The NHL is getting ready for the playoffs and teams are staring at the standings hoping their team can get into the postseason.
Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars have already punched their ticket to the playoffs with Colorado leading the NHL with 102 points while Dallas sits with 97.
In the Eastern Conference, there are many hungry teams looking to change the narrative of their franchise. Carolina has been consistent in playing in playoff games but have been unable to get to the Stanley Cup final. Tampa Bay has continued to have success in making the playoffs and are on pace to make the postseason. One of their biggest advantages is their offense as they lead the Eastern Conference with 251 goals.
The Buffalo Sabres in a playoff spot? The Sabres have been entertaining this season and have been able to put it all together, to much surprise of their own fans and insiders alike. One of the best defensive teams, they are ranked fourth in the conference in goals allowed with 207. They have been able to stay consistent, which is always a key factor on whether or not a team clinches a playoff berth
The wildcard is an all out war with teams looking at what each does every night. The Islanders have had their eyes on Columbus as they fight to take the third spot in the Metropolitan Division. The Islanders recently defeated the Blue Jackets 1-0 with Bo Horvat being the lone goal scorer.
The Islanders have a superstar in the making with Matthew Schaefer. Schaefer, just 18 years-old, has helped the Isles get to where they are. Ilya Sorokin has been stellar in goal with his seven shutouts that lead the NHL, but the 18-year-old phenom has been nothing but a joy to watch.
The Boston Bruins have been able to hold their ground this season but they are far from a guaranteed playoff spot. Detroit is right on their tail to catch them, trying to spoil their chances of a playoff spot. Montreal continues to stay at the top of the Atlantic but is holding on desperately. The five teams are separated by six points. Boston is at the top with 86 while Philadelphia is outside looking in at 80 points.
The Western Conference is not as strong as the Eastern side Notably, the second to last place eastern team is Toronto. In the West, the Leafs would be a contender to make the playoffs because they would be four points out. Toronto is not close to a playoff spot in the east.
Colorado, Minnesota, and Dallas are the headlines for teams to look out for because of the talent on the three teams. Nathan Mackinnon and Cale Makar continue to dominate the league while the Wild traded for Bobby Brink and Quinn Hughes to bolster their squad. Dallas fired Peter Deboer after their Western Conference Finals departure and still are a top team under Glen Gulutzan.
The Ducks are on underdog watch as their team is built very well for a deep playoff run. Veterans such as Chris Kreider, John Carlson, Jacob Trouba and Alex Killorn all have plenty of playoff experience to teach their young players. Lukas Dostal will need to be sharp because his regular season numbers aren’t appealing. The Ducks can score but they allow more than they score (-7 goal differential).
Can Connor McDavid win the cup this year? McDavid has been able to reach the cup each of the last two seasons. Leon Draisital’s injury is severe and he is expected to miss some time and the team’s hope is for his return at some point during the playoffs.