WESTERN CONFERENCE

* The Ducks (idle) would clinch the top seed in the Western Conference if the Blues lose in regulation AND the Predators lose in any fashion.

# # #

* The Blues would clinch the Central Division title if they defeat the Blackhawks in any fashion AND the Predators lose in regulation.

# # #

* The Jets would clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Avalanche in any fashion OR if they get one point against the Avalanche AND the Kings lose to the Flames in any fashion OR if the Kings lose to the Flames in regulation.

# # #

* The Flames would clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Kings in any fashion.

SNEAK PEEK AT THURSDAY’S ACTION
All Times Eastern
Ottawa @ NY Rangers, 7:00 p.m., TSN5, RDS2, MSG
Carolina @ Philadelphia, 7:00 p.m., FS-CR, CSN-PH
Detroit @ Montreal, 7:30 p.m., FS-D, SNE, CITYM, RDS
New Jersey @ Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m., MSG+, SUN
Boston @ Florida, 7:30 p.m., TVA, NESN+, FS-F
Chicago @ St. Louis, 8:00 p.m., NBCSN, CSN-CH
Minnesota @ Nashville, 8:00 p.m., FS-N, FS-WI, FS-TN
Winnipeg @ Colorado, 9:00 p.m., TSN3, ALT
Los Angeles @ Calgary, 9:00 p.m., FS-W, SNW
San Jose @ Edmonton, 9:30 p.m., SN360, CSN-CA+
Arizona @ Vancouver, 10:00 p.m., FS-A, SNP, SNV
NBCSN Channel Finder
Sportsnet Channel Finder

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS FACE “MUST-WIN” GAME IN CALGARY
The defending champion Kings (39-26-15, 93 points) look to keep their playoff hopes alive when they visit the Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Los Angeles currently sits two points behind Calgary (44-29-7, 95 points) for third place in the Pacific Division and three points behind Winnipeg (42-26-12, 96 points) for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, with two games remaining for all three clubs. This marks the fifth and final meeting of the season between the Flames and Kings; Calgary leads the head-to-head series with a 3-1-0 record (LAK: 1-1-2). Overall, the Flames have won four of their past five outings, while the Kings have dropped four of their last six (2-3-1).

“It’s a must-win game. It’s our only shot to still get in the playoffs. We’re going to have to play that LA Kings style of game, a physical game, play well defensively,” defensemanDrew Doughty told the Los Angeles Times. “If we only win by one goal, that’s fine. We need to win in regulation and treat it as a Game 7.”

MORE GAMES WITH PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS
Eight more games on Thursday’s slate will have a direct impact on the race to the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs:

* The Senators (41-26-13, 95 points) continue their push for a playoff spot when they visit the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Rangers (52-21-7, 111 points) at Madison Square Garden. Ottawa currently is tied in terms of points with Boston (41-26-13, 95 points) for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, but the Bruins own the ROW tiebreaker (BOS: 37, OTT: 35). This marks the third and final meeting of the season between the Rangers and Senators; New York has won the first two (OTT: 0-1-1) and four of the last five in the head-to-head series dating to Jan. 18, 2014. Overall, the Senators have collected points in five straight (4-0-1) and are 19-3-3 in their last 25 games dating to Feb. 18. The Rangers, meanwhile, have won five in a row to clinch the top seed in the NHL standings and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs.

* The Red Wings (42-25-13, 97 points) look to maintain third place in the Atlantic Division when they face the Canadiens (48-22-10, 106 points) at Bell Centre. Detroit currently has a two-point lead over Boston (41-26-13, 95 points) for the final playoff spot in the division, but the Bruins would move ahead with a regulation/overtime win combined with a Red Wings loss in regulation. This marks the fourth and final meeting of the season between Montreal and Detroit; the Canadiens are 3-0-0 thus far (DET: 0-2-1) and have won five straight in the head-to-head series dating to March 27, 2014. Overall, the Red Wings have lost four of their last six games (2-3-1), while the Canadiens have dropped three of their past four (1-1-2).

