NHL playoff watch: What's at stake in each Monday matchup - ESPN

The 2025-26 NHL regular season is approaching its final day, and for many of the teams playing on Monday, their fate vis-a-vis the postseason has been sealed — whether with a playoff spot, or a guaranteed entry into the 2026 NHL draft lottery taking place on May 5.

But, there are many seeds that have yet to be locked in ahead of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs beginning on ESPN this Saturday, and the draft lottery order has yet to be finalized as well.

So without any further preamble, let's get to what's at stake in each of Monday's 10 games. Jump ahead to clinching scenarios.

Detroit Red Wings at Tampa Bay Lightning
7 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

The Lightning remain in the thick of the battle for the top seed in the Atlantic Division, which would earn a matchup with the Bruins or Senators in Round 1. If they finish second or third, they'll take on the Sabres or Canadiens. All three teams have either 104 or 106 points, and the Sabres have an edge by one in the regulation wins column. Detroit was eliminated from postseason possibilities with a loss to the Devils on Saturday, and their first-round pick belongs to the Blues. Currently that pick is 14th overall, but these last two games (and the draft lottery) will determine where it ultimately lands.

New York Rangers at Florida Panthers
7 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

Speaking of the draft lottery, the Rangers moved up into third with the Flames' win on Sunday (based on tiebreakers). However, that is as high as they can get, as the Blackhawks have 70 points (to the Rangers' 75) with two games left. The Panthers are seventh in the draft lottery order with two games to go, one back of the Kraken and two back of the Maple Leafs in fifth.

Carolina Hurricanes at Philadelphia Flyers
7 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

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