Playoffs are right around the corner. With only a handful of games left for each team, it won’t be long before we’re looking right at the playing field for this year’s battle for the Stanley Cup. Not every team can end this year happy though, as there’s 32 teams and only sixteen of them will make it into the postseason. For the remaining teams, the next couple of weeks is all about players battling for future roster spots, getting good draft positioning, and seeing how you can improve in the next season. Let’s take a look at each team shall we?
32. San Jose Sharks (Previous week: Unchanged)
Despite ending a nine game losing streak it’s pretty safe to say the Sharks are clearly the bottom team of the league. Chicago has pulled up its bootstraps a bit and Anaheim is just slightly more competent. The good news for San Jose is, they’re the front runner for the number one draft pick! That is, unless they somehow manage to choke that away too.
31. Anaheim Ducks (Previous rank: 30)
After fighting it all season long the Ducks have finally fallen into a bottom two spot. They have twelve losses in their last thirteen games with their only win in that stretch coming against Chicago. They’re in a rough spot, but unlike San Jose and Chicago, they have a decent prospect pool that appears to have a pretty bright future. They just have to develop it correctly and not screw this up. I know that’s a tough ask.
30. Chicago Blackhawks (Previous rank: 31)
Chicago has played their best hockey of the season this last week, which unfortunately still isn’t saying much. However, it does show that they care about more than just the number one draft pick. There are players on this team that desperately want to show they have what it takes to elevate this team to the next level next season. With Connor Bedard at the forefront, it’s possible we might actually see this team take a step forward next year.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NHL stories via Google! Follow Us
29. Columbus Blue Jackets (Previous rank: Unchanged)
If there was an award for signing players to big contracts and then wasting their career, Columbus would be the front runner right now. Patrick Laine and Johnny Gaudreau both came here with the hope that this team was in the right direction to becoming a contender and now both players are in the worst forms of their career and surrounded by an absolute dumpster fire. Even if Laine and Gaudreau were in their best forms I’m not sure it could help this team. They’re just an absolute mess right now.
28. Montreal Canadiens (Previous rank: Unchanged)
Montreal appears to be taking their role as a spoiler very seriously. A three game winning streak that’s seen them beat two current playoff teams in the Flyers and Avs shows that this team intends to end the season on a high note. The crazy thing is, they still haven’t even been eliminated from the playoff race. That’s not to say they really have much of a chance, just a fun little fact.
27. Arizona Coyotes (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Coyotes were officially eliminated from the playoff race this week, marking the end of what was a pretty good battle this season. Had they not gone on that long losing streak, they very well could still be in the thick of it right now, but alas this is the NHL and they broke apart at one of the worst possible times. That being said, they shouldn’t despair. If they can find a solid arena then the future is bright for this young budding team.
26. Seattle Kraken (Previous rank: 25)
The Kraken’s playoff hopes may be gone, but it’s nice to see them attempting some new things to close out the season. Calling up Shane Wright has provided some intrigue over this team as they fight to give a good account of themselves to close out the show. You would’ve liked to have seen a better follow up from last year, but at least the arrival of Joey Daccord has shown that the goaltending won’t be swiss cheese anymore.
25. Buffalo Sabres (Previous rank: 23)
Just when it looked like Buffalo was going to finally get it together and make that late season push… they went right back into mediocrity. That being said, congrats to Jeff Skinner for playing his 1000th career game. It’s absolutely mind boggling that he’s somehow still only 31 years old. Hopefully the poor guy has some playoff success in his near future, but it’s not looking like it’s going to come with Buffalo anytime soon.
24. Ottawa Senators (Previous rank: 26)
Just when it looked Ottawa wasn’t going to get it together and make a late season push, they won five games in a row and prevented themselves from being eliminated from the playoff race. It’s most likely too little too late, but at least they can pride themselves on ending the season on a high note if this kind of play continues. Hopefully they get closer to finding what the missing pieces to the puzzle are as well.
23. Pittsburgh Penguins (Previous rank: 21)
This team lives and breathes mediocrity. With their playoff hopes most likely gone, they have no choice, but to sit back and watch the rest of the league finally pass them by. What a bitter pill to swallow that must be for Sidney Crosby, who despite his best efforts finds himself on a sinking ship with no route of escape. He could still leave one of these days, but he most likely won’t. Pittsburgh is his home, for better or for worse.
