How Canadiens, Oilers can clinch playoff spots Friday

Two more Canadian teams are on the brink of clinching spots in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Montreal Canadiens can grab the final spot in the Eastern Conference with a regulation win over the Ottawa Senators on Friday night (7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. MT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+).

The Edmonton Oilers can also clinch a spot if they get at least one point against the San Jose Sharks Friday (9:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. MT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+) or if the rival Calgary Flames lose to the Minnesota Wild (10 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. MT on Sportsnet West and Sportsnet+) in any fashion.

Additionally, the Wild will clinch a spot with a win over the Flames in any fashion.

• Canadiens battle Senators on Sportsnet

  The Montreal Canadiens can book a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a regulation win over the Ottawa Senators on Friday night. Watch the game nationally on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ beginning at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.

  Broadcast schedule

If the Canadiens secure a spot, it would be an impressive turnaround after missing the playoffs for the last four years. The team has been led by career seasons from Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and rookie Lane Hutson and has won six games in a row heading into Friday’s big game with the Senators.

The Oilers have battled injuries and slipped to third in the Pacific Division but are looking to return to the playoffs and go on a run after coming within one win of winning the Stanley Cup last spring.

Additionally, the Tampa Bay Lightning and idle Florida Panthers can secure top three spots in the Atlantic Division on Friday. The Lightning will do it if they collect at least one point against the Detroit Red Wings or if the Senators lose to the Canadiens in any fashion. The Panthers will do it if the Senators lose to the Canadiens in regulation.