The Stanley Cup race has officially begun, and with time running out, the wild card battle has never been more intense. The pressure is mounting as every team knows that a single goal, a clutch save, or an overtime win could drastically change the playoff picture. In the West, teams like the Minnesota Wild, Calgary Flames, and St. Louis Blues are fiercely competing for the Stanley Cup Wild Card spots, while in the East, the New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, and Columbus Blue Jackets are all fighting to stay alive in the race. With the season winding down, this year’s wild card race is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling and unpredictable in recent memory.

Western Conference Stanley Cup Wild Card Race: Flames lead the charge as Wild and Blues chase

The Minnesota Wild were once the pacesetters in the race with 81 points, but now they find themselves trailing a red-hot Calgary Flames squad. A thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over the Vancouver Canucks was a crucial win, but the Wild have been unable to maintain the lead they held for much of the season. This late-season push has been powered by the return of key players like Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek, whose presence has injected new life into the team. The atmosphere around the Wild is electric as they prepare for the final stretch, but it will take every ounce of effort to stay in contention.

In contrast, the Calgary Flames have stormed into the picture with a five-game winning streak and a 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. With 92 points (39-27-14), the Flames have surged ahead of the Wild and are now in control of their own destiny. The Flames are riding high on momentum and know that every game from here on out is crucial. The combination of their newfound consistency and strong performances from star players like Elias Lindholm has made them one of the most dangerous teams in the Stanley Cup Wild Card chase.

However, not all teams have been as fortunate. The St. Louis Blues, once hopeful of securing a playoff spot, have found themselves in a tough position. Despite a strong start to the season, the Blues have struggled with inconsistent goaltending and special-teams issues. With only 75 points, they are now sitting well behind in the race and will need to win out while also hoping for outside help. While the Blues have shown resilience before, this late-season slump may ultimately prove costly.

Eastern Conference Wild Card Battle: Jackets surge while others fade

Over in the Eastern Conference, the Stanley Cup Wild Card race is just as intense, but the prospects for some teams have already dimmed. The New York Islanders were once in the thick of the hunt, but they now find themselves significantly behind the playoff line. With just a handful of games remaining, their chances of securing a spot are almost mathematically eliminated.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (38-33-9, 85 points) are still very much in the race, however. After a key win, they have climbed to within just three points of the playoff line, keeping their hopes alive and giving fans reason to believe in a dramatic finish. With young stars like Johnny Gaudreau stepping up in recent games, the Blue Jackets are showing that they are far from finished.

Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens, who have faced a difficult season riddled with injuries, have seen their playoff hopes all but vanish. Despite some strong individual performances, they’ve struggled to find consistent team success. Recent victories by the Flames and Blue Jackets have only further complicated their situation.

As the wild card race nears its conclusion, it’s clear that the Calgary Flames are in the driver’s seat. With a five-game win streak and 92 points, they control their own destiny. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild remain a contender but face tough competition with their current position. The St. Louis Blues will need to string together a perfect run and hope for help to climb into a playoff spot. In the Eastern Conference, the Columbus Blue Jackets are fighting for their lives, trailing the playoff line by only three points. The New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens are likely out of the race, but anything can happen in the unpredictable world of hockey.

With just a handful of games remaining, it will all come down to these final moments. The team that can withstand the pressure and execute in these crucial games will likely secure the wild card spots. The Flames seem poised to take the top Stanley Cup Wild Card spot in the West, while the Blue Jackets could be the most dangerous team to watch in the East.