New York's 1-0 shutout of Columbus was the weekend result that moved the needle most in a tightening playoff picture — NYI (54.2%) edged CBJ (67.9%) in a game that makes every point in the Metropolitan feel heavier. Below are the scores from March 22 and what they mean for each club's path to the postseason.
March 22 scores and playoff implications
- NSH def. CHI 3-2. Nashville picked up a tight win; NSH (51.7%) gets a boost toward the bubble while CHI (0.0%) remains eliminated and can only play spoiler now.
- VGK def. DAL 3-2. Vegas won a close one against a locked-in Dallas; VGK (88.1%) solidifies its hold on positioning, while DAL (100.0%) stays safely in.
- TBL def. EDM 5-2. Tampa's multi-goal win puts pressure on Edmonton; TBL (100.0%) keeps cruising, and EDM (73.7%) has less margin for error in the wild-card chase after this loss.
- COL def. WSH 3-2. Colorado avoided any late drama — COL (100.0%) is effectively locked, while Washington's deficit after this defeat leaves WSH (7.4%) with a steep climb to revival.
- UTA def. LAK 4-3. Utah won a one-goal game that matters: UTA (97.2%) is nearly certain to be in, while Los Angeles remains on the outside looking in at LAK (39.8%).
- CAR def. PIT 5-1. Carolina delivered a statement win; CAR (100.0%) remains secure, and Pittsburgh's margin for slip-ups widens with PIT (86.0%) still not immune to variance late in the season.
- CGY def. TBL 4-3. The shocker of the slate: Calgary pulled off a win against a top team. CGY (0.1%) showed why single games can flip narratives, and TBL (100.0%) must absorb an unexpected stumble.
- NYI def. CBJ 1-0. A defensive grind and a shutout that tightened the Metro race; NYI (54.2%) gained momentum while CBJ (67.9%) lost ground in a matchup between two teams jockeying for playoff leverage.
- NSH/CGY/other notes. Several one-goal finishes and a shutout highlight how little separates the bubble teams — close games are magnified for teams like NSH (51.7%) and NYI (54.2%).
What's next
- Islanders and Blue Jackets. NYI (54.2%) and CBJ (67.9%) remain in a head-to-head fight — any rematch or divisional swing game between those clubs will carry outsized playoff significance.
- Edmonton stretch. EDM (73.7%) needs immediate points after the 5-2 loss to Tampa; their upcoming games against other wild-card hopefuls will determine whether that percentage holds.
- Calgary's spoiler role. CGY (0.1%) showed disruption is possible; teams like TBL (100.0%) and COL (100.0%) must guard against trap games that could alter seeding down the final stretch.