The Ducks are entering the homestretch of the regular season, with each game another opportunity to grab a vital two points and solidify their spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2018. However, the Ducks are currently experiencing one of their worst runs of the season. A five-game losing streak in which they've been outscored 14-24 and gained just one point has also featured two third period collapses against the Toronto Maple Leafs and the San Jose Sharks.

Takeaways from the Ducks' 5-4 OT Loss to the Maple Leafs

Takeaways from the Ducks' 4-3 Loss to the Sharks

Their opponent, the Nashville Predators are coming off a 3-2 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Monday. The Predators have won seven of their last 11 games and are just one point back of the second Wild Card spot. The Kings reclaimed that spot with their win on Monday.

Due to their poor run of play, the Ducks have dropped to second in the Pacific, with the Edmonton Oilers holding the top spot despite the teams being tied in points, thanks to the tiebreaker rules. The Vegas Golden Knights are one point back of both the Oilers and Ducks and could jump to first with a win and Oilers/Ducks losses on Tuesday.

Dropping out of the playoffs completely remains an unlikely scenario for Anaheim. However, they must win at least two of their remaining five games to prevent that from becoming a reality. Four points currently separate the second Wild Card and second in the Pacific.

"Just trying to view these last five games as a round of playoffs," Troy Terry said. "That's truly what it is for us right now."

“Let’s incentivize ourselves,” head coach Joel Quenneville said. “Play this game like it's a playoff game, that’s the meaning and the purpose. We get to find out about guys knowing that with everything at stake, you rise to the occasion. But, you’ve got to earn it in this business in this situation as well. Let’s go get it.”

"This time of year, it's just important to win those games," Jackson LaCombe said. "I think every point matters throughout the year, so I wouldn't say we're looking into (the standings) too much, but you want home ice and everything else that comes with that. I think we're just trying to focus on playing our best hockey."

“I think we just want to play a little more simple,” Mason McTavish said. “I think we are really going to focus on not giving up as much, whether it's keeping our shifts shorter and being more fresh and thinking a little more clearly out there. 
I think that's something that we can control, and we're going to really look to focus down the stretch with these games meaning so much. It’s a great test for our team, and I know everybody's really excited.”

Anaheim's leading goalscorer Cutter Gauthier has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury. He left the game in the first period on Mar. 30 against the Toronto Maple Leafs and has not played since. He will not play against the Predators, missing a fourth consecutive game.

Captain Radko Gudas will also miss this game with a lower-body injury. He returned to face the Leafs, but has not played since.

Defenseman Pavel Mintyukov has also missed the past three games with a lower-body injury, but will return to the lineup against the Predators. He is playing in his 200th NHL game.

“Play hard and simple,” Mintyukov said on the focus for the team after their recent poor run of play. “No stupid mistakes.”

Defenseman Tyson Hinds, who was recalled from AHL San Diego on Saturday and made his NHL debut against the Flames, will remain in the lineup alongside Drew Helleson as part of the Ducks' third defensive pair. With Mintyukov returning, Olen Zellweger will be a healthy scratch.

Quick Hits:

-Cutter Gauthier (upper-body) had a light skate on Tuesday and is targeting a return on Sunday, Mar. 12 against the Vancouver Canucks, per Quenneville.

-Radko Gudas (lower-body) is “closer than he was before,” but has no projected timeline. “(If) he gets in a practice or two with the guys, could be playing right after that,” Quenneville said.

-Ross Johnston (lower-body) is entering week three of his initial projected three to four-week timeline. Quenneville said Johnston is progressing well and that he’ll start skating soon. “Tough to say, but we’ll keep with that forecast.”

---

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Ducks Projected Lines

Mikael Granlund - Leo Carlsson - Beckett Sennecke
Chris Kreider - Ryan Poehling - Troy Terry
Alex Killorn - Mason McTavish - Jeff Viel
Frank Vatrano - Tim Washe - Ian Moore

Jackson LaCombe - Jacob Trouba
Pavel Mintyukov - John Carlson
Tyson Hinds - Drew Helleson

Lukáš Dostál (confirmed)

Predators Projected Lines

Steven Stamkos - Ryan O'Reilly - Zachary L'Heureux
Filip Forsberg - Matthew Wood - Jonathan Marchessault
Tyson Jost - Erik Haula - Luka Evangelista
Reid Schaefer - Fedor Svechkov - Joakim Kemell

Brady Skjei - Roman Josi
Adam Wilsby - Nick Perbix
Ryan Ufko - Justin Barron

Justus Annunen (projected)

The Chicago Blackhawks have four games remaining in 2025-26, and all of them will take place at the United Center. They close out with games against the Carolina Hurricanes, St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, and San Jose Sharks. 

All of those teams are either in a playoff spot or desperately pushing to try and get in, so it won't be an easy task in any of these matchups. 

The Blackhawks will be solely focused on themselves as they try to finish the season strong. Every player on the roster is pushing to show what they can do ahead of next season, where they will be expected to take another step. 

There are a lot of different storylines to keep an eye on when it comes to this team's final handful of games. These are the four that stick out with four games remaining. 

