{"id":523248,"date":"2026-03-14T13:56:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-14T13:56:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/523248\/"},"modified":"2026-03-14T13:56:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T13:56:21","slug":"nhl-playoff-watch-bruins-capitals-highlights-14-game-slate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/523248\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL playoff watch: Bruins-Capitals highlights 14-game slate"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2025-26 NHL season is closing in on its final 30 days, and Saturday’s slate provides a number of high-intensity matchups.<\/p>\n

With 14 games on the schedule — including five starting at 7 p.m. ET (!) — it’s another night where a multi-view option will be a necessity.<\/p>\n

Editor’s Picks<\/p>\n

2 Related<\/p>\n

However, one of the most critical games to the playoff bubble takes place in the middle of the afternoon, as the Boston Bruins<\/a> visit the Washington Capitals<\/a> (3 p.m. ET, ABC and the ESPN App<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The Bruins enter the game as the second Eastern Conference wild card, having generated 78 standings points through 65 games. The Capitals are part of the logjam of teams trying to chase them down, with 73 points through 67 games.<\/p>\n

Among the teams battling it out on the wild-card bubble<\/a>, the Bruins have one of the more favorable remaining schedules — and they’ve beaten the Caps twice already this season, including 3-1 this past Saturday.<\/p>\n

Of course, it’s not just the Capitals the Bruins have to worry about: the Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a> are one point behind, and the Philadelphia Flyers<\/a> are five points behind; those two clubs square off Saturday as well. The Ottawa Senators<\/a> — yet another team with 73 points — take on the Pacific Division-leading Anaheim Ducks<\/a> at 1 p.m.<\/p>\n

Whichever of these teams winds up earning the second wild card, a tough task awaits in the first round of the playoffs: a series against either the Carolina Hurricanes<\/a>, Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a> or Buffalo Sabres<\/a>. Coincidentally, those who want to efficiently scout the Canes and Lightning are in luck: Tampa Bay hosts Carolina at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Every team has fewer than 20 games left before the regular season concludes April 16, and we’ll help you keep track of it all here on the NHL playoff watch every day. As we traverse the final stretch, we’ll provide details on all the playoff races — along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2026 NHL draft lottery.<\/p>\n

Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.<\/p>\n

Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups<\/a>
Today’s schedule<\/a>
Last night’s scores<\/a>
Expanded standings<\/a>
Race for No. 1 pick<\/a><\/p>\n

Current playoff matchups<\/p>\n

Eastern Conference<\/p>\n

A1 Buffalo Sabres<\/a> vs. WC1 Detroit Red Wings<\/a>
A2 Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a> vs. A3 Montreal Canadiens<\/a><\/p>\n

M1 Carolina Hurricanes<\/a> vs. WC2 Boston Bruins<\/a>
M2 Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> vs. M3 New York Islanders<\/a><\/p>\n

Western Conference<\/p>\n

C1 Colorado Avalanche<\/a> vs. WC2 Los Angeles Kings<\/a>
C2 Dallas Stars<\/a> vs. C3 Minnesota Wild<\/a><\/p>\n

P1 Anaheim Ducks<\/a> vs. WC1 Utah Mammoth<\/a>
P2 Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> vs. P3 Edmonton Oilers<\/a><\/p>\n

Saturday’s games<\/p>\n

Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+<\/a> (local blackout restrictions apply).<\/p>\n

All of ESPN. All in one place.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Watch your favorite events in the newly enhanced ESPN App. Learn more about what plan is right for you. Sign Up Now<\/a><\/p>\n

Anaheim Ducks<\/a> at Ottawa Senators<\/a>, 1 p.m.
Boston Bruins<\/a> at Washington Capitals<\/a>, 3 p.m. (ABC)
Colorado Avalanche<\/a> at Winnipeg Jets<\/a>, 4 p.m.
New York Rangers<\/a> at Minnesota Wild<\/a>, 6 p.m.
Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> at Buffalo Sabres<\/a>, 7 p.m. (NHL Network)
San Jose Sharks<\/a> at Montreal Canadiens<\/a>, 7 p.m.
Carolina Hurricanes<\/a> at Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a>, 7 p.m.
Los Angeles Kings<\/a> at New Jersey Devils<\/a>, 7 p.m.
Calgary Flames<\/a> at New York Islanders<\/a>, 7 p.m.
Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a> at Philadelphia Flyers<\/a>, 7:30 p.m.
Detroit Red Wings<\/a> at Dallas Stars<\/a>, 8 p.m.
Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> at Utah Mammoth<\/a>, 9 p.m.
Seattle Kraken<\/a> at Vancouver Canucks<\/a>, 10 p.m.
Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> at Vegas Golden Knights<\/a>, 10 p.m.<\/p>\n