* The Lightning (48-24-8, 104 points) attempt to move atop the Atlantic Division when they play host to the Devils at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay currently trails Montreal (48-22-10, 106 points) by two points for the division lead, but owns the ROW tiebreaker (TBL: 46, MTL: 42) – a win (of any kind) combined with a Canadiens loss in regulation would vault the Lightning to the top of the division. This marks the third and final meeting of the season between New Jersey and Tampa Bay; the Devils have won the first two (TBL: 0-1-1) and four of the last five in the head-to-head series dating to Oct. 29, 2013. Overall, the Lightning have lost four of their last six games (2-3-1), while the Devils have dropped eight of their past nine (1-6-2).

* The Bruins (41-26-13, 95 points) try to climb the playoff ladder when they visit the Panthers at BB&T Center. Though they are tied in terms of points with Ottawa (41-26-13, 95 points), Boston currently holds the final postseason spot in the Eastern Conference by virtue of the ROW tiebreaker (BOS: 37, OTT: 35). The Bruins also could move into third place in the Atlantic Division or the first Wild Card spot in the conference with a win (combined with a Red Wings or Penguins loss, respectively). This marks the fourth and final meeting of the season between Boston and Florida; the Bruins are 2-0-1 (FLA: 1-1-1) and have won 10 of the last 11 in the head-to-head series dating to Feb. 24, 2013.

* Central Division rivals face off for the fifth and final time this season when the Blues (49-24-7, 105 points) welcome the Blackhawks (48-26-6, 102 points) to Scottrade Center. St. Louis currently holds a one-point lead over Nashville (47-23-10, 104 points) and three-point cushion over Chicago for first place in the division. The Blackhawks, meanwhile, are trying to hold off the Wild (45-27-8, 98 points) – who could jump into third place in the Central with a pair of wins to end the season. St. Louis and Chicago have split their first four meetings of the season, with the Blues picking up a 2-1 win in their most recent matchup on Sunday. Overall, the Blackhawks have dropped two straight, while the Blues lost their last outing following a three-game winning streak.

* The other top clubs in the Central Division – the Predators (47-23-10, 104 points) and Wild (45-27-8, 98 points) – also face off when Nashville plays host to Minnesota at Bridgestone Arena. These teams have split their first four matchups of the season, both going 2-1-1. Overall, the Wild have won a franchise-record 11 consecutive road games – one shy of the single-season NHL record set by the Red Wings in 2005-06. The Predators, meanwhile, are 28-8-4 (60 points) at home in 2014-15 – second in the League in both home wins and points (behind TBL: 30-8-1, 61 points).

* The Jets (42-26-12, 96 points) continue their quest for a playoff berth when they visit the Avalanche at Pepsi Center. Winnipeg currently holds a three-point lead over Los Angeles (39-26-15, 93 points) for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. The Jets also sit two points behind the Wild (45-27-8, 98 points), but Minnesota owns the ROW tiebreaker (MIN: 41, WPG: 35). This marks the fifth and final meeting of the season between the Jets and Avalanche; Winnipeg is 3-0-1 (COL: 1-2-1) and has picked up at least one point in eight consecutive matchups dating to Dec. 12, 2013 (5-0-3). Overall, the Jets have won three straight (including the last two via shutouts), while the Avalanche are 2-1-0 in their past three.

* The Canucks (46-29-5, 97 points) try to wrap up second place in the Pacific Division and home-ice advantage in the First Round of the playoffs when they welcome the Coyotes to Rogers Arena. Vancouver currently holds a two-point lead over Calgary (44-29-7, 95 points) for second place in the division. Though the teams are tied in ROW (VAN: 40, CGY: 40), the Flames won the season series 2-1-1 (VAN: 2-2-0) and thus own the head-to-head tiebreaker. This marks the fifth and final meeting between the Canucks and Coyotes; Vancouver is 2-1-1 (ARI: 2-2-0), including a 3-1 victory in their most recent matchup on March 22. Overall, the Canucks have won three of their last five outings, while the Coyotes have dropped four of their past five.

WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS
Home Team in Caps
COLUMBUS 5, Toronto 0
WASHINGTON 3, Boston 0
Dallas 4, ANAHEIM 0

HOLTBY (AGAIN) LEADS CAPITALS TO SHUTOUT WIN OVER BRUINS
Braden Holtby stopped all 27 shots he faced to lead the Capitals of a sweep of their three-game season series against the Bruins, with all three victories coming via a shutout (also Oct. 11: 4-0 W and March 15: 2-0 W).

