NHL Playoff Picture: Can Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames Still Make Stanley Cup Playoffs?
NHL Playoff Picture: Can Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames Still Make Stanley Cup Playoffs?
It's go-time for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames. Despite the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs starting on Saturday, April 19th, both of these teams have avoided elimination until the final days.
The Blue Jackets are three points behind Montreal for the final Wild Card seed in the Eastern Conference. The Flames are only two points behind St. Louis, and three points behind Minnesota. The Blues and Wild currently occupy both Wild Card spots in the West.
NHL handicapper Matt MacKay has updated odds for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames to make the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He'll outline the scenarios for each team to qualify for a Wild Card seed with only two games left in the regular season. This includes finding betting value and whether to prioritize or fade the Blue Jackets and Flames in this playoff futures market.
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COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS PLAYOFF ODDS
| Yes | No |
|---|---|
| +1500 | -7000 |
Click here for complete Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds
NHL Playoff Picture: Columbus Blue Jackets Playoff Scenarios
Columbus refuses to give up its Stanley Cup Playoff aspirations. The Blue Jackets have won four consecutive games and are now three points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final Wild Card seed in the Eastern Conference.
Columbus has two games left on its schedule, just like Montreal. The Blue Jackets have been lighting the lamp with goals, scoring at least four goals during three of their four wins. This includes a 7-0 shutout win over Washington, followed by another 4-1 road win against them on Sunday.
Philadelphia and the New York Islanders are the final two games on the Blue Jackets' schedule. Both opponents have already been eliminated from playoff contention but would love to play spoiler.
The Blue Jackets are 0-2 against the Flyers this season, including a shootout loss. They've gone 2-1 SU against the Islanders. Philadelphia has won five of their last seven games played, so this isn't a layup matchup.
If Columbus finally secures a win on the road against the Flyers, then they'll return home to Nationwide Arena to host the Islanders on Thursday. The Blue Jackets' only home loss in April came against the Colorado Avalanche.
Montreal has lost two consecutive games. They have a soft matchup against Chicago at home, followed by another home game against Carolina. The Canadiens have lost to both of these teams during the regular season and have only scored twice in their last two games played.
At +1300, it doesn't hurt to sprinkle a quarter unit on the Blue Jackets to make the playoffs. This would return 3.25 units of profit.
CALGARY FLAMES PLAYOFF ODDS
| Yes | No |
|---|---|
| +350 | -500 |
Click here for complete Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds
NHL Playoff Picture: Calgary Flames Playoff Scenarios
Calgary has been a lot of fun to watch down the stretch. The Flames are one of the most underrated teams in the Western Conference and have logged at least one point in six straight games ahead of Tuesday's home game against Vegas.
The Flames now sit only two points behind the Blues and three points behind the Wild for the final two Wild Card seeds in the Western Conference. Calgary also has two games left on its schedule, compared to one for St. Louis and Minnesota.
The Blues host Utah on Tuesday during their regular season finale, while the Wild host the Anaheim Ducks. St. Louis is 1-2 SU against Utah this year, while Minnesota is 2-0 SU against the Ducks.
Calgary's final two games are difficult matchups against the Golden Knights and Kings. Fortunately for the Flames, both of their opponents have already clinched a playoff berth. Motivation isn't very high and some key starters may rest ahead of the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Flames lost 3-2 in overtime against Vegas on April 5th. They are 0-2 SU against the Golden Knights this season. The Kings are a strong defensive team with great goaltending. However, Calgary is 2-0 SU against Los Angeles.
Even if the Blues and Wild win their final game, Calgary will jump them if they go 2-0 against the Golden Knights and Kings. The motivation is unquestionable. The Flames have been playing quality puck on both ends of the ice during April, knowing exactly what's at stake.
We're getting +300 odds on the Flames to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Minnesota is healthier than it's been in a long time, while the Blues have lost three straight games after snapping their 12-game winning streak. I envision Calgary getting at least two points, possibly three, with an outright win and an overtime loss.
Let's bet one unit on the Flames to make the playoffs at 3-1 odds.
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Matt is an avid writer, editor, and researcher. He enjoys analyzing the game within the game which is fantasy sports and sports betting. Music is another constant in his daily life. Matt loves spending time with his wife and three pets. He likes to read, listen to podcasts, and is constantly motivated to create the most accurate and engaging content in the sports betting industry.