With so many options in Saturday games, let's get this out of the way first: The Vancouver Canucks cannot clinch a berth in the Stanley Cup playoffs without winning.
Neither can the Minnesota Wild. But both teams can lock into the playoffs, with help. Two other teams can quality Saturday, With eight days left in the 2014-15 regular season, the playoff field is about to get much more clarity.
MORE: NHL games and schedule | Becoming a Greater 8 | Datsyuk returns, Howard starts for Wings
Here are the scenarios for securing berths in the 16-team field when play begins April 15.
Western Conference
Canucks: Win in regulation vs. Winnipeg Jets AND Calgary Flames lose or Los Angeles Kings lose in regulation. Win in overtime AND Flames lose or Kings lose in regulation. Win in shootout AND Flames and Kings lose in regulation.
Wild: Win in regular vs. Detroit Red Wings. Win in overtime AND Flames lose in regulation; or Jets and Kings lose in regulation. Win in a shootout AND Flames lose and either Jets or Kings lose in regulation; or Jets and Kings lose in regulation.
MORE: Video recaps, highlight-reel plays | Lightning's restrictive playoff ticket plan
Eastern Conference
Relax; this is much simpler.
Washington Capitals: Clinch with regulation victory over the Ottawa Senators.
New York Islanders: Clinch by beating Buffalo Sabres AND Senators lose in regulation.
Already in
The following teams have already clinched playoff berths:
Eastern Conference: New York Rangers (and division title); Montreal Canadiens; Tampa Bay Lightning
Western Conference: Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks (and division title)
If the playoffs began today, these would be the first-round matchups (first team listed holds home-ice advantage):
Eastern Conference
New York Rangers vs. Boston Bruins (wild card)
Montreal Canadiens vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (wild card)
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Detroit Red Wings (2 vs. 3, Atlantic)
Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders (2 vs. 3, Metropolitan)
Outside looking in: Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers
Western Conference
Anaheim Ducks vs. Los Angeles Kings (wild card)
Nashville Predators vs. Minnesota Wild (wild card)
St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks (2 vs. 3, Central)
Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames (2 vs. 3, Pacific)
Outside looking in: Winnipeg Jets, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche