With 14 of 16 NHL teams securing playoff berths, Monday's six games bring potential seeding shifts. The Chicago Blackhawks face the Montreal Canadiens, where a Canadiens win clinches their spot and eliminates the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Dallas Stars will host the Detroit Red Wings, already set for a first-round series with the Avalanche. The New York Rangers visit the Florida Panthers, with the Rangers aiming for a top-10 draft pick while the Panthers eye a move up in the standings. The Utah Hockey Club meets the Nashville Predators, looking to improve from their 14th draft lottery position. Lastly, the Los Angeles Kings challenge the Edmonton Oilers in a Pacific Division clash for home-ice advantage.
In the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Maple Leafs lead the standings, followed by the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers. In the Western Conference, the Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, and Colorado Avalanche hold the top positions. The NHL draft lottery determines the draft order, with the last-place team not guaranteed the first pick. Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters currently tops the draft board.