As the NHL regular season nears its conclusion, the playoff picture is becoming increasingly clearer, with several teams on the cusp of securing a spot in the postseason. Thursday's 14-game slate will be a crucial test for those on the bubble, with multiple clinching scenarios set to unfold. The Boston Bruins, currently in second place in the Atlantic Division, can lock up a top-three seed with a win, while the Colorado Avalanche aim to secure a Western Conference wild-card spot. Meanwhile, teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins are fighting for their playoff lives, and a loss could spell disaster for their postseason hopes. Will the favorites hold serve, or will the underdogs pull off a stunning upset?

NHL playoff watch: Clinching scenarios on 14-game Thursday  ESPN