NHL: Following a crucial game against the Capitals, the Winnipeg Jets secure a postseason berth

The Winnipeg Jets seized the opportunity on Tuesday and secured the NHL’s second playoff spot for the 2025 season with a commanding win over the Washington Capitals. This victory not only guaranteed their postseason berth but also strengthened their positioning as the regular season nears its dramatic conclusion. The Jets have been a dominant force in the Western Conference this season, and their latest triumph underscores their ambitions of making a deep playoff run.

The game, held at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, saw the two high-caliber teams go head-to-head in an intense battle. The Jets, known for their balanced attack and solid defensive play, managed to outplay the Capitals, who have been fighting to maintain their dominance in the Eastern Conference. With this win, the Jets became the first Western Conference team to clinch a playoff spot this season, further cementing their reputation as one of the most formidable teams in the league. As of now, they have amassed 102 points, while the Capitals, despite the loss, remain slightly ahead with 103 points.

The outcome of this match has significant implications for the postseason seeding, as both teams are contenders for the prestigious Presidents’ Trophy, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. Securing the top seed would also provide home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs, a factor that could prove crucial in a fiercely competitive postseason environment.

Key Players and Milestones

One of the ongoing storylines this season has been Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record. The Capitals captain continues to inch closer to this monumental achievement, and while his team suffered a setback against the Jets, his individual quest remains one of the most compelling narratives in hockey.

Meanwhile, Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been in outstanding form, securing his 40th victory of the season. This puts him within striking distance of the NHL single-season record of 48 wins, a mark jointly held by Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur (2006-07) and Braden Holtby (2015-16). If Hellebuyck maintains his stellar performance, he could challenge this record and further solidify his status as one of the league’s elite netminders.

Current NHL Playoff Picture

With the regular season entering its final stretch, the battle for playoff spots is intensifying. Several teams are on the verge of clinching, while others are still fighting for the remaining Wild Card positions.

Teams That Have Clinched Playoff Spots

• Eastern Conference: Washington Capitals

• Western Conference: Winnipeg Jets

NHL Standings as of March 28, 2025

Eastern Conference Standings

Metropolitan Division:

1. Washington Capitals (103 points) - Clinched Playoff Spot

2. Carolina Hurricanes (90)

3. New Jersey Devils (83)

Atlantic Division:

1. Toronto Maple Leafs (90)

2. Florida Panthers (89)

3. Tampa Bay Lightning (89)

Wild Card Race:

1. Ottawa Senators (81)

2. Montreal Canadiens (75)

Western Conference Standings

Central Division:

1. Winnipeg Jets (102) - Clinched Playoff Spot

2. Dallas Stars (98)

3. Colorado Avalanche (93)

Pacific Division:

1. Vegas Golden Knights (94)

2. Los Angeles Kings (89)

3. Edmonton Oilers (87)

Wild Card Race:

1. Minnesota Wild (87)

2. St. Louis Blues (85)

Projected NHL Playoff Bracket

If the season ended today, the first-round playoff matchups would be as follows:

Eastern Conference Matchups:

• (M1) Washington Capitals vs. (WC2) Montreal Canadiens

• (M2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (M3) New Jersey Devils

• (A1) Florida Panthers vs. (WC1) Ottawa Senators

• (A2) Toronto Maple Leafs vs. (A3) Tampa Bay Lightning

Western Conference Matchups:

• (C1) Winnipeg Jets vs. (WC2) St. Louis Blues

• (C2) Dallas Stars vs. (C3) Colorado Avalanche

• (P1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (WC1) Minnesota Wild

• (P2) Los Angeles Kings vs. (P3) Edmonton Oilers

(Key: M = Metropolitan Division, A = Atlantic Division, C = Central Division, P = Pacific Division, WC = Wild Card)

NHL Playoff Tiebreaker Rules

As teams battle for positioning, tiebreaker rules could come into play. If two or more teams finish the season with the same number of points, the NHL determines their ranking using the following criteria:

1. Regulation Wins (RW): The number of games won in regulation time.

2. Regulation and Overtime Wins (ROW): This includes wins earned in regulation and overtime but excludes shootout victories.

3. Total Wins (Including Shootout Wins): Overall wins recorded in the standings.

4. Head-to-Head Points Earned: If the teams played an even number of games against each other, the team with the most points in those matchups gets the advantage.

5. Goal Differential: The difference between goals scored and goals conceded.

6. Total Goals Scored: If all other criteria are even, the team with the most goals throughout the season takes precedence.

Key NHL Dates to Watch

As the regular season nears its conclusion, fans should keep an eye on the following critical dates:

• Regular Season Finale: Thursday, April 17, 2025

• Stanley Cup Playoffs Begin: Saturday, April 19, 2025

With just a few weeks left in the season, the race for playoff positioning, individual records, and major team achievements is heating up. Winnipeg has secured its spot in the playoffs, but their battle for the top seed in the Western Conference is far from over. Meanwhile, Washington remains focused on its push for home-ice advantage and Ovechkin’s legendary goal chase.

With so much at stake, the final games of the regular season promise to deliver thrilling hockey action as teams fight for their place in the postseason.