As the 2024-2025 NHL regular season approaches its conclusion, teams are intensifying their efforts to secure playoff spots.

The remaining weeks of the season will be critical, with teams jockeying for playoff positions and upcoming games becoming vital for those on the bubble.

The Detroit Red Wings are striving to end an eight-year playoff drought, while the Columbus Blue Jackets are struggling to keep their postseason hopes alive.

In the Eastern Conference, the New York Rangers face the risk of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2021, while the Ottawa Senators are poised to return to the postseason for the first time since 2017.

Meanwhile, the New York Islanders are making a late-season push to secure their playoff position.

Currently, the Washington Capitals lead the Eastern Conference standings with 102 points, followed closely by the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers.

However, the New York Rangers have struggled against top teams, holding a dismal 0-6 record against the Hurricanes, Panthers, and Lightning, raising concerns about their defensive performance.

In the Western Conference, the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues occupy the two wild card spots, but the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames are closely contesting for those positions.

The St. Louis Blues have been particularly impressive, boasting a record of 12-2-2 in their last 16 games, largely thanks to the resurgence of goalie Jordan Binnington.

Despite their success, the Blues have played more games than the Calgary Flames, who are trailing them closely for the final wild card spot.