In the Eastern Conference, the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets continue to battle for the eighth and final spot in the postseason dance. Out in the Western Conference, the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, and Calgary Flames continue to compete over the final two spots.

The Wings are currently 12th in the draft lottery order, with 83 points and 29 regulation wins, and can move up as high as 10th (if the Islanders win Thursday, and they lose their next two games). Like the Hurricanes, the Devils have been locked in their playoff position for a while now, and it is Carolina against whom they match up in Round 1.