NHL games on March 31 caused a significant shift in the Eastern Conference playoff standings, with the Tampa Bay Lightning dropping out of the top seed, allowing the Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes to take the division lead and top seed, respectively. Upcoming games on April 1 could impact the Western Conference, where the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks could improve their playoff positions. The Minnesota Wild have a chance to clinch a playoff berth, contingent on the outcomes of other games. The NHL regular season ends on April 16, with playoffs starting April 18.
