buffalo’s playoff hopes rest on eclipsing a batch of teams and getting the wild card, as the No. 3-seeded Atlantic club, the Toronto Maple Leafs, are 18 points ahead.
Of course, this matchup also impacts the draft lottery standings, with the Sabres currently 10th and the Devils 12th in that register. The NHL’s four worst teams don’t appear to be in range for either club, but getting as high as the No. 5 position (currently held by the Arizona Coyotes) is in play mathematically.
As we traverse the final stretch of the regular season, it’s time to check in on all the playoff races — along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2024 NHL draft lottery.
Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.
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