* The Capitals extended their overall point streak to six games (5-0-1). At 45-25-11 (101 points), they moved three points ahead of the idle Islanders (46-28-6, 98 points) for second place in the Metropolitan Division and home-ice advantage in the First Round of the playoffs.

* The Capitals reached the 100-point milestone for the eighth time in franchise history (and first time since 2010-11: 48-23-11, 107 points).

* Per Elias, the Capitals became the first team in NHL history to win every game of a season series of at least three games via a shutout.

* Holtby also was in net for the Capitals’ other two shutout wins over the Bruins, posting 29 saves on Oct. 11 at BOS and 32 saves on March 15 at WSH. Overall, he improved to 7-2-0 in nine career regular-season appearances vs. BOS (1.58 GAA, .953 SV%, 3 SO).

* Elias says Holtby became the second goaltender in the NHL’s expansion era (since 1967-68) to record three shutouts against the Bruins in one season. The other:Cristobal Huet, who did so for the Canadiens in 2005-06 (4-1-0, 1.00 GAA, .969 SV%, 3 SO).

* Holtby also became the first goaltender in Capitals history to shut out any team three times in one season. The last player to accomplish that feat: Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith, who blanked the Sharks three times in 2011-12 (4-1-1, 1.98 GAA, .948 SV%, 3 SO).

* “We seem to play well against them,” Holtby said. “I don’t know if it’s coincidence or what. They’re a team that we’ve had a lot of respect for in the past, so when the Bruins are our opponent, it gives us a little extra jump knowing that we can’t give them anything. It’s good that we played so well against them this year.”

* Overall, Holtby improved to 41-19-10 with nine shutouts this season, tying franchise records for wins (Olie Kolzig in 1999-00) and shutouts (Jim Carey in 1995-96) in one campaign. His 72 appearances also are one shy of the club mark set by Kolzig in 1999-00.

* Holtby’s 72 appearances pace the NHL, while his nine shutouts are tied for the League lead (w/ Marc-Andre Fleury and Carey Price) this season. He also ranks in the top 10 in wins (t-2nd; 41), goals-against average (4th; 2.21) and save percentage (7th; .923).

* Marcus Johansson posted 1-1—2 to reach the 20-goal milestone for the first time. He also set a career high with his 47th point of the season (20-27—47 in 81 GP), surpassing his total from 2011-12 (14-32—46 in 80 GP).

* Nicklas Backstrom and Troy Brouwer each collected two assists. Backstrom shares the League lead (w/ Jakub Voracek) with 59 helpers this season, while Brouwer (21-22—43 in 81 GP) equaled his career high for points in one campaign – set in 2013-14 (25-18—43 in 82 GP).

* John Carlson (GWG) and Matt Niskanen scored the other goals for the Capitals, who have earned at least one point in 17 consecutive games against Atlantic Division opponents (14-0-3).

BOBROVSKY, BLUE JACKETS CLOSE IN ON ANOTHER FRANCHISE RECORD
Sergei Bobrovsky turned aside all 35 shots he faced to post his 11th career shutout (second this season) and help the Blue Jackets extend their point streak to 11 games (10-0-1), one shy of the franchise record set Feb. 26 – March 22, 2013 (8-0-4).

* The Blue Jackets have set a pair of club marks in the past month, reeling off nine consecutive victories from March 18 – April 4 and eight straight road wins from March 6-28. They also have posted a franchise-record 22 road victories this season (22-15-3).

* Overall, the Blue Jackets improved to 13-1-1 in their last 15 outings. At 40-35-5 (85 points), they reached the 40-win milestone for the third time in franchise history and second consecutive season (2013-14: 43-32-7, 93 points).

* The Blue Jackets shut out the Maple Leafs for the second time in franchise history. Bobrovsky also earned the other such victory, posting 18 saves in a 6-0 win on Nov. 25, 2013 at TOR.

* All of Bobrovsky’s 11 career shutouts have come in a Blue Jackets uniform. That ranks third in club history, behind Steve Mason (19) and Marc Denis (12).

