Here's how the race for the top overall seed looks. Plus, updated playoff projections, draft lottery standings.

Although there wasn’t much movement this week in the draft lottery odds, several teams are still in the process of attempting to move out of the lottery and into the playoffs or into a better position at the bottom of the standings.

We can count on NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to counter our critiques, as he has for the past 33 years. Bruce Bennett / . Red Light newsletter 🏒 | This is The Athletic’s hockey newsletter. Sign up here to receive Red Light directly in your inbox.

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The Colorado Avalanche will earn a playoff berth tonight at United Center. If NHL 26 has their way, the Avalanche will get the victory in a 2-1 effort. Nic Roy and Brett Kulak scored for the Avs and Mackenzie Blackwood made 17 saves in the winning effort.