NHL Weekly Schedule: A look at the three most important matchups this week, March 27 - April 2

With the NHL playoffs rapidly approaching, this upcoming weekly schedule will be the most important for several teams. Since most teams have 10 or fewer games remaining, every single game is important, however, some games will carry more gravity than others with the postseason drawing near.

So far, only three teams have clinched a playoff spot, meaning every loss could be potentially fatal for a club's NHL playoffs bid. As of March 27, only the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils are guaranteed a spot in the postseason.

"JERSEY!!! We're goin' to the playoffs. Let's get it. #NJDevils | @CitizensBank" - @NJDevils

Now that there are less than three weeks remaining in the regular season, the weight of every game continues to grow. Here is a closer look at three of the most important matchups this upcoming week.

Florida Panthers vs. the Ottawa Senators - March 27

At this point in the season, every game is a must-win for both the Florida Panthers and the Ottawa Senators, with tonight's match-up potentially playing an important role as the NHL playoffs draw nearer.

The Panthers currently sit fourth in the Atlantic Division with 79 points, whereas the Senators sit in sixth with 75 points. A Florida win would push them over the 80-point threshold, however, an Ottawa win would move them to within two points of the Panthers.

"Good morning. Your New York Rangers can clinch a playoff spot tonight if the Senators beat the Panthers in regulation, and the Canadiens beat the Sabres in any fashion" - RangersMuse

Both teams will square off twice before the end of the season, with both games playing a crucial role in a spot in the NHL playoffs. If the Panthers lose, the New York Rangers will secure a postseason spot.

Buffalo Sabres can push for the NHL playoffs with a win over the New York Rangers - March 31

Depending on how all of the games this week shape up, there is a chance that the New York Rangers might not clinch a postseason spot before Friday's matchup with the Buffalo Sabres. However, with the Sabres sitting 20 points behind the Rangers right now, they will need to steal points from teams ahead of them any way they can.

At 76 points, the Buffalo Sabres have fallen off from their early season pace. They currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference Wild Card standings. A loss to the New York Rangers could be a devastating blow for the Sabres. However, they need to win nearly every game for the remainder of the season if they hope to make it to the postseason.

New York Islanders vs. the Washington Capitals - March 29

In a true battle for Eastern Conference Wild Card supremacy, Wednesday's matchup between the New York Islanders and the Washington Capitals will play a major factor in the playoff picture.

"Islanders Face Pivotal Stretch in 2022-23 Season. The Islanders enter a stretch that will determine if they are a playoff team or a true contender. This week, they face the Devils, Capitals, Lightning & Hurricanes. #Isles #THW" - Mike Fink

The Islanders currently sit in first place for an Eastern Conference Wild Card spot with 83, with the Capitals in fifth with 76. Two points, either way, could dictate the postseason hopes for both teams, with both teams potentially reaching the NHL playoffs or missing them completely.