NHL teams that have clinched a playoff spot 2024

As the 2023-24 NHL regular season winds down, the intensity on the ice ramps up. Teams are battling to secure coveted playoff berths. With a chance to etch their names in hockey immortality, franchises are leaving everything on the ice in pursuit of the ultimate prize – the Stanley Cup.

The New York Rangers have already punched their ticket, becoming the first team to clinch a postseason spot. However, several other franchises are on the cusp of joining them in the quest for Lord Stanley’s Cup.

This page tracks NHL teams who have clinched a playoff spot in 2024.

Team Date Clinched
New York Rangers March 26, 2024
Boston Bruins March 28, 2024
Carolina Hurricanes March 28, 2024
Florida Panthers March 28, 2024

New York Rangers

The New York Rangers are the first NHL team to secure a playoff berth for the 2023-24 season. They clinched their spot with a thrilling 6-5 overtime win against the Philadelphia Flyers on March 27th, 2024. Despite this achievement, the Rangers remain focused on their next goal of winning the Metropolitan Division title.

The Rangers’ consistency has been their calling card this season. They have led the Metropolitan Division for 156 consecutive days, a remarkable feat. Except for a brief January slump, the Rangers have been at least four games over .500 every month, including impressive runs like a 10-game winning streak from January 27th.

Head coach Peter Laviolette has instilled a winning mentality in the team, and the players have responded with unwavering determination. As center Mika Zibanejad stated, “We have a battle with Carolina right now for the No. 1 spot in our division. We want it.”

Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins officially clinched their spot in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs on March 28th. This marks the eighth consecutive year the Bruins have reached the postseason, the longest active streak in the NHL.

Boston currently leads the Atlantic Division with 99 points, holding a two-point advantage over the Florida Panthers. The Bruins have exceeded expectations this season after losing key players like Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci to retirement last offseason.

If the playoffs began today, the Bruins would face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round. However, Boston has advanced past the second round only once during their current playoff appearance streak, reaching Game 7 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final before falling to the St. Louis Blues.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes punched their ticket to the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a decisive 4-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on March 28th. This clinch marks the sixth consecutive postseason appearance for the Hurricanes.

Frederik Andersen posted a 24-save shutout, while Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis each contributed a goal and two assists in the playoff-clinching win. The Hurricanes sit second in the Metropolitan Division with 99 points, just one point behind the New York Rangers.

Carolina has been a Stanley Cup contender in recent years but hasn’t captured the title since 2006 when current head coach Rod Brind’Amour captained the team. The Hurricanes fell to the Florida Panthers in last season’s Eastern Conference Finals.

Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers secured their spot in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs on March 28th despite a 3-2 loss to the New York Islanders. The Panthers clinched when the Detroit Red Wings fell to the Carolina Hurricanes.

This playoff berth is the fifth straight for the Panthers. However, the accomplishment comes amid a difficult stretch where Florida has lost six of their past seven games.

Last season, the Panthers reached the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history before losing to the Vegas Golden Knights. Florida is aiming to return to the Final and capture their first championship.

A Tight Western Conference Race

In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche are locked in an intense battle for the Central Division crown. Both teams have amassed impressive point totals, setting the stage for a potential first-round playoff matchup between these fierce rivals.

The Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers are jockeying for position in the Pacific Division. The Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights are also in the mix for a wild card spot.

Every game has added significance as the regular season winds down. Teams are leaving nothing to chance in their pursuit of playoff glory. The excitement is palpable as hockey fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the start of the NHL’s intense and unpredictable postseason.