22. Calgary Flames (Previous rank: 20)
The Flames got a decent win over the Kings, but it felt like that was more of the Kings playing poorly than the Flames playing well. It’s hard to see this team squeaking into the playoffs at this point and that’s probably for the best. They don’t need anything to delude their vision at this point in time. They’re making the right moves to get this rebuild started and a playoff berth might trick them into thinking they’re closer than they really are.
21. Detroit Red Wings (Previous rank: 22)
The Red Wings had a March to forget. A March that very easily could’ve ruined their chances of making the playoffs. When it finally looked like they had gotten it together, they dropped another four straight to cap off the month. Luckily, they still find themselves within two points of the Flyers for the final wild card spot. They have to actually start winning games again if they want to snatch that spot away though.
20. New Jersey Devils (Previous rank: 24)
It’s do or die time for the Devils. They are six points out of a wild card spot with only eight games left to play. It’s not impossible, but it’s not going to be easy either, as their fate no longer rests in their own hands and they’re battling the clock as well as their opponents. You never would’ve guessed they would be in this position after their season last year, but that’s hockey baby.
19. St Louis Blues (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Blues somehow managed to drop a 4-0 loss to the Sharks of all teams. They are their own worst enemies at this point. Despite looking primed to find a playoff spot, the Blues are finding themselves further and further away as the end of the season approaches. They have made a season of somehow being able to win games against the odds, but it looks like that ability has run out.
18. New York Islanders (Previous rank: 17)
The Islanders are not playing like a team in the thick of the playoff race right now. They’re trading wins and losses which is absolutely not what you want at this point in the season. They still have a decent chance to find their way in, but they have to bunker down NOW to have any sort of chance. It’s do or die time guys. It’s time to prove that you belong to be here just like everyone else.
17. Minnesota Wild (Previous rank: 18)
The Wild are slowly watching their playoff hopes drift away. They’re eight points out of a playoff spot with not a lot of time to pull it back together. They forfeited an extra point against Vegas by deciding to pull their goalie in OT again this season, though this time it bit them in the rear as Vegas got the empty netter to win the game. This is a desperate team and it’s starting to show in their shaky play this last week.
16. Washington Capitals (Previous rank: Unchanged)
Despite all the odds, the Capitals have somehow pulled themselves into a top three spot in the division. They have the worst goal differential of any team that’s made the playoffs in the salary cap era, yet they might make the playoffs. A big reason is Ovechkin’s recent explosion of offense the last couple of weeks. He looks a lot like his old self and it appears to have motivated and propelled this team forward, who were lacking morale for most of the season.
15. Philadelphia Flyers (Previous rank: Unchanged)
What is happening in Philly? They’ve had a dreadful March, and it’s cost them the top three spot they’ve held pretty much all season long. The team CAPTAIN is playing on the fourth line and no one has any inclination as to why. They only sit two points ahead of Detroit for that last wild card spot, and it feels like the walls are starting to close in. This is the worst case scenario. This team was in the middle of a rebuild before they decided to shock everyone this season, but it would cost them draft positioning. But at least they would make the playoffs and get decent experience. Now they’re in danger of missing the playoffs, and losing their draft positioning.
14. Los Angeles Kings (Previous rank: 12)
With a four game winning streak, the Kings were doing a pretty decent job of holding down their spot. Now they’ve lost two in a row and streaking Vegas has usurped them of that top three spot and LA finds themselves in the last wild card spot. It’s not game over for LA though. They have a five point lead over St Louis and they’re only three points behind Vegas and Nashville. You would really like to see them play more up to their standards though.
13. Tampa Bay Lightning (Previous rank: 14)
Tampa is showing us that they’re not out of gas just yet. The old guard has come to play and they want to make a statement as they cruise their way into yet another postseason berth. Things could still fall apart obviously, but right now they are looking pretty dang good. Do they have what it takes for yet another deep playoff run though? That’s a pretty big ask for this team.
12. Winnipeg Jets (Previous rank: 11)
When the Jets are at their best they are a serious Cup contender. The issue is they really struggle with being able to find that form on a consistent basis. They’ve now lost six in a row and found themselves once again passed up by Colorado and Dallas. While they are most likely going to make the playoffs without question, you just want to see them enter on a better note.