* Bobrovsky improved to 9-0-1 in his last 10 appearances (2.25 GAA, .934 SV%, 1 SO). His 10-game point streak is one shy of his career high and franchise record set Feb. 26 – March 22, 2013 (8-0-3).

* Five different players scored for the Blue Jackets: Scott Hartnell (1-1—2), Artem Anisimov (GWG), Boone Jenner, Jeremy Morin and Ryan Murray. Hartnell ranks second on the club with 27 goals, his most in one season since recording a career-high 37 with the Flyers in 2011-12.

* Nick Foligno (30-42—72) and Ryan Johansen (26-44—70) each collected one assist. They are the third and fourth players in Blue Jackets history to register at least 70 points in one season. The others: Rick Nash (40-39—79 in 2008-09) and Ray Whitney (24-52—76 in 2002-03).

* Foligno also extended his point streak to five games (4-3—7). Brandon Dubinskyadded two assists to stretch his point streak to a career-high six contests (3-6—9); he has 9-11—20 in his past 19 outings.

BENN, ENROTH POWER STARS PAST DUCKS
Jamie Benn posted three assists and Jhonas Enroth stopped all 19 shots he faced to lead the Stars to their third consecutive victory overall and first win over the Ducks since their meeting in the First Round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs (1-1-1).

* The Stars improved to 8-1-0 in their last nine road games, including four straight victories. They finished their road schedule with 24 wins this season (24-15-2), second in franchise history behind the 2005-06 squad (25-12-4).

* Enroth recorded his fifth career shutout and first in a Stars uniform (12 GP). He has been in net for all three games during the team’s current winning streak, his second such run of the season (also Nov. 28 – Dec. 2: 3-0-0 w/ BUF).

* Benn registered his eighth career game of at least three assists and third this season (also Oct. 14 at CBJ: 1-3—4 and Jan. 18 at CHI: 0-3—3). He has six multi-point performances in his last 11 games, totaling 9-10—19 in that span.

* Overall, Benn (32-51—83) moved into a tie atop the NHL scoring race with John Tavares (36-47—83) and Sidney Crosby (28-55—83). If the players finish the season tied in points, Tavares would win the Art Ross Trophy by virtue of the first tiebreaker (1. Most goals, 2. Fewer games played, 3. Player who scored first goal of the season).

* Tyler Seguin collected one assist to extend his point streak to six games (4-6—10). He (37-40—77) and Benn are the highest-scoring pair of teammates this season with a combined 69-91—160, three points ahead of Capitals teammates Alex Ovechkin (52-28—80) and Nicklas Backstrom (18-59—77).

* Patrick Eaves (2-0—2) recorded his fifth career multi-goal game and first since Dec. 29, 2010 at DAL (3-1—4 w/ DET). He has 7-5—12 in his last 13 outings, compared to 7-7—14 in his first 33 appearances of the season.

DID YOU KNOW?
Via Elias, the last time at least three games were contested on one day, all resulting in a shutout, was just over one year ago, on April 7, 2014.

On that date, Flames goaltender Karri Ramo (31 SV at NJD), Wild goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov (24 SV at WPG) and Ducks goaltender John Gibson (18 SV at VAN) – in his NHL debut – each earned shutout victories.

LOOSE PUCKS
Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (30 SV) made his 68th appearance of the season, two shy of the franchise record shared by Jack Gelineau, Jim Henry and Eddie Johnston. . . The Capitals played a prank on forward Stanislav Galiev, who made his NHL debut . . . The Canucks signed forward Derek Dorsett to a four-year contract extension and defenseman Luca Sbisa to a three-year contract extension. Click here for complete details . . . ICYMI: Bruins teammates Patrice Bergeron and Tuukka Rask showed off their skills while wearing GoPro cameras . . . Former NHL forward Teemu Selanneserved as a caddy for Finnish pro golfer Mikko Ilonen at the Masters Par 3 Contest . . . REMINDER: The Frozen Four begins tonight at TD Garden, where the University of Nebraska-Omaha will face Providence College and Boston University will play the University of North Dakota.

thanks to the NHL PR department for the above information