NHL playoff standings: Blues or Canucks for West wild card?

The race for the Western Conference's second wild-card spot is by no means a two-team showdown -- but the two teams tied in standings points for that position are squaring off on Thursday.

The Vancouver Canucks -- who currently hold the coveted playoff spot, with 75 points and 25 regulation wins in 68 games -- will be visiting the St. Louis Blues (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+/Hulu/Disney+), whoalso have 75 points and 25 regulation wins but in 69 games.

So, with apologies to the Calgary Flames and Utah Hockey Club, Thursday night's clash has become extra pivotal, after the clubs split the first two games of the season series and will not play again.

Looking beyond this game, the Blues play five of their remaining 12 games against current playoff teams; the Canucks have an extra game down the stretch, but they play seven of their final 13 against playoff teams, including five of their final six.

Stathletes likes the Blues' postseason future a bit more, putting their playoff chances at 56.8%, with the Canucks at 26.3%.

There is a lot of runway left until April 17, the final day of the regular season, and we'll help you track it all with the NHL playoff watch. As we traverse the final stretch, we'll provide details on all the playoff races, along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.

Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.

Jump ahead:br/>Current playoff matchupsbr/>Clinching scenariosbr/>Today's schedulebr/>Yesterday's scoresbr/>Expanded standingsbr/>Race for No. 1 pick

Current playoff matchups

Eastern Conference

Western Conference

Clinching scenarios

The Capitals can clinch a playoff berth on Thursday night if:

• They defeat the Flyers in regulation, and there is any result in the Islanders-Canadiens game other than an Isles win in regulation


• They defeat the Flyers in overtime or a shootout, and the Isles lose to the Canadiens in any fashion


• They lose to the Flyers in overtime or a shootout, and the Blue Jackets lose to the Panthers in any fashion AND the Isles lose to the Canadiens in regulation

Thursday's games

Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+ (local blackout restrictions apply).

Wednesday's scoreboard

Expanded standings

Atlantic Division

Florida Panthers

Points: 85