1. The five-forward power play is starting to work well. 

Over the last handful of games, Jeff Blashill has been using five forwards on the power play. Against the San Jose Sharks on Monday, this looked like a strong group that skated and moved the puck well with the man-advantage. 

When asked if he would go back to this strategy next season, Blashill had a response that you would expect following a game where everything seemed to click: 

"I’d have to be crazy not to," Blashill said on considering five forwards again in 2026-27. "I have no issue with five forwards. It doesn’t matter if it’s a forward or a [defenseman] back there. That doesn’t dictate whether or not you give up shorthanded chances. To me, it’s about the responsibility of the group. What it does is get the puck in Bedsy’s hands, and he’s the guy you want with the puck in his hands."

With five forwards on the ice, the defensive responsibility (assuming they allow the short-handed unit to get the puck and hang onto it) would be on whoever is playing at the point. 

Things usually aren't negative for the Blackhawks when Connor Bedard has the puck on his stick. He is the best offensive player on the team, so getting him touches with the extra man out there is important. 

Against the Sharks, Frank Nazar and Anton Frondell couldn't stop shooting the puck from the flanks, which was largely created by Bedard dancing around. In Chicago's case, it might be better to go with that instead of a defenseman at the top of the zone. 

2. Kevin Korchinski's development is showing as the season comes to an end. 

Kevin Korchinski was called up ahead of Matt Grzelcyk and Artyom Levshunov, who were ruled out for the season. In that stretch, he has shown great signs of development. 

"He's not over-complicating it," head coach Jeff Blashill said of Korchinski. "He's using his feet to beat pressure, but then he's moving the puck to the open people. When he does that and defends with his feet, he's been a really good player."

When Korchinski was the 7th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, the Blackhawks envisioned him as a high-end skating defenseman with great puck skills. It wasn't clicking at the NHL level early on, but he showed those skills in the AHL on a nightly basis.

Now, at 21 years old, he is starting to prove the scouting staff correct. It takes time, especially at this position with his skill set. It doesn't happen overnight. Heading into the summer, especially if he finishes strong over these four games, Kyle Davidson and his staff must work on getting him extended (RFA). 

3. Anton Frondell and Sacha Boisvert are looking to have strong finishes to a wild season.

Anton Frondell and Sacha Boisvert were both inserted into the Chicago Blackhawks lineup late in the season. They have wildly different skillsets, but are each capable of contributing to the team in the long-term. 

Boisvert, the 18th pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, is a scrappy bottom-six forward who can play center or wing. In addition to playing a physical game (that includes fighting), he has a knack for goal scoring. As he adapts to the pro game, he should find success reaching the high-danger areas more frequently. 

As for Frondell, he was the third overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft for a reason. Whether it's his two-way dominance, elite one-time shot, or tenacity in all three zones, he already fits into a top-six NHL role. 

Whether he plays wing with a dynamic center or drives his own line as a center in the future remains to be seen, but the Blackhawks will certainly do their due diligence to figure out a great plan for him. 

Going into the final four games of the season, expect both of them to skate like the wind. It's been a wild season for each of them, and they'd like to finish it strong. 

4. Good Draft Lottery Odds are awaiting the front office. 

The Chicago Blackhawks enter the final four games with the second-fewest amount of points in the National Hockey League. The Vancouver Canucks have locked in the best odds, but the Blackhawks could finish anywhere in the bottom five. 

With some incredible teams rolling through town in the next few days, there is an opportunity for them to remain with the second-fewest amount of points. They have already improved their totals from a year ago, so one more year in the top three won't hurt them in any way. In fact, they would be guaranteed to add an elite prospect. 

If they stick with the second-best odds, they will enter the lottery with a 13.5 percent chance of winning the first overall pick in the 2026 Draft. Picking first or second likely means one of Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg. Dropping outside of the top two could mean anything, as this is a deep draft with some big decisions yet to be made.

Although the young Blackhawks have no interest in dropping any of their final four games, every result will have the hockey world checking the standings at the bottom. 

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Game 77 tonight against the St Louis Blues can be a big one for the Colorado Avalanche, as not only could they secure first in the Central Division and lock up first place in the Western Conference, but they could also secure the Presidents' Trophy, with the help of some other teams, of course.

If they want to win the Central Division and finish first as West #1, the stipulations for tonight are as follows:

- A win versus St. Louis Blues (regulation or overtime, need the two points)
-OR; One point versus the Blues and the Dallas Stars lose to the Calgary Flames (in any fashion)
-OR: Stars regulation loss versus Flames

It's as simple as that for the Avalanche: secure a point against the Blues and hope the Flames don't pull off an upset against the Stars, who are starting Jake Oettinger tonight. 

Granted, the Flames are 6-3-1 in their last ten, and the Stars are 3-5-2 in their last ten, so both teams are both hot and cold going against each other tonight.  Though the last time each faced each other was back on March 3, where the Stars took a massive 6-1 victory over the Flames.

Presidents Trophy Stipulation

Now this is where the Avalanche start to rely on more than just one team if they hope to secure the Presidents' Trophy tonight. Here are the stipulations needed if the Avalanche wants to secure the 2025/26 Presidents' Trophy:

- Avalanche regulation win against the Blues, AND Carolina Hurricanes lose in regulation to the Boston Bruins
-OR; Overtime/shootout win versus the Blues, Hurricanes regulation loss to the Bruins, AND the Tampa Bay Lightning don't secure a regulation win against the Ottawa Senators.

