As the NHL regular season draws to a close, the playoff picture is starting to take shape. With only a few games left in the season, teams are jockeying for position in the standings and fighting for their spot in the postseason. Let’s take a look at the current standings and anticipated matchups for the upcoming NHL playoffs.
In the Eastern Conference, the top three teams in each division automatically qualify for the playoffs, with two wild card spots available for the next two teams with the most points. As of April 29th, the Pittsburgh Penguins are leading the Metropolitan Division with 75 points, followed closely by the Washington Capitals with 73 points. In the Atlantic Division, the Tampa Bay Lightning are dominating with 78 points, followed by the Boston Bruins with 68 points. The New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes currently hold the two wild card spots with 65 and 62 points respectively.
If the playoffs started today, the first round matchups in the Eastern Conference would be:
– Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Carolina Hurricanes
– Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders
– Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
– Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
In the Western Conference, the top three teams in each division also automatically qualify for the playoffs, with two wild card spots available for the next two teams with the most points. As of April 29th, the Nashville Predators are leading the Central Division with 97 points, followed by the Winnipeg Jets with 96 points. In the Pacific Division, the Calgary Flames are leading with 107 points, followed by the San Jose Sharks with 98 points. The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche currently hold the two wild card spots with 91 and 90 points respectively.
If the playoffs started today, the first round matchups in the Western Conference would be:
– Calgary Flames vs. Colorado Avalanche
– San Jose Sharks vs. Dallas Stars
– Nashville Predators vs. Arizona Coyotes
– Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues
Of course, these matchups are subject to change as the regular season comes to a close. The final few games of the season could have a significant impact on the standings and which teams make the playoffs. It’s also worth noting that the NHL playoffs are notorious for upsets, so even the top-seeded teams aren’t guaranteed a spot in the next round.
Regardless of who makes it to the playoffs, hockey fans can expect an exciting and intense postseason. The NHL playoffs are known for their physicality, high stakes, and thrilling moments. From overtime goals to game-winning saves, anything can happen in the playoffs.
In conclusion, the NHL playoff picture is starting to take shape as the regular season comes to a close. The top teams in each division are battling for position in the standings, while other teams are fighting for their spot in the postseason. As of now, the first round matchups in both the Eastern and Western Conferences are set, but anything can happen in the final few games of the season. Hockey fans can look forward to an exciting and unpredictable postseason filled with intense moments and thrilling games.
