MAPLE LEAFS, OILERS EARN TOP SEEDS

The Toronto Maple Leafs (51-26-5, 107 pts) secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference, finishing tied with the Boston Bruins in points but winning the tiebreaker with more regulation wins (42 to 40). William Nylander led Toronto offensively with 88 points (32 goals, 56 assists).

Out West, the Edmonton Oilers (55-21-6, 116 pts) claimed the No. 1 seed as expected. Powered by league points leader Connor McDavid (120 points), Edmonton enters the playoffs with strong momentum after going 8-2-0 in their final 10 games.

MINNESOTA EDGES NASHVILLE FOR FINAL SPOT

The race for the final playoff spot in the West came down to the wire. The Minnesota Wild claimed the last berth with 89 points, finishing two ahead of the Nashville Predators (87 pts). Minnesota closed strong at 7-3-0, while Nashville went 6-4-0. Kirill Kaprizov led the Wild with 79 points (33 goals, 46 assists).

TOUGH LUCK FOR CANADIENS

The Montreal Canadiens were left on the outside despite finishing with 96 points—four more than the Columbus Blue Jackets (92 pts). Due to divisional alignment, five Atlantic Division teams qualified, leaving Montreal out while Columbus claimed the final Wild Card spot.

RED WINGS CLINCH BERTH

The Detroit Red Wings (46-32-4, 96 pts) took care of business down the stretch, going 6-3-1 to secure the 7th seed in the East. With starting goalie Cam Talbot sidelined due to injury, Detroit will lean on backup John Gibson (19-10-2, 2.88 GAA) heading into the postseason.