#1 Seed (locked in) Anaheim Ducks (37-5) - An ