NHL playoff standings: Canucks-Ducks the top game on Sunday

ByESPN staff

Sunday, March 31, 2024

It's a slower than usual Sunday on the NHL schedule, with just one game on the docket. But, there are implications from the outcome of the clash between the Anaheim Ducks and Vancouver Canucks (3:30 p.m. ET, TNT).

For the Canucks, it's an opportunity to make up ground in the Western Conference and Presidents' Trophy races. Vancouver was a little wobbly in February (going 5-6-2), recovered for most of March with a 7-3-1 record, but their most recent two games account for two of those losses.

Sitting atop the Pacific Division by a four-point margin, the Canucks are currently five points behind the Dallas Stars for the West's No. 1 seed, but have three additional regulation wins. As for the NHL's overall points race, the Canucks are six points behind the New York Rangers, and tied in regulation wins.

As for the Ducks, they're on the opposite end of the league standings, currently in the No. 3 spot in the draft lottery order. With 52 points, they are three points and two regulation wins ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks, while they are 10 points and five regulation wins ahead of the San Jose Sharks. The team in the No. 4 spot, the Columbus Blue Jackets, sits at 60 points and an equal number of regulation wins to the Ducks.

As we traverse the final stretch of the regular season, it's time to check in on all the playoff races -- along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2024 NHL draft lottery.

Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.

Jump ahead:br/>Current playoff matchupsbr/>Sunday's schedulebr/>Saturday's scoresbr/>Expanded standingsbr/>Race for No. 1 pick

Current playoff matchups

Eastern Conference

Western Conference

Sunday's game

Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available via NHL Power Play, which is included in an ESPN+ subscription (local blackout restrictions apply).

Anaheim Ducks at Vancouver Canucks, 3:30 p.m. (TNT)