The Playoffs Are On
March 18th, 2008 Posted in UncategorizedI’ll say one thing I like about this year’s NHL schedule, and it’s that they had it bang on when they decided to feature the last half of March and April with all divisional games. Because truthfully, I look at the NHL standings and their divisions, and, aside from Detroit, not one team’s division lead is safe.
Even though Detroit has sealed the division title, they are still jockeying for position. San Jose’s astounding 11-game win streak has put them a mere five points back of the Red Wings and the Sharks could still realistically finish ahead of Detroit. And in the NHL, positioning means everything.
Last night, the Vancouver Canucks were in 7th place. Today they had the day off and will find themselves waking up on Wednesday in the 6th seed. It is that close in the Northwest division; two points separate four teams. And with the Northwest Nine looming large, we are 73 games into the NHL season and we still haven’t had a clear-cut Northwest winner.
Are the Vancouver Canucks going to make the playoffs? Nashville’s fate may have been sealed tonight following their devastating loss to the Capitals. The loss sets them four points back of Vancouver with eight games remaining, while the Canucks have nine. This comes on the heels of the Canucks putting the Coyotes away the previous night.
So it seems apparent the playoff teams are announced, but positioning is still very much up for grabs. If the Canucks win only 4 of their last nine, they could still miss the playoffs. If they win 5, they could finish 7th. If they win 7, they could finish 3rd.
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2 Responses to “The Playoffs Are On”
By Raph on Mar 18, 2008
what’s really weird is that this year, no team other than the wings have clinched a playoff spot. years before, march was a time where teams would fight for the last 4 spots. but to go this far in the season with just one clinch? that shows you something. the NHL is wayyy to washed down talent is just too evenly distributed between teams. and too many divisional matchups just makes things too fluid.
i agree with the fact that teams in the west are pretty much in place, unless edmonton surges into the playoffs. as for the east, philly’s barely holding on and anything can happen
By Jack on Mar 18, 2008
If playoffs started right now, Canucks would face Minnesota. I rather that then the Ducks or San Jose. If we had to face those any of two teams in the 1st round…i wouldnt like our odds. And Calgary also lost tonight, thats good for us…Canucks for northwest champs!