It's a bit more congested for the Avalanche if they want to secure the Presidents' Trophy tonight, as the stars need to align perfectly for them, which is hard with that many stipulations. 

The Hurricanes have already clinched a playoff spot, but the Bruins are currently holding the top wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference with 95 points, and the teams below them are not too far away from reaching their point total.

Which NHL Team Will Win The Battle For Third Place In The Metro?Four Metropolitan Division teams are battling for third place. Which of the New York Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets, Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers do we think will earn that spot?

The Tampa Bay Lightning have already clinched a playoff spot, but they're fighting for first in the Atlantic against the Buffalo Sabers, who are tied with them in points, both with 102.

The Ottawa Senators are fighting to keep that last wildcard spot, as there are four other Eastern Conference teams creeping up on them, ready to take that spot with just a matter of one win.

The Avalanche are in a comfortable spot to secure both. Will they get both tonight against the Blues? Time will only tell if all stipulations fall their way.

Avalanche Show Concerning Inconsistency At Worst Possible TimeAfter a dominant start to the season, the Colorado Avalanche are now battling inconsistency, costly mistakes, and missed opportunities at the worst possible time.

The video game overlords were a bit kinder to the Colorado Avalanche this time around.

Nathan MacKinnon scored in overtime to lift the Avalanche to a 2–1 win over the St. Louis Blues. Brett Kulak also found the back of the net for Colorado, while Scott Wedgewood turned aside 32 shots.

Jordan Kyrou scored the lone goal for St. Louis, and Jordan Binnington made 25 saves in the loss.

First Period

At the 3:23 mark, Gabe Landeskog teed up a one-timer from the top of the left circle, but his blistering shot was gloved down by Binnington.

Through the opening five minutes, St. Louis jumped out to a 7–1 edge in shots, with Wedgewood forced to keep Colorado afloat early.

The first half of the period was sloppy on Colorado’s end, as repeated turnovers in the defensive zone put Wedgewood in several dangerous situations. However, just past the midway point, the Avalanche broke through. Joel Kiviranta found Kulak in the slot, and his quick wrister slipped just over Binnington’s blocker to give Colorado a 1–0 lead.

Landeskog had another look from the same spot with under two minutes remaining, but Binnington turned it aside with the blocker.

Second Period

Just past the midway mark, Brent Burns made a terrific read, intercepting a pass to break up a prime scoring chance that could have tied the game for St. Louis.

After two periods, the Avalanche held a 1–0 lead, though the Blues carried a 24–17 advantage in shots.

Third Period

Colorado ran into penalty trouble early in the period when Landeskog was called for interference on Theo Lindstein.

The Avalanche killed off the penalty, but the Blues still managed to tie the game shortly after. Kyrou wrapped the puck around the net and tucked it in, with Nick Blankenburg in pursuit but unable to prevent the equalizer.

Moments later, Colorado received its first power play of the night when Jimmy Snuggerud was called for cross-checking Kiviranta.

Burns ripped a slap shot 50 seconds into the man advantage, but Binnington came up with a strong glove save. The Avalanche generated multiple Grade-A chances, including a dangerous one-timer from Necas that was turned aside, but couldn’t regain the lead.

Sam Malinski then put the Blues back on the power play with a cross-check on Dylan Holloway. And of course, it wouldn’t be an NHL video game without a Frostbite glitch—Malinski briefly turned into O.J. Simpson and sent his stick through Holloway’s chest… yet somehow avoided any additional charges.

Regulation solved nothing, sending the game to overtime.

Overtime

This time, Colorado flipped the script.

On a 2-on-1 rush, MacKinnon fed Necas, who blasted a slap shot that deflected off Binnington’s elbow and bounced right to MacKinnon at the backdoor. The puck caromed in off his chest, sealing a 2–1 Avalanche victory.

If the Avalanche score the real-life triumph, they'll finally, at long last, clinch the Central Division. 

While the Toronto Maple Leafs have added some youth from the Toronto Marlies, it remains unknown whether a few of them will get a taste of NHL action.

Since the trade deadline, the Maple Leafs have recalled three Marlies who've seen regular game action: Jacob Quillan (18 games), Bo Groulx (12 games), and Michael Pezzetta (six games).

Toronto also called up William Villeneuve on an emergency basis following Oliver Ekman-Larsson's "upper and lower body" injury, which occurred three days ago. They also recalled forward Luke Haymes from the AHL on an emergency basis Tuesday morning.

For what could be the team's second-last full practice of the season, Villeneuve was lined up alongside Ekman-Larsson while Haymes was an extra forward.

Both Hames and Villeneuve have been integral parts of the Marlies this season. As a rookie center, Haymes has tallied 17 goals and 32 points in 63 games. Meanwhile, Villeneuve leads all Marlies defensemen with 28 points in 58 games.

Neither has played an NHL game yet, though.

