Generally speaking, if a team can clinch a playoff berth about two weeks before the season’s over, they’re probably in great shape.
Still, fans of teams probably want to know it’s a sure thing to start throwing some confetti, so here are four teams’ clinching scenarios for Saturday:
- The Montreal Canadiens would clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Panthers in any fashion OR if the Rangers defeat the Bruins in any fashion OR if they get one point against the Panthers AND the Bruins defeat the Rangers in a shootout.
- The Anaheim Ducks would clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Islanders in any fashion OR if they lose to the Islanders in overtime or a shootout. (Update: Anaheim won, so they’re in.)
- The Tampa Bay Lightning would clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Red Wings in any fashion OR if they get one point against the Red Wings AND the Rangers defeat the Bruins in any fashion OR if the Rangers defeat the Bruins in regulation.
- The Nashville Predators would clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Capitals in any fashion. (Update: Nashville did it.)
Hey, at least Nashville’s situation is straightforward enough.