The National Hockey League regular season will end in less than a week.
So far 12 teams have clinched a playoff berth and the Washington Capitals have clinched the Metropolitan Division title and the best record in the Eastern Conference, giving the team home-ice advantage through three rounds of the playoffs. They're still alive in the race for the Presidents' Trophy race as the top regular-season team.
The only confirmed first-round series is the Carolina Hurricanes vs. the New Jersey Devils, but other matchups could start filling in during the next couple days.
Here's what is still at stake as the NHL regular season comes to an end on Thursday:
Who gets the final four playoff spots?
The Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadienscan clinch Friday night. If that happens, the St. Louis Blues and Calgary Flames will be the only teams alive for the 16th and final spot.
Before Friday's games, Calgary still has a shot at the third seed in the Pacific Division or a wild-card spot. Montreal must win in regulation to clinch Friday. If the Canadiens lose in regulation, three or four teams would remain alive in the East. Detroit would have to win Friday to stay in the race.
Who wins the Pacific Division title?
The Vegas Golden Knights need a regulation win or a Los Angeles Kings loss to clinch the title. If that happens, the Kings and Edmonton Oilers would meet for the fourth year in the row in the first round. Edmonton won the last three but more than likely will start this series on the road.