In a season that's lost for the Maple Leafs, it's worth seeing what the organization has in both players. Villeneuve, especially, given that he's been with the Maple Leafs since the beginning of the 2022 season, four years ago.

But by the sounds of it, there isn't a plan to play either of the two just yet.

"Yeah, I don't know," said head coach Craig Berube, when asked if there's a plan for the two players. "I think we're just dealing with some, not injuries, but stuff where it could keep guys out, so it's nice to have them guys up here to get acclimated to things and, if we need them, we'll get them up here."

Report: Maple Leafs Hire Firm For Head Of Hockey Operations SearchThe Maple Leafs hope to have a head of hockey operations in place by late May or early June.

Berube admits there's some benefit to having younger players get into a game at this point of the season, though, again, he doesn't confirm whether either of Haymes or Villeneuve will play.

"I always think there's value in getting young guys a game or two," Berube said. "I don't think it hurts; it gets them a taste of the NHL. So, no, I don't see it hurting anything." 

The Maple Leafs have five games left in their season. Let's see if either player makes their NHL debut before the year ends.

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The Detroit Red Wings suffered one of their most difficult losses of the season on Sunday afternoon against the Minnesota Wild. And it was a costly penalty by a future Hall of Famer that ultimately opened the door for Minnesota’s late, game-winning power-play goal.

Forward Patrick Kane, who had just knotted the score at 4-4 minutes earlier to erase what had been a 4-1 Detroit deficit, inexplicably tripped former Michigan Wolverines defenseman Quinn Hughes in the neutral zone, well outside of the play. 

Wild star forward Kirill Kaprizov completed his sixth-career hat trick on the ensuing power-play, netting the winner with just 1:51 left in regulation. 

While Kane did not speak after the game, he addressed the incident following Tuesday morning's practice at Little Caesars Arena. 

"I mean, obviously, a lapse in judgment for sure. Looking back at the play, I've watched it obviously numerous times," he said. "Just going for a change, probably trying to get in front of Quinn a little bit and give a little bit of interference, and the stick got caught up in between his legs." 

"Obviously, didn't mean to do that or take a penalty at that time of the game, but nonetheless, I take responsibility for what happened there," he continued. "It just sucks that time and moment, you're down 4-1, and coach challenges you, you come back to make it 4-4, and give it away on one stupid play." 

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Head coach Todd McLellan was asked his thoughts on the penalty and if there were any conversations with Kane about what had transpired. 

"You figure he knows how he should be feeling, but if we're (coaching staff) doing our jobs, we still meet with him, and I've met with him, we've dealt with it, we're moving on," he said. "We can't turn the clock back now and change it. And I know he's owned it. That's two nights ago now; we've got to move forward."

Crisis of Confidence? Red Wings Don't Think So Despite their postseason hopes being on the brink, the Detroit Red Wings don't believe that they're ready to be written off.

As a longtime NHL veteran with multiple Stanley Cup rings, Kane understands all too well the weight of a mistake like that, especially with so much at stake in the playoff race.

"You feel like you let your teammates down after all we'd been through in that game, to come back and maybe get a point or two," Kane said. "It's disappointing to end up with nothing, obviously." 

Kane and the Red Wings have no choice but to regroup for Tuesday evening's matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are tied with them in the standings at 88 points apiece. 

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One of the most chaotic seasons in past memory is nearing a grand finale. 

The Nashville Predators were the worst team in the NHL for the first two months of the season. Now, they are in a razor-thin race for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. 

Following Monday's shootout loss to the Los Angeles Kings, 3-2, the Predators are a point outside of the final Wild Card spot with 82 points and five games left. San Jose is a point back and Winnipeg is two points back. 

In a race that has been heavily scrutinized for the quality of teams, the winner will more than likely face the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

It's truly make or break for the Predators in these final two weeks of play. Here are a few reasons for and against the Predators' post-season berth. 

Should: Keep The Story Going 

This could end up being one of the most amazing stories in NHL history.

A team that was dead in the water in October and November, a superstar that looked like he was nearing retirement and a general manager heading out the door, a hard rebuild looked inevitable for Nashville.

However, a 10-4-0 record in December gave this team new life, propelled by Steven Stamkos getting his mojo back. The future Hall of Famer had four points through the first month of the season, with trade rumors beginning to swirl.

Now, he is pushing 40 goals and chasing down the Predators franchise record in power-play goals.

This Disney movie needs a happy ending, as the Predators look to be the second team to complete the "worst to first" storyline, alongside the 2019 St. Louis Blues, who won the Stanley Cup after being ranked the worst team in the NHL that season. 

Shouldn't: Avoiding Sweep 

While playoff experience is great, how much are the Nashville Predators going to gain by getting swept by the Avalanche? 

While the Predators have played the Avalanche well this season, holding a 2-2-0 record against the best team in the league, Colorado is going to be shifting into a completely different gear. 

The Avalanche has a complete squad. Nathan Mackinnon and Martin Necas are charging the offense, Cale Makar on the backend, and Scott Wedgewood standing tall in the net. This is going to be a hard team to break.

The odds are also against the Predators, as the (likely) Presidents' Trophy winner has lost in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs just six times in the last 20 years. 

