The end of the NHL regular season is rapidly approaching, and several key questions remain.
Can the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid keep up their impressive paces to reach special territory? Who will win the tight races in the Metropolitan, Central and Pacific divisions and what are the key matchups? How will injuries affect the playoff races? And which team will have the best odds to win the May 8 draft lottery and get the chance to draft generational talent Connor Bedard?
USA TODAY Sports analyzes the NHL's stretch drive, with the regular season ending April 14:
KEY DATES: When do the playoffs start and when is lottery, awards show and draft?