Two more teams could punch their tickets to the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday, but they'll both need an assist from the defending champions to seal the deal.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes are on the cusp of clinching spots in the post-season, however, fate isn't entirely in their hands just yet.
Here's how they could get the job done Sunday:
• Maple Leafs: If they defeat the Anaheim Ducks in any fashion AND the Montreal Canadiens lose to the Florida Panthers in any fashion.
• Hurricanes: If they defeat the New York Islanders in any fashion AND the Canadiens lose to the Panthers in any fashion.
With the Canadiens and Panthers facing off at 1 p.m. ET, the Maple Leafs and Hurricanes will know if they still have a shot at clinching Sunday before they even hit the ice.
Toronto (44-25-4) sits atop the Atlantic Division, and Carolina (44-24-4) is second in the Metropolitan Division with 92 points apiece.
The Washington Capitals are the only team in the Eastern Conference with a Stanley Cup Playoffs berth already secured. The Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars have booked their spots in the Western Conference.
Watch the Maple Leafs take on the Ducks live on Sportsnet Ontario and Sportsnet+ starting at 8 p.m. ET.
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