As the NHL season winds down and we head toward the playoffs, there is still much to be decided in the final ten games. The wild card races in both conferences, along with playoff seeding still have to be ironed out. Let’s dive in.
The Wild Card Pictures
For the entire season, the wild card race in the Eastern Conference has been as tight as it is right now. At the moment, the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens occupy the two spots, but the New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings all sit within three points of Montreal. The Senators are the only team that has truly run away with their opportunity, so nothing is officially decided.
In the Western Conference, four teams sit alive in the wild card race. The Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues are currently in, with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames and Utah Hockey Club still alive. Looking at each team’s upcoming schedule, Calgary sits in the best position to make a run. For now, everything is still up in the air.
Who is Poised to Make a Run?
The Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets are the two teams that have already clinched a playoff spot. Washington has 103 points, which is the most in the NHL. That being said, no team has really emerged as a true Stanley Cup favorite. Any team out of either conference has the pieces to make a deep run.
However, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning stand out among the rest. Each team comes from the Atlantic division and has built a formidable roster with Stanley Cup expectations. The Panthers are looking to repeat as champions and have a chance to still clinch the Atlantic. They will certainly be in the hunt come Game One.
Time to Enjoy the Playoffs
The lack of true Stanley Cup favorites should make this season one of the most memorable playoffs in recent history. Each series should be great, and we’ll see who gets to hoist the Stanley Cup.
