The playoff picture is almost set entering this week, which brings the final games of the regular season. The West is locked in following Vancouver's loss on Thursday. Four teams have clinched bids in the East, leaving five teams for the final four spots.

East

Every team left in contention controls its own destiny, with the exception of Washington. However, the Caps will be in the playoffs. I don't see them falling in their final game at home after winning 10 of their last 11 .

At least one of the other teams will crack under the pressure. Philadelphia is my choice as they still play New Jersey and Pittsburgh and will likely lose one if not both. Boston and Ottawa will play each other this week, so that could shake things up in the middle of the standings.

1. Pittsburgh Penguins (102 points, one game remaining) – In; clinched division
2. Montreal Canadiens (102, one game) – In; clinched division
3. Carolina Hurricanes (92, one game) – If they win their final game, they are in.
4. New Jersey Devils (97, two games) – In
5. NY Rangers (95, two games) – In
6. Ottawa Senators (94, one game) – If they win their final game, they are in.
7. Boston Bruins (92, two games) – If they win their last two games, they are in.
8. Washington Capitals (92, one game) – They need to win their final game and have at least one loss by Ottawa, Boston, or Carolina or an overtime or shootout loss by Philadelphia.
9. Philadelphia Flyers (91, two games) – If they win their last two games, they are in.
10. Buffalo Sabers – Out
11. Florida Panthers – Out
12. Toronto Maple Leafs – Out
13. New York Islanders – Out
14. Atlanta Thrashers – Out
15. Tampa Bay Lightning – Out

West

1. Detroit Red Wings (113 points, one game remaining) – In; clinched division and top seed
   
2. San Jose Sharks (108, two games) – In; clinched Division
3. Minnesota Wild (97, one game) – In
4. Anaheim Ducks (98, two games) – In
5. Dallas Stars (95, two games) – In
6. Colorado Avalanche (93, one game) – In
7. Calgary Flames (92, one game) – In
8. Nashville Predators (91, one game) – In
9. Vancouver Canucks  – Out
10. Chicago Blackhawks – Out
11. Edmonton Oilers – Out
12. Phoenix Coyotes – Out
13. Columbus Blue Jackets – Out
14. St. Louis Blues – Out
15. Los Angeles Kings – Out

Ice Bears

The Knoxville Ice Bears have won their first two SPHL playoff games against Columbus and can clinch the series with one more win in the next three games.

Game three will be at Columbus on Friday. If necessary, game four will be Saturday at Columbus and game five  Sunday in Knoxville.

If the Ice Bears win the series, they will play for the Presidents Cup against the winner of the semifinal series between Jacksonville and Fayetteville.