There are only six days left in the season & there are eight playoff spots yet to be determined. Three in the East & Five in the West.
If you have followed my Power Rankings this past season you already know that it has been very difficult for teams to pull away from each other.
Right now in the East Montreal, Buffalo & New York holds down the final three spots with Carolina & Toronto on the outside looking in. The order may change but I think that Montreal, Buffalo & the Rangers will be the final three teams in.
In the West Phoenix, Los Angeles, Nashville, Anaheim, & Chicago are in the final five playoff spots with Calgary & Dallas still alive.
It looks like Phoenix, Los Angeles & Nashville will be fighting for the number four seed while Anaheim & Chicago try to fight off Dallas & Calgary for those final two playoff spots.
I'll be back next week with a playoff preview once everything is settled. In the meantime here is this week's Power Poll.
1. Vancouver 52 18 9 113 Points
Win's 1st President's Trophy in Franchise history.
2. Philadelphia 46 22 11 103 Points
That insurmountable lead in the East has all of a sudden become surmountable.
3. Washington 46 22 11 103 Points
They may not score as many goals as last season but they may be more dangerous.
4. Detroit 46 23 10 102 Points
Another year, another Central Division title.
5. San Jose 47 23 9 103 Points
One more win in their next four games will give the Sharks the Pacific Division title.
6. Pittsburgh 46 25 8 100 Points
Dan Bylsma a serious candidate for coach of the year with the success the Penguins have had without Crosby & Malkin.
7. Boston 44 24 11 99 Points
Clinched the Northeast Division. Still have a shot at home ice in the East.
8. Tampa Bay 44 24 11 99 Points
This team reminds me of the 2007 Pittsburgh Penguins, a lot of talent on the ice but not sure if they are ready to win in the post-season.
9. Los Angeles 45 28 6 96 Points
Can clinch a playoff berth with a win over San Jose.
10. Phoenix 42 25 12 96 Points
Good news: Ed Jovanovski will be back for the playoffs. Better news: He may return for the final week of the season.
11. Nashville 42 26 11 95 Points
On the precipice of locking up a playoff spot.
12. Anaheim 44 30 5 93 Points
You'll be hard pressed to find a better line combo right now that Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, & Bobby Ryan.
13. Chicago 42 28 8 92 Points
Right now holding down the 8th spot. Still hit or miss as to whether they will clinch a spot.
14. Montreal 42 30 7 91 Points
Congrats to Carey Price on being named the Montreal Canadiens Molson Cup Player of the Year.
15. Calgary 40 29 11 91 Points
Flames are 24-1-3 on the season when leading after two periods.
16. Buffalo 40 29 10 90 Points
Win over Carolina could be the difference in a playoff berth.
17. N.Y. Rangers 43 32 5 91 Points
Sure, now they win a shootout over Philadelphia.
18. Dallas 39 28 11 89 Points
Finished 9-10-5 against Pacific Division opponents.
19. Carolina 38 30 11 87 Points
See Buffalo.
20. Toronto 37 32 10 84 Points
Leafs are still mathematically alive for a playoff spot.
21. Minnesota 37 34 8 82 Points
Young kids are getting a chance to play due to injuries.
22. St. Louis 36 33 10 82 Points
Might be the biggest disappointment on the season.
23. Columbus 34 32 13 81 Points
56 points on the season, a new career high for RJ Umberger.
24. Atlanta 33 33 12 78 Points
Lost to Boston keeps Thrashers out of postseason for the 10 time in 11 seasons.
25. New Jersey 36 37 5 77 Points
Will miss the playoffs for the 1st time in 15 years. They had a nice run.
26. N.Y. Islanders 30 37 12 72 Points
Center Doug Weight contemplating retirement after the season.
27. Ottawa 30 39 10 70 Points
Top college free agent Stephane Da Costa chooses the Senators over Minnesota & Florida.
28. Florida 29 38 12 70 Points
Will have a chance at the number one pick in the draft.
29. Colorado 29 41 8 66 Points
Paul Stasny will miss the rest of the season with a leg injury.
30. Edmonton 24 43 11 59 Points
Thankfully the season is almost over.
No comments:
Post a Comment