NHL: Mad Dash for the Playoffs Gets Underway

The All Star break is over, now the real goal is in sight. The contenders will be separated from the pretenders in a sprint to the season’s end. Al Dannity breaks down the playoff races in both conferences.

Big stakes at top of the Eastern Conference
For now it’s the New York Rangers in command of the Eastern Conference. The most contented franchise however must be the Bruins. Their control of the #2 seed in the playoffs looks certain, with clear command of the Northeast division. The #1 seed and even the President’s Trophy are both attainable regular season goals. NHL betting fans know it’s not so clear cut for New York. The Rangers could drop all the way to the #4 seed if they get caught by the Flyers. Philadelphia sits 3 points behind the Rangers and will ramp up the pressure as April approaches.

Four teams enter, one stays home
The Maple Leafs, Devils, Capitals and Panthers are all tied on 55 points as action gets back under way tonight. They are perfectly poised for a breathless battle through to the end of the regular season. The Devils showed they could finish strong last season but were left with too much to do. Toronto needs this for the long suffering Maple Leaf fanbase but doubts remain. The Panthers and Capitals add a complication to the battle. While New Jersey and Toronto will hope for the #7 seed, one of Florida and Washington will take the #3 seed in the post-season.

Detroit feeling the heat
The Red Wings lead the Western Conference and the NHL as a whole but they are in the middle of a brutal battle at the top end of the conference. There are just 3 points separating the Red Wings, Blues, Canucks, Predators, and Blackhawks. That’s insanely tight so late in the season. Now is the time for one of these contenders to make a burst for home. Last season it was a waltz to the #1 seed for Vancouver. No-one will have it so easy this year.

Chasing those last spots
The battle for the final playoff slot in the Western Conference promises to go down to the wire. The Kings look good for the #7 seed but there’s a big crowd behind them looking to be last into the playoff party. Only 3 points separate Minnesota, Colorado, Dallas, Calgary, and Phoenix in the race for eighth. The Wild hold the #8 seed for now but they could swap places with the Avalanche as early as tonight. Whoever’s left standing at the end of this fight will know what it takes to survive when it comes time to fight for the Stanley Cup.

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