Sharks' playoff hopes: Do they have a chance at Stanley Cup Playoffs?

The NHL Stanley Cup Playoff race is tightening up as postseason play begins April 18. With the regular season at its end come April 14, some teams on the outskirts of the playoffs are already prepping for their offseason while others are still fighting for their Stanley Cup hopes. In the Western Conference, the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings are chasing a wild card spot, hoping to overtake the Nashville Predators, who sit in the second and final wild card spot.

It will come down to the final regular-season games. Through 77 games, the Kings are 32-26-19 (83 points). The Sharks are right under them; through 76 games, they have a 37-32-7 record (81 points).

San Jose has a Wednesday night game against the Edmonton Oilers. That's important for many reasons. More NHL: Can Sharks make the playoffs?

Eyes are on San Jose as NHL season resumes Sharks' remaining games and playoff outlook San Jose next plays the Edmonton Oilers , who are atop the Pacific Division, tied with the Vegas Golden Knights at 88 points but holding the tiebreaker edge . The Oilers can lead outright by gaining at least a point against the Sharks in their Wednesday matchup. If Edmonton loses in regulation, it will fall to second in the division, getting leaped by the Golden Knights.