NHL playoff picture is a wild place
The National Hockey League’s regular season is coming to a close. By the end of next week, we will know the 16 playoff teams and the first-round matchups, leaving 14 teams out in the cold. Already, seven clubs have clinched a postseason berth while eight have been eliminated.
For now, let’s focus on the teams which fates remain in limbo and run down their chances of making the playoffs:
Eastern Conference
No. 4 New York Islanders (45-27-6; Points needed to clinch: 4)
The Islanders have been awful lately, going 2-6-2 in their last 10 games. Still, playing the Sabres, Flyers and Blue Jackets in three of its final four games should get New York in.
No. 5 Washington Capitals (43-25-10; Points needed to clinch: 5)
The Capitals will need to play well down the stretch. Their final four games? The Senators, Red Wings, Bruins and Rangers. No gimmes there.
No. 6 Pittsburgh Penguins (42-24-11; Points needed to clinch: 6)
With five games left, Pittsburgh has four on the road. Still, the Penguins see three teams already eliminated from the playoffs. The others are the struggling Islanders and surging Senators.
No. 7 Detroit Red Wings (40-24-13; Points needed to clinch: 8)
The Red Wings are helped by two games against the Hurricanes, but have tough chores with the Wild, Capitals and Canadiens. Detroit should get in, but isn’t a sure bet.
No. 8 Boston Bruins (40-25-13; Points needed to clinch: 8)
After hosting the Maple Leafs on Saturday, Boston travels to face the Capitals, Panthers and Lightning to end the campaign. The Bruins could absolutely be home for the playoffs.
No. 9 Ottawa Senators (39-26-12)
Ottawa likely has to win four of its final five games to get into the postseason. With contests against the Capitals, Rangers and Penguins, it won’t be easy. Still, the Senators must win two of those and then beat the Maple Leafs and Flyers.
Western Conference
No. 5 Minnesota Wild (44-26-7; Points needed to clinch: 5)
Minnesota has a RIDICULOUS schedule. The Wild draw the Red Wings and Jets at home before a road trip featuring the Blackhawks, Predators and Blues. Better beat Detroit and Winnipeg.
No. 6 Vancouver Canucks (45-28-5; Points needed to clinch: 5)
Vancouver should have no problem getting in. The Canucks finish with three home games including the Coyotes and Oilers to end the season. Welcome to the playoffs!
No. 7 Calgary Flames (42-29-7; Points needed to clinch: 9)
The Flames have shocked all year. Can they finish off the storybook season with a remaining schedule featuring the Oilers, Coyotes, Kings and Jets? Those last two games will likely decide their fate.
No. 8 Winnipeg Jets (39-26-12; Points needed to clinch: 10)
The Jets need to take care of business. Winnipeg probably needs at least seven points in a stretch featuring the Canucks, Wild, Blues, Avalanche and Flames. Not easy, but not impossible either.
No. 9 Los Angeles Kings (38-25-14)
The Kings are the champs and won’t go quietly. Can they beat out Calgary or Winnipeg with five games left? Los Angeles sees the Avalanche and Sharks at home, and the Canucks, Flames and Oilers on the road. Bet on the Kings.
