As the regular season nears its end, the race for the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference is reaching a boiling point. The New York Islanders, Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings, and Pittsburgh Penguins all hold an advantage over the Philadelphia Flyers in the intense battle.

With two games remaining on their schedules, the Islanders, Capitals, Red Wings, and Penguins are eager to secure their spots in the playoffs. However, the Flyers only have one game left, a crucial matchup against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday.

The Red Wings seem to have the easiest finish among the wild-card contenders, with a back-to-back against the Montreal Canadiens on Monday and Tuesday. This favorable schedule gives them a strong chance to earn the second wild-card spot. Detroit's path to the playoffs is limited to the Atlantic Division as they cannot secure a wild-card spot.

In a pivotal matchup, the Islanders and Penguins will face off on Wednesday. But before that showdown, the Islanders will take on the New Jersey Devils while the Penguins host the Nashville Predators. These games will be crucial in determining which team will have the upper hand in the playoff race.

Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals will host the Boston Bruins on Monday before heading to Philadelphia for their final game. If the Red Wings manage to win both their games, it will eliminate the Flyers and Penguins from contention as Detroit's maximum points would be 91.

The Islanders, on the other hand, only need one win to secure third place in the Metropolitan Division as none of their rivals can reach the 92-point mark. This will be a significant milestone for the team as they strive to secure their position in the playoffs.

At the top of the standings, the Boston Bruins are looking to secure first place in the Atlantic Division. To do so, they must win their upcoming games against the Washington Capitals and the Ottawa Senators. However, the Florida Panthers are hot on their heels and need to finish with one more point than the Bruins to leapfrog them.

In the Metropolitan Division, the New York Rangers have their sights set on first place. A crucial matchup against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday will be vital in ensuring their position at the top. If they secure the win, it will put Carolina out of reach by just one point.

With the playoff race intensifying, all eyes will be on these teams as they battle it out for a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Only time will tell which teams will ultimately clinch their positions and continue their quest for the Stanley Cup.