NHL playoff standings: Can the Oilers win the Pacific crown?

ByESPN Staff

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 10:12AM

Based on how things have been trending for the past several weeks, hockey fans should get ready for the fourth straight edition of the Edmonton Oilers vs. the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs; the clubs have been passing the Nos. 2 and 3 seeds back and forth in recent days.

But what if one of those teams moves out of that second slot into first?

It could be the Kings, who have a game in hand on the Vegas Golden Knights. And it also could be the Oilers, who we know are capable of going on a heater from time to time. Edmonton's mission begins Tuesday night against the Utah Hockey Club (9 p.m. ET, ESPN), a team they have beaten in both previous meetings this season.

Beyond the game against Utah, the Oilers face opponents currently in playoff position in six of their final 14 games. This run includes one game against the Golden Knights and two against the Kings, matchups that take on extra meaning if the standings remain close. Of the other eight games, three are against the already-eliminated San Jose Sharks and two are against the soon-to-be eliminated Seattle Kraken.

Speaking of the standings, the Golden Knights are currently in the top spot with 86 points and 36 regulation wins through 67 games, the Oilers have 82 and 28 through 67, and the Kings have 81 and 31 through 66.

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/>Today's schedulebr/>Yesterday's scoresbr/>Expanded standingsbr/>Race for No. 1 pick