The last time to pull off that upset was the 2023 Florida Panthers, who took out the top-seeded Boston Bruins in seven games in their run to the Stanley Cup Final. 

It's a tall task and with how inconsistent the Predators have been, especially in this final stretch of the season, if they do get it, it'll be a short postseason stint. 

Should: The Future Is Now

The Predators' youth has been critical in keeping this team afloat, and there is no better test for them than facing the league's best team in the postseason. 

Late in the season, Matthew Wood and Zach L'Heureux have proven just how valuable they are, centering top lines and finding ways to convert on the scoreboard. Fedor Svechkov has also had a nice return since the Olympic break. 

Luke Evangelista has earned the name "The Dishin' Magician" this season, culminating in 41 assists and leading the team for the majority of the year. 

On the backend, Ryan Ufko has filled a void left by Nick Blankenburg, and Adam Wilsby has given Nashville some solid minutes this season. 

This is a great opportunity for the Predators' future to showcase what's ahead and work with veteran players to give this team a chance to make some noise. 

In addition, have the team in a good place next season with a youthful group that has success in the postseason. 

Shouldn't: The Future Is Later 

They narrowly missed the playoffs. There's no loss in that at all. It gives the Predators more material to build for tomorrow. 

Similar to the Detroit Red Wings, the Predators miss out today, but could win the Division tomorrow. Rebuilds take time, and the playoffs aren't what this group needs right now.

Have the new general manager come in, make some picks and moves, and gear up this team to be not just a playoff contender next season, but a Stanley Cup contender.  

An early start to the postseason allows the Predators to focus on bringing in new front office leadership sooner, discussing contracts and figuring out who to pick in the draft. By the time October comes around, this team will be flowing and ready to go. 

It'll also give Nashville time to figure out whether Andrew Brunette is still the guy to lead this team. With options like Bruce Cassidy and Patrick Roy now on the market, the Predators could swap out for a more experienced head coach. 

Missing out on the postseason will allow the Predators to focus more on the rebuild, or rather, a retooling after making a run at the Wild Card. 

A reward today is great, but it could be so much better tomorrow. 

Should: Aged In Adversity

The Nashville team has had its back against the wall all season. 

Trade rumors have swirled about every star player on the team. Four depth players were traded off at the deadline for little to nothing. Brunette's stint as head coach has come under fire multiple times. The Predators struggle to start games or can't hold a lead.

And yet, this team is still in the running for the playoffs. 

Nashville may be the most battle-tested team in the NHL and has found ways to stay afloat through it all. Even if the Predators don't make the playoffs, there's something to be said about a team that was able to climb out of the basement of the league like Nashville has.

In addition, many Predators players have been in the playoffs as underdogs before.

Ryan O'Reilly was on that Blues team that went from "worst to first."

Jonathan Marchessault played on a Vegas Golden Knights team that went all the way to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final in its first year of existence. 

Even Brunette capped off one of the biggest upsets in NHL history as a player. He scored a Game 7 series-winning overtime goal in the 2003 Western Conference Quarterfinals, as the No. 6-seeded Minnesota Wild eliminated the No. 3 Colorado Avalanche. 

The Wild went down 3-1 to a team that featured Patrick Roy, Rob Blake, Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic. Minnesota made a run to the Western Conference Final that season, which remains its best postseason run in franchise history. 

Does all of it sound a bit familiar? 

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Jake Sanderson is enjoying the best offensive season of his career, producing at a 63-point pace over 82 games.

He had a two-point night the last time these teams played, and my Lightning vs. Senators predictions and NHL picks expect another quality performance on Tuesday, April 7.

Lightning vs Senators prediction

Lightning vs Senators best bet: Jake Sanderson Over 0.5 points (-130)

Jake Sanderson has hit the scoresheet in 11 of his last 14 home dates, recording 15 points in total.

He’s in a great spot to produce against the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are in the latter half of a road back-to-back and expected to start Jonas Johansson in goal.

Johansson owns a .886 SV% on the season and has conceded 11.4 goals more than expected over his last 10 starts, worst in the NHL.

Sanderson also has a great track record against the Bolts, picking up a point in eight of the last 10 meetings.

Lightning vs Senators same-game parlay

Tim Stutzle recorded three shots on goal in both meetings with the Lightning this season while combining for a healthy 11 shot attempts. He has registered 2+ shots in six of his last seven, and will continue to be heavily relied upon as the Ottawa Senators push for a playoff spot.

The Senators are tied for third in wins over the last 25 games. They are in good form and have a clear rest advantage.

Tampa Bay is playing its third game in four nights against a Senators team that hasn’t traveled in April.

Lightning vs Senators SGP

• Jake Sanderson Over 0.5 points
• Tim Stutzle Over 1.5 shots on goal
• Senators moneyline

Lightning vs Senators odds

• Moneyline: Tampa Bay +110 | Ottawa -130
• Puck line: Tampa Bay +1.5 (-215) | Ottawa -1.5 (+175)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-105) | Under 6.5 (-115)

Lightning vs Senators trend

Jake Sanderson has totaled nine points over his past five home dates against Tampa Bay. Find more NHL betting trends for Lightning vs. Senators.

