It’s been an impressive season so far for the Capitals, who appear to be running away with the Metropolitan Division. And the countdown to goal 894 continues for legendary sniper Alexander Ovechkin, who draws closer every week to the once seemingly out-of-reach career goal-scoring mark set by Hockey Hall-of-Famer Wayne Gretzky. The visiting Lightning have also enjoyed a successful regular season and aren’t that far off the pace for first place in the Atlantic Division.
Both teams will likely be involved in the Stanley Cup Playoffs when they get underway next month. Where they finish in their respective divisions is still to be determined. The Washington Capitals look like they will claim the Metropolitan Division crown. However, second place (and home-ice advantage in the opening round) is still up for grabs, and the Devils are locked in a battle with the Carolina Hurricanes for that spot. The Golden Knights have gone back and forth with the Edmonton Oilers for the top spot in the Pacific Division.
The Battle of Nation’s Capital Cities features a red-hot Capitals squad taking on an Ottawa franchise that hasn’t qualified for the post-season over the past seven seasons. Alex Ovechkin continues his pursuit of the all-time NHL regular season goal-scoring mark, currently held by Wayne Gretzky. The Senators sat in an Eastern Conference wildcard spot for most of February, but a recent prolonged losing streak knocked them from that precarious perch.
The Wild will make the playoffs this season. Where they finish, and thus which team they face in the opening round, is yet to be determined. The Kraken made the playoffs in their second season but missed the cut last year, and it’s going to be a challenge to get back into the playoff circle this time.
Will either of these teams end up on top of their respective divisions? They have both been ensconced in a season-long battle for the divisional crown, as both teams would like to avoid a second and third-place first-round matchup. Will either team make moves to shore up their chances for the upcoming playoffs? The NHL Trade Deadline is two days away.
The Oilers are battling with the Golden Knights for first place in the Pacific Division and don’t count out of the Los Angeles Kings just yet. A recent Edmonton losing streak opened the door for the Kings to walk through. As for Montreal, they’ve been playing .500 for most of the season, which would continue a four-year improvement for the rebuilding franchise. Will the Oilers be buyers and the Canadiens sellers at the NHL Trade Deadline?
Today is the NHL Trade Deadline, which occurs at 3 p.m. Eastern time. A number of notable transactions have already been made throughout the league, and with jockeying for playoff position at an all-time high this season, it’s reasonable to expect more.
Games will also be played this Friday evening, including the Red Wings at the Capitals. Washington has to be the pleasant surprise of the 2024-25 regular season as they run away with the Metropolitan Division. This matchup tonight could be a preview of a first-round playoff series this April if Detroit successfully grabs an Eastern Conference wildcard spot, thus ending their playoff participation drought after eight seasons.
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