What’s at Stake in the NHL: Will Flames’ playoff hopes be smothered?

Apr 7, 2026, 08:29 EDT

Credit: Apr 2, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Calgary Flames left wing Blake Coleman (20) skates against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Welcome to the home stretch of the 2025-26 NHL season. This deep into the schedule, something significant is on the line virtually every day, whether it’s a playoff spot, division title to clinch or a major individual milestone. At Daily Faceoff, we’re breaking down what you need to know every day between now and the end of the season April 16.

So what’s at stake across the 11-game slate for Tuesday, April 7?

– The Carolina Hurricanes (49-22-6)’ magic number to clinch the Metropolitan Division title is one. All they need is a single point Tuesday night in their home tilt vs. the Boston Bruins.

– If the Bruins lose in regulation AND the Montreal Canadiens beat the Florida Panthers in any fashion, the Habs lock in one of the top three spots in the Atlantic Division, setting up a first-round matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning or Buffalo Sabres. The Lightning (48-23-6) will clinch a top-three spot with a single point against the Ottawa Senators, while the Buffalo Sabres (47-23-8) do so if the Bruins lose in any fashion.

– Is the New Jersey Devils‘ (40-34-3) number up? The officially miss the playoffs if they lose to the Philadelphia Flyers in regulation AND the Senators get a single point against the Lightning.

– The Colorado Avalanche (50-16-10) clinch the Central Division crown and the top overall seed in the Western Conference if (a) they beat the St. Louis Blues in any fashion, (c) the Dallas Stars lose to the Calgary Flames in regulation or (c) if they get a point or more and the Stars get a point or fewer.

– The Calgary Flames (32-36-8) will be officially eliminated from playoff contention if (a) they lose to Dallas in regulation or (b) if they get one point or fewer and the Nashville Predators beat the Anaheim Ducks.

– Milestone reminders: Cole Caufield’s next goal makes him the Habs’ first 50-goal scorer since 1989-90. Also, Evan Bouchard needs just two points to become the second Edmonton Oilers defenseman with 90 in a season, joining Paul Coffey.

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PRESENTED BY STAKE

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