Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings can clinch Stanley Cup playoff berths tonight

Included among Wednesday’s NHL action are clinching scenarios for the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings, both of whom look to punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup playoffs tonight.

Ten lucky (read: talented) teams have already locked down their spots in the 2017-18 Stanley Cup playoffs, and two more could join their ranks on Wednesday night.

In the NHL’s wild Western Conference, the Los Angeles Kings (44-28-8, 96 points) and Anaheim Ducks (41-25-13, 95 points) have been battling it out in the Pacific or either the third playoff spot in that division or a West wild card.

Tonight, the Ducks take on the Minnesota Wild, who are sitting pretty after securing their spot in the postseason dance. Meanwhile, the Kings don’t have to lift a finger to secure their spot, so long as the Chicago Blackhawks can do the heavy lifting.

In fact, both teams will be rooting hard for the Hawks as they take on the St. Louis Blues.

Here are the clinching scenarios for both teams on Wednesday night:

Anaheim Ducks

Can clinch if: The Ducks have to both defeat Minnesota Wild in regulation or overtime  and the St. Louis Blues have to lose to the Chicago Blackhawks in regulation or overtime.

Los Angeles Kings

Can clinch if: The Kings don’t play on Wednesday, but they can still secure a playoff spot if the Blues lose to the Blackhawks in regulation or overtime.

Games to Watch

Blackhawks at Blues

8 p.m. ET

NBCSN, NHL.TV

Wild at Ducks

10 p.m. ET

SN360, SN1, PRIME, FS-N, NHL.TV

Because the Kings beat the Avalanche 3-1 on Monday night (or, rather, early Tuesday morning), the Blues remain alive in the wild-card race. They have 92 points, within one point of the Avalanche.

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If the Blues win out, they earn a playoff berth. That campaign starts tonight against Chicago.