How to watch Lightning vs Senators

Lightning vs Senators latest injuries

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The 2025-26 season has been a tough one for Montreal Canadiens goalie Samuel Montembeault. Due to his struggles, the 29-year-old has lost the Canadiens' No. 1 goalie job, and questions about his long-term future have come up because of it. 

In 25 appearances this season with the Canadiens, Montembeault has a 10-8-4 record, a 3.43 goals-against average, and an .872 save percentage. This is after he had a 31-24-7 record, a 2.82 goals-against average, and a .902 save percentage this past season with Montreal. 

Montembeault was also assigned to the Laval Rocket on an AHL conditioning loan back in December, where he had a 0-2-0 record and a  .904 save percentage in two appearances.

While this season has not gone to plan for Montembeault, his past success will make him an interesting bounce-back candidate to watch next season.

However, Montembeault has now landed some praise. The Canadiens' netminder was given the No. 1 spot on The Athletic's goalie mask power rankings, and it is hard to disagree with their take. Montembeault's snake mask is an incredible look.

Canadiens: Montembeault’s Amazing New BucketSamuel Montembeault looked like a new man in the net on Wednesday night. He played a fantastic game backstopping the Montreal Canadiens to a 5-1 win while rocking a brand new mask thanks to artist Jordon Bourgeault.

Joey Daccord (Seattle Kraken), John Gibson (Detroit Red Wings), Scott Wedgewood (Colorado Avalanche), and Jake Oettinger (Dallas Stars) were ranked behind Montembeault in The Athletic's goalie mask rankings. While they all have great masks, there is no question that Montembeault's mask is the coolest. 

SAN DIEGO, CA — Nineteen regulation wins. That's the number that tells the story of the Los Angeles Kings' 2025-26 season better than anything else.

According to Sportsnet Stats, the Kings are clinging to a playoff spot despite recording just 19 regulation wins this year, the fewest for a playoff-bound team since the 1987-88 Toronto Maple Leafs, nearly four decades ago. That's not a flattering comparison. That Leafs team missed the playoffs the very next season.

Kings are currently in a playoff spot with 19 regulation wins.

The last team to make the playoffs in an 80+ game season with 20 regulation wins of fewer was the 1987-88 Maple Leafs

— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) April 7, 2026

For a franchise riding the final year of Anze Kopitar's legendary career, this season has been a far cry from the send-off anyone had in mind.

The Kings have scored just 211 goals this season while allowing 236, carrying a minus-25 goal differential that doesn't belong to a playoff team by any conventional measure. They have survived not because of dominance, but because the Pacific Division has been anything but. Connor McDavid himself called it a "pillow fight," as Pacific teams have repeatedly gone winless on the same nights, with Eastern Conference also-rans outperforming some of the West's supposed contenders.ESPN

And yet, here they are, still in. But still very much in danger.

With 83 points through 77 games and just five remaining, Los Angeles has no margin for error. And here's the cruelest twist of all: even if the Kings were to win out, they are not guaranteed a playoff spot. The San Jose Sharks are right on their heels and carry a massive edge in regulation wins, 25 to Los Angeles' 19. Under NHL tiebreaker rules, if two teams finish level on points, regulation wins are the very first tiebreaker applied. In other words, if the Kings and Sharks end the year tied, San Jose wins that battle by six regulation wins. Six. 

Fortunately for the Kings, the road to getting in is layered with pillows, so to speak.

On paper, two games against Vancouver and one against Calgary represent winnable matchups to close things out, though the Flames game comes on the road, where Los Angeles has struggled in the Saddledome. Those contests are manageable. But the schedule also includes a Saturday date against the Edmonton Oilers, the team that has knocked the Kings out of the playoffs in each of the last four seasons. Los Angeles was eliminated by Edmonton in six games last season, five in 2024, six in 2023, and seven in 2022. Now, of all times, Los Angeles needs a win against that same team just to stay alive in the regular season. The Oilers are almost certainly not going to play the Kings in the playoffs for a fifth consecutive year, but an opportunity is materializing to massively dent their playoff aspirations.

And if they do survive, if the Kings navigate this gauntlet, hold off San Jose, and scrape into the postseason, what awaits them? In all likelihood, a date with the Colorado Avalanche, who became the first team to clinch a playoff spot this season and made history by recording only two regulation losses through their first 40 games. Colorado currently sits at 50-16-10, leading the league in goals scored with 287 while allowing just 196. They are not a flawed giant waiting to be slain. They are the class of the NHL.

For those who prescribe nostalgia, stop right here. This is not 2012. That Kings team, an eighth seed, was an underperforming juggernaut that caught fire at exactly the right moment, opening all four series 3-0 on their way to the franchise's first Stanley Cup. There was latent talent waiting to be unleashed. This version of the Kings is not hiding anything. What you see is what you get: a minus-25 goal differential team with 19 regulation wins, with a poorly constructed backend, a starter who hasn’t been the same since injury, running out of time, running out of runway, and potentially running headlong into the best team in hockey.

And I do respect a last hurrah for Kopitar.

But don’t make the mistake of not concluding that this is an extremely poor construct of a roster.

