The Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights are locked in a fierce battle for the Pacific Division crown, with the race for the No. 1 seed far from over. As the regular season nears its end, every game carries significant weight, especially with the potential for a fourth consecutive Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings first-round playoff matchup.

Key Matchups and Standings

The Golden Knights currently hold the top spot with 86 points and 36 regulation wins through 67 games. However, the Oilers are hot on their heels with 82 points and 28 regulation wins through the same number of games. The Kings are not far behind, sitting at 81 points with 31 regulation wins through 66 games.

Crucial Games Ahead

The Oilers face a challenging schedule, with six of their final 14 games against teams currently in playoff position. This includes critical matchups against the Golden Knights and Kings, which could ultimately decide the division's fate. The remaining games include contests against the San Jose Sharks and Seattle Kraken, both already eliminated from playoff contention.

Playoff Projections and Draft Lottery

As we head into the final stretch of the season, the NHL playoff watch will keep fans updated on all the playoff races, including the teams jockeying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery. The Golden Knights and Oilers are both strong contenders, but the Kings remain a wildcard in this tightly contested race.

Current Playoff Matchups

Western Conference

• C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 Vancouver Canucks
• C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
• P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 Minnesota Wild
• P2 Edmonton Oilers vs. P3 Los Angeles Kings

Eastern Conference

• A1 Florida Panthers vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
• A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Toronto Maple Leafs
• M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 New York Rangers
• M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils

Today's NHL Schedule

All times ET

• Ottawa Senators at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m.
• Calgary Flames at New York Rangers, 7 p.m.
• New York Islanders at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m.
• Detroit Red Wings at Washington Capitals, 7 p.m.
• St. Louis Blues at Nashville Predators, 8 p.m.
• Anaheim Ducks at Dallas Stars, 8 p.m.
• Seattle Kraken at Chicago Blackhawks, 8:30 p.m.
• Utah Hockey Club at Edmonton Oilers, 9 p.m. (ESPN)
• Winnipeg Jets at Vancouver Canucks, 10 p.m.

Stay tuned for more updates as the NHL playoff race continues to unfold!