The NHL playoff push is our daily look back and ahead at the post-season picture as teams position themselves for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
If the season ended today…
(A1) vs. (WC1)
(M1) vs. (WC2)
(A2) vs. (A3)
(M2) vs. (M3)
Note: The NHL changed the playoff format last season. Click here for full details.
Series we’d love to see: Montreal Canadiens vs. Washington Capitals — The best sniper in the world, Alex Ovechkin, going up against the best goalie in the world, Carey Price. The story writes itself, people!
What’d I miss? Andrew Hammond only needed to stop 16 shots as his Ottawa Senators beat the Red Wings 3-2 in a shootout. The Red Wings earned one point that could come in handy seeing as the Bruins closing in…Speaking of the Bruins, they put a major dent in the Panthers’ post-season dreams after charging back in the third period to earn a 3-2 win in regulation…With a number of defencemen unable to suit up, the Lightning lost 3-1 on the road to the Maple Leafs…Alex Ovechkin hit the 50-goal plateau for the sixth time in his career and led his Capitals to a 4-2 victory over the Hurricanes…Henrik Lundqvist was in fine form as the Rangers moved into first place in the East with a 3-2 win over the Jets.
Wednesday’s game to watch: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins – The Battle of Pennsylvania never lacks intensity, so even though the Flyers have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, this should be entertaining. It will also be a solid test to see whether or not the Penguins are ready for the type of physical play they’ll see in the post-season.
The rest of Wednesday’s sked:
– Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres: This matchup hasn’t had any playoff implications for months.
Fun fact: Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals became just the fourth player in NHL history to register six 50-goal campaigns within the first 10 seasons of his career.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
If the season ended today…
(P1) vs. (WC2)
(C1) vs. (WC1)
(C2) vs. (C3)
(P2) vs. (P3)
Series we’d love to see: Blues vs. Blackhawks — Their opening-round series last season was excellent and there’s no reason to think a rematch wouldn’t also be entertaining.
What’d I miss? All the Jets’s key players were held off the score sheet as they let two points slip against the Rangers…Eddie Lack helped the Canucks to a 5-4 shootout win over the Predators.
Wednesday’s game to watch: Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks – These teams are at opposite ends of the spectrum, but the Oilers have won three straight so the Ducks will have to earn it if they wish to extend their own three-game winning streak. The Ducks can expand their lead in the Presidents’ Trophy race.
The rest of Wednesday’s sked:
– Avalanche vs. Sharks – Even if the Sharks were to run the table, the chances they make the playoffs are virtually nonexistent.
Fun fact: The Anaheim Ducks score on 47.5 percent of their shootout attempts, which is best in the NHL. It will also be irrelevant come playoff time.