Over the weekend, the Boston Bruins became the first team to clinch a playoff berth this season, and any reasonable observer would conclude that they will be the East's No. 1 seed, barring a tremendous collapse in the closing weeks.
The West's race for No. 1 is another story.
Through 67 games, the Vegas Golden Knights lead the charge with 88 points and 30 regulation wins. With one game in hand, the Dallas Stars have 85 points and 30 regulation wins. Taking a peek at the two clubs' schedules, the Knights have eight games against teams currently in playoff position (out of 15 total), including a matchup against the Stars on April 8 on ABC/ESPN+.