11. Vegas Golden Knights (Previous rank: 13)
The Knights appear to be back to their old ways. It’s hard to tell if it’s just a flash or not, but they have points in their last six games and have found themselves back into the top three of the Pacific division. It’s nice to know that the defending champs actually have ambition and desire to defend their title and not just fade away into a quiet offseason. They still have a tough road ahead of them though.
10. Edmonton Oilers (Previous rank: 9)
Just as the Oilers were starting to slip, they found their footing and brought it right back. While they’re not necessarily gaining any ground on Vancouver, they’re doing a pretty good job of holding off Vegas and LA. The real question though, is whether it’s all still smoke and mirrors. The last few years Edmonton has been a fantastic regular season team only to get exposed in the playoffs for just not having enough. Will it happen again?
9. Nashville Predators (Previous rank: 10)
The Predators saw an 18 game point streak come crashing to a halt with back to back losses to the Avs and Coyotes. They gave up fifteen goals in the process as well. While it’s certainly not an ideal way to lose a streak, that stretch of time did wonders for Nashville and their playoff positioning. All they need to do is refind their footing and stay steady and a playoff berth should be as good as theirs.
8. Toronto Maple Leafs (Previous rank: Unchanged)
The Maple Leafs are on the verge of clinching a playoff berth. Auston Matthews also scored his 60th goal of the season. Good times for the Toronto team. Will any of this translate into playoff success though? It’s grown tiring having the Leafs play out the same old story year after year. It would be a nice change of pace to see them make it into the postseason and then actually do something.
7. Vancouver Canucks (Previous rank: Unchanged)
After stellar play throughout most of the season Vancouver has kind of just been idling this last month. They’re not really doing anything spectacular and are doing just enough to keep their first place positioning. It could be that they’re just trying to get into the playoffs uninjured, but it could also be that they have just hit a ceiling? The playoffs are unforgiving so we’ll know what the answer is very shortly.
6. Boston Bruins (Previous rank: Unchanged)
Both the Bruins and the Panthers are trying to see who can choke and hand the Atlantic division title over to the other team. Boston has struggled mightily this March. While playoffs are a guarantee, you still want to see more from this team especially after their first round collapse last season. If they want to stop their fans from rioting and tearing the arena apart, they have to make something happen this year. There’s also their looming salary cap situation that will be coming to a head very shortly.
5. New York Rangers (Previous rank: Unchanged)
Alexis Lafreniere reached the fifty point mark for the first time in his career, which is a fantastic sign for the Rangers. Alexis was drafted first overall in 2020, but has yet to live up to his hype in any significant way these last few seasons, so hopefully this season is a sign that he’s finally starting to get his legs underneath him. He’s found a solid roster spot on this team as a depth player, but you know New York would love to have him become a star.
4. Florida Panthers (Previous rank: 2)
Not all that long ago the Panthers looked absolutely unbeatable. Now they seem to be struggling to find that form again. They still clinched a playoff berth for the fifth straight season though, and they should still be considered a legit contender for the crown. All eyes will be on them as they attempt to make another Finals run, this time as a favorite rather than an underdog.
3. Dallas Stars (Previous rank: Unchanged)
Speaking of contenders, I truly believe Dallas will at least make the conference finals again this year. They are top to bottom one of the most well rounded rosters in the NHL right now. While they’ve had brief moments of struggle this season, they’ve stayed fairly consistent and are finding their best form right when they need it. Watch for this team to make a splash in the playoffs. I truly have faith in them. If they don’t then I’ll eat crow I guess.
2. Colorado Avalanche (Previous rank: 1)
Speaking of finding their best form at the right time, the Avalanche have arrived ladies and gentleman. Despite injuries and roster spots vanishing, Colorado has persevered. They’ve overcome adversity and announced themselves back in a big way. They’re currently locked in tight against the Stars for the Central division title, and it’s a tight race that will most likely come right down to the wire. Both teams should be considered legit contenders as well.
1. Carolina Hurricanes (Previous rank: 4)
Carolina has finally arrived. After months of idling and mediocre play, the team that was predicted to be the best team in the league has finally been playing like the best team in the league. Jake Guentzel has fit this team like a glove and they look primed to make a deep run. They’ve made it very know they’re all in as well, so watch for this team to go all out in the postseason.
