Some teams pursue the Stanley Cup, while others seek a place in the playoffs. The performance of other teams now influences the playoff prospects of a franchise like the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference after 68 games, with a record of 18 wins, 41 losses, and 9 overtime losses.

After compiling the latest statistics, it appears that the Sharks currently hold 45 points, trailing the Chicago Blackhawks by four points in the standings. On X, @PuckReportNHL shared a statistic regarding the team’s prospects for the current season, noting, “The #SJSharks will be eliminated from playoff contention tonight if one of #Canucks or #StlBlues gets 1 or more points from their games.” What are the results of this?

The Sharks’ chances of reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs now hinge entirely on the performance of other teams in the Western Conference. Firstly, with the Vancouver Canucks set to face off against the Utah Hockey Club at Rogers Arena, it’s crucial for Utah to secure that victory. Should the Canucks secure even a single point, it will effectively extinguish any remaining aspirations for the Sharks.

In a related development, the St. Louis Blues are set to face off against the Anaheim Ducks at Enterprise Center. The Ducks must secure a victory against the Blues to ensure that the San Jose Sharks remain in contention as the final regular season games approach.

The situation is challenging for the team, as they find themselves unable to dictate their own destiny in the league, with their future now dependent on the actions of other franchises. But who are the actual contenders for that wild card spot in the Eastern Conference?

Teams better than the San Jose Sharks

Several teams are clearly competing for that wild card position in the Eastern Conference. The New York Rangers currently sit at 72 points after 67 games, boasting 33 wins, 28 losses, and 6 overtime losses. Close on their heels are the Montreal Canadiens, sitting at 71 points, though they have played one fewer game than the Rangers, who have a total of 66 games under their belt.

Only time will reveal whether the Canadiens can secure a victory in their upcoming game against the Ottawa Senators on March 18, just a few days away. The outcome will hinge on the Rangers’ upcoming game against the Edmonton Oilers. A victory would solidify their position as the frontrunners for the wild card.

The Columbus Blue Jackets trail behind these two teams, currently sitting at 70 points after 66 games played. As we delve deeper into the rankings, additional teams emerge, yet these three stand out as the frontrunners for securing that coveted final playoff spot in the upcoming regular season games.