Each day, NHL.com will take a closer look at the playoff races.
CLINCHING SCENARIOS FOR TUESDAY
- The San Jose Sharks will clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the St. Louis Blues in any fashion OR if they get one point against the Blues AND the Coyotes lose to the Oilers in any fashion OR if the Coyotes lose to the Oilers in regulation.
- The Washington Capitals will clinch the Metropolitan Division title and the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference if they defeat the Ottawa Senators in any fashion.
- The Dallas Stars will clinch a Stanley Cup Playoff berth if they defeat the Chicago Blackhawks in any fashion OR if they get one point against the Blackhawks AND the Minnesota Wild lose to the Los Angeles Kings in any fashion OR if the Wild lose to the Kings in regulation.