Should be an interesting offseason to say the least.#GoKingsGohttps://t.co/h3mbrPHdde

— Connor Doyle (@LordsOfTheRinks) April 4, 2026

This is Kopitar's final season, and the aftermath will be met with boundless curiosity from those inside and outside the organization. The hope was that Los Angeles would honor his farewell with a genuine run. Instead, the Kings find themselves in a position where winning every remaining game might still not be enough, and even if it is, the reward might be the hardest possible path forward.

The 1987-88 Maple Leafs are their only peers in this dubious historical footnote. Sometimes that's all a team can hang onto, the fact that they're still here. For now, at least, the Kings are still here.

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The Vancouver Canucks welcome the Vegas Golden Knights to Rogers Arena tonight, with puck drop scheduled for 10 p.m. EDT. 

Jake DeBrusk is thriving offensively, and my Golden Knights vs Canucks predictions focus on his ability to create opportunities. 

Read more in my NHL picks for Tuesday, April 7.

Golden Knights vs Canucks prediction

Golden Knights vs Canucks best bet: Jake DeBrusk Over 2.5 shots on goal (+145)

Vancouver Canucks forward Jake DeBrusk has 19 goals and 19 assists while averaging 2.64 SOG per game in 2025-26. The 29-year-old is on a heater right now, cashing the Over in shots on goal in six of his last seven.

During that span, DeBrusk has also notched six points. The opportunities he’s creating are often turning into goals or assists. 

DeBrusk has only three SOG against the Vegas Golden Knights this season across two meetings, but the visitors just allowed 32 shots on target to the Oilers.

DeBrusk is also a top-line guy, and he’s playing heavier minutes this month, giving him more chances to take aim.

Golden Knights vs Canucks same-game parlay

DeBrusk has a goal in three straight games and has at least one point in six of seven.

Brock Boeser has 44 points this season, which is third on the team behind Filip Hronek and Elias Pettersson. He’s a high-usage player and has hit the Over in points in five of his last seven appearances. 

During that span, Boeser has collected eight points. He already has five in April, and he found the back of the net against Vegas at the end of March.

Golden Knights vs Canucks SGP

• Jake DeBrusk Over 2.5 shots on goal
• Jake DeBrusk Over 0.5 points
• Brock Boeser Over 0.5 points

Golden Knights vs Canucks odds

• Moneyline: Golden Knights -245 | Canucks +200
• Puck Line: Golden Knights -1.5 (-105) | Canucks +1.5 (-115)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-110) | Under 6.5 (-110)

Golden Knights vs Canucks trend

The Vancouver Canucks have hit the Game Total Over in 13 of their last 20 games (+6.35 Units / 29% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Golden Knights vs. Canucks.

How to watch Golden Knights vs Canucks

Golden Knights vs Canucks latest injuries

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Cole Caufield is just one goal away from joining Nathan MacKinnon as the only players to reach 50 goals this season.

My Panthers vs. Canadiens predictions see Caufield hitting that incredible milestone against a Florida team limping to the finish line.

Let’s get into my NHL picks for Tuesday, April 7.

Panthers vs Canadiens prediction

Panthers vs Canadiens best bet: Cole Caufield anytime goal (-105)

Cole Caufield is in a great spot to score his 50th goal. He’s rested, playing at home, and finds himself in a very favorable matchup.

The Florida Panthers have struggled defensively all season, and things have only gotten worse as they’ve shut key players down and pulled the plug on the year.

Only the Chicago Blackhawks have allowed more high-danger chances over the past 10 games, which is a recipe for disaster given the Panthers slot 30th in save percentage.

Caufield has found the back of the net in 55% of his games against Bottom-10 defenses.

Panthers vs Canadiens same-game parlay

Juraj Slafkovsky skates on Cole Caufield’s opposite wing at 5-on-5 and is also a mainstay on the top power play unit, making him a threat to produce each night.

Slafkovsky hasn’t gone more than two straight games without a point since November – and that’s the mark he’s sitting on now.

Lane Hutson has picked up an assist in 75% of his games against Bottom-10 defenses. He is one of the best playmaking defensemen in the sport, and he should be able to pick apart this vulnerable Panthers team with his precision passing.

Panthers vs Canadiens SGP

• Cole Caufield anytime goal
• Juraj Slafkovsky Over 0.5 points
• Lane Hutson Over 0.5 assists

Panthers vs Canadiens odds

• Moneyline: Florida +175 | Montreal -210
• Puck line: Florida +1.5 (-130) | Montreal -1.5 (+110)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-110) | Under 6.5 (-110)

Panthers vs Canadiens trend

Cole Caufield has scored in four of his past seven games against Florida. Find more NHL betting trends for Panthers vs. Canadiens.

How to watch Panthers vs Canadiens

Panthers vs Canadiens latest injuries

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A woman gave birth on the seventh floor of Rogers Place as the Edmonton Oilers hosted the Las Vegas Knights in Alberta, Canada on Saturday.

Oilers play-by-play announcer Jack Michaels announced the baby’s birth on the Sportsnet broadcast before the start of the third period.

“Breaking news: We have word that someone has gone into labor here tonight,” Michaels said. “There’s a baby being born on the seventh floor at Rogers Place as we speak.

