Stanley Cup Playoffs Intensify with Tight Races on Six-Game Sunday

Five days remain in the NHL regular season, and the playoff picture is tightening. The top three teams in each division and two wild cards per conference will qualify for the postseason.

Clinching scenario

The Anaheim Ducks can clinch a playoff berth with any kind of win over the Vancouver Canucks. That game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on KTTV, Victory+ and SNP.

On Tap for Sunday

There are six games on the Sunday schedule, each carrying playoff implications. Results will shape final seedings and postseason matchups.

Pittsburgh at Washington

Pittsburgh visits Washington at 3 p.m. ET on HBO MAX, MNMT, truTV, TNT, SN360 and TVAS. This is the second game of a home-and-home after Washington won 6-3 on Saturday. Pittsburgh has missed Malkin, Rust, Ben Kindel, Karlsson, Letang and Wotherspoon; Crosby is expected to play.

Standings implications for Pittsburgh and Washington

Washington sits at 41-30-9 and is 6-2-0 in its past eight games. The Capitals would be eliminated with a regulation loss, while Pittsburgh is 41-23-16, 5-2-0 in its past seven and locked into second in its division.

Montreal at New York Islanders

Montreal heads to Long Island for a 6 p.m. ET start on MSGSN, TSN2 and RDS. Nick Suzuki needs one point to reach 100 this season; he has 28 goals and 71 assists. Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer needs one goal to surpass Brian Leetch’s rookie defenceman mark of 23 from 1988-89.

Islanders elimination scenarios

The Islanders are 43-32-5 and face several paths to elimination. A regulation loss would do it, and an OT or SO loss could also eliminate them if Columbus and Washington each earn a point. New York has lost five of six and sits sixth in the Metropolitan Division, three points behind third-place Philadelphia.

The Stanley Cup chase continues as playoffs intensify across the league. Filmogaz.com will track the tight races during this crucial six-game Sunday and through the final days.