Friday night’s scoreboard<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Kings<\/a> 3, New York Islanders<\/a> 2
St. Louis Blues<\/a> 3, Edmonton Oilers<\/a> 2 (OT)<\/p>\n

Expanded standingsAtlantic Division\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 86
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 16
Points pace: 106.9
Next game: vs. TOR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.4%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 84
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 18
Points pace: 107.6
Next game: vs. CAR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 82
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 18
Points pace: 105.1
Next game: vs. SJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 94%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 16
Points pace: 98.2
Next game: @ DAL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 33.4%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 17
Points pace: 98.4
Next game: @ WSH (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 70.3%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 93.5
Next game: vs. ANA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 58.7%
Tragic number: 31<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 87.1
Next game: @ SEA (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 1.9%
Tragic number: 25<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 67
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 83.2
Next game: @ BUF (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 21<\/p>\n

Metro Division\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 88
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 17
Points pace: 111.0
Next game: @ TB (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 17
Points pace: 99.7
Next game: @ UTA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 60.2%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 79
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 16
Points pace: 98.2
Next game: vs. CGY (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 75.5%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 97.1
Next game: @ PHI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 84.5%
Tragic number: 33<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 92.1
Next game: vs. CBJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 10.7%
Tragic number: 29<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 89.3
Next game: vs. BOS (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 10%
Tragic number: 25<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 83.3
Next game: vs. LA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 1.5%
Tragic number: 22<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 78.2
Next game: @ MIN (Saturday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 18<\/p>\n

Central Division\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 97
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 18
Points pace: 124.3
Next game: @ WPG (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 92
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 17
Points pace: 116.1
Next game: vs. DET (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 88
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 16
Points pace: 109.3
Next game: vs. NYR (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 26
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 16
Points pace: 91.9
Next game: vs. PIT (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 96.6%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 67
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 84.5
Next game: @ EDM (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 7.6%
Tragic number: 32<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 79.4
Next game: vs. COL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 2.7%
Tragic number: 29<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 64
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 79.5
Next game: @ WPG (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 1.8%
Tragic number: 27<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 61
Regulation wins: 18
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 77.0
Next game: @ VGK (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.3%
Tragic number: 26<\/p>\n

Pacific Division\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 17
Points pace: 94.6
Next game: @ OTT (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 98.3%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 74
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 16
Points pace: 91.9
Next game: vs. CHI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 98.8%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 15
Points pace: 89.3
Next game: vs. NSH (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 89.6%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 17
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 17
Points pace: 87.1
Next game: @ NJ (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 18.9%
Tragic number: N\/A<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 19
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 19
Points pace: 88.5
Next game: @ MTL (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 70.4%
Tragic number: 37<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 67
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 18
Points pace: 85.8
Next game: @ VAN (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 14.9%
Tragic number: 34<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 59
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 74.4
Next game: @ NYI (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 24<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 48
Regulation wins: 13
Playoff position: N\/A
Games left: 17
Points pace: 60.6
Next game: vs. SEA (Saturday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 13<\/p>\n

Race for the No. 1 pick<\/p>\n

The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the order of the first round, so the team that finishes in last place is not guaranteed the No. 1 selection. As of 2021, a team can move up a maximum of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so only 11 teams are eligible for the draw for the No. 1 pick. Full details on the process can be found here<\/a>. Atop draft boards for this summer is Gavin McKenna, a forward for Penn State.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 48
Regulation wins: 13<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 59
Regulation wins: 22<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 61
Regulation wins: 18<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 18<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 64
Regulation wins: 25<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 62
Regulation wins: 21<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 21<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 67
Regulation wins: 20<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 67
Regulation wins: 22<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 68
Regulation wins: 19<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 67
Regulation wins: 23<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 69
Regulation wins: 26<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 28<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 20<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 26<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 23<\/p>\n

*Note: The Maple Leafs’ pick belongs to the Bruins, unless it lands in the top five.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The 2025-26 NHL season is closing in on its final 30 days, and Saturday’s slate provides a number…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":523249,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[66],"tags":[385,99],"class_list":["post-523248","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nhl","tag-nhl","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/523248","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=523248"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/523248\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/523249"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=523248"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=523248"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=523248"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}