Ladies (
) and gentlemen, the NHL Playoffs are set to begin one week from today. I know it refers to another sport, but I feel compelled to share this clip:
With only a few days of games remaining -- Sunday is the final day or regular season play I believe -- the following teams are officially in (seeding is not final):
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Boston
Washington
New Jersey
Philadelphia
Carolina
Pittsburgh
WESTERN CONFERENCE
San Jose
Detroit
Calgary
Chicago
Vancouver
Columbus has all but clinched as they need only a single point to do formally do so -- they would have to lose all three of their remaining games in regulation while Nashville winning it's final two. This scenario would see the Preds edge out the Jackets by the total wins tie-breaker. If this comes to pass, OSU can thank me for the [unintentional] jinx...
As for the bubble teams:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
7. Montreal ---- 92P -- 41W -- 2GR
8. NY Rangers -- 91P -- 41W -- 2GR
9. Florida ------ 89P -- 39W -- 2GR
10. Buffalo ----- 85P -- 38W -- 3GR
WESTERN CONFERENCE
6. Columbus --- 90P -- 40W -- 3GR
7. Anaheim ---- 88P -- 41W -- 2GR
8. St. Louis ---- 88P -- 39W -- 2GR
9. Nashville ---- 86P --39W -- 2GR
10. Minnesota - 85P -- 38W -- 2GR
I know it's a tad early, but I'm just too excited to hold back. Puck Daddy is
tracking the races using a "tragic number" stat, which makes for some more detailed reading. You can also follow the races in chart format at
www.nhlplayoffrace.com. Let the fun begin!