“So someone’s going to have a great story to tell.

“It would be nice to have the mother join us on ‘After Hours’ to describe what’s happened but that could be asking a bit much,” Michaels joked.

A baby is currently being born at Rogers Place… in the middle of the Oilers game pic.twitter.com/02Tcg1GN2d

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 5, 2026

No further details, including the mother’s identity, were shared publicly.

This isn’t the first instance of a baby being born in the middle of a professional sports game.

A woman gave birth to a baby boy during the third inning of a Padres-Giants game at Petco Park in 2015.

The Oilers lost to the Knights, 5-1, ending Edmonton’s five-game win streak.

The Oilers are fighting for the top spot in the Pacific Division, tied with the Anaheim Ducks with 87 points. The Knights are in third.

All three of the teams have five games remaining in the NHL’s regular season, which concludes on April 16.

The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs start on April 18.

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The Calgary Flames visit the Dallas Stars this evening at the American Airlines Center, with puck drop scheduled for 8 p.m. EDT. 

Morgan Frost is a huge offensive catalyst right now for Calgary, and my Flames vs. Stars predictions and NHL picks are eyeing him to keep it up. 

Flames vs Stars prediction

Flames vs Stars best bet: Morgan Frost Over 0.5 points (+120)

Morgan Frost is having a respectable campaign for the Calgary Flames, scoring 21 goals and tallying 20 assists. The 26-year-old has cashed the Over in three of his last four games, notching six points during that span. He also scored twice against the Ducks on Saturday.  

He also found the back of the net last Thursday against the Golden Knights, logging a point in back-to-back road games.  

Frost has 20 points in 38 outings, and he's scored one goal in two games against the Stars this season. He also leads the Flames in power-play points with 15. 

Flames vs Stars same-game parlay

Matt Coronato is averaging 2.45 shots on goal per game this season. While he’s only hit the Over twice in his last seven, I’m focusing on Coronato’s track record against Dallas. 

Across two matchups, he has seven shots on target. He’s also averaging 2.44 SOG on the road, and has nine points in his last 10 games.

Matvei Gridin hasn’t played a ton of NHL minutes this season, but he’s put up some decent numbers. Gridin is creating lots of chances lately, cashing the Over in SOG in two games in a row. He had three on target in Saturday’s win, scoring once and tallying an assist. 

Gridin also put four pucks on net in Thursday’s loss to Vegas. He had two SOG in one meeting with Dallas this season.

Flames vs Stars SGP

• Morgan Frost Over 0.5 points
• Matt Coronato Over 2.5 shots
• Matvei Gridin Over 1.5 shots

Flames vs Stars odds

• Moneyline: Flames +210 | Stars -260
• Puck Line: Flames +1.5 (-130) | Stars -1.5 (+110)
• Over/Under: Over 5.5 | Under 5.5

Flames vs Stars trend

The Flames have covered the puck line in nine of their last 12 games for +6.55 units and a 34% ROI. Find more NHL betting trends for Flames vs. Stars.

How to watch Flames vs Stars

Flames vs Stars latest injuries

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The last road trip of the season for the Florida Panthers has shifted north of the border.

Florida’s final three road games will come in Canada, starting on Tuesday night when they battle the Montreal Canadiens.

While Montreal is fighting for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, Florida is hovering toward the bottom of the league standings.

Entering play Tuesday, the Panthers were the sixth-to-last in the NHL, only two points ahead of the Seattle Kraken and New York Rangers.

Finishing in the bottom 10 will be good for the Panthers, because if they end up with a top-10 pick at this summer’s NHL Draft, they get to keep it.

Florida initially sent their 2026 first round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Trade Deadline deal that brought Seth Jones to the Panthers, but it turns out that the pick was top-10 protected.

At the time, it seemed silly to think that something would happen to the Stanley Cup contending Panthers to the point where they would somehow earn such a high draft pick, but a dozen or so injuries later, here we are.

Should Florida end up retaining their pick, it will be interesting to see what Panthers General Manager Bill Zito decides to do with the selection.

One option would be to flip the pick ahead of the draft and pick up a player or players who can help the team immediately, while another would be to select a player high enough that he could bolster Florida’s prospect pipeline and potentially be a star for the team in a few years, when the Cats could be looking to retool.

Meanwhile, Montreal is just two points back of both the Buffalo Sabres and Tampa Bay Lightning, who each have 102 points and sit atop the Atlantic Division.

The Canadiens and the Lightning each have five games remaining on their respective schedules while Buffalo has four.

Here are the Panthers projected lines and pairings for Tuesday’s tussle in Montreal:

Carter Verhaeghe – Sam Bennett – Matthew Tkachuk

Mackie Samoskevich – Eetu Luostarinen – A.J. Greer

Noah Gregor – Tomas Nosek – Jesper Boqvist

Cole Reinhardt – Luke Kunin – Vinnie Hinostroza

Gus Forsling – Dmitry Kulikov

Tobias Bjornfot – Seth Jones

Donovan Sebrango – Mike Benning

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Photo caption: Jan 8, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Samuel Montembeault (35) makes a save against Florida Panthers left wing A.J. Greer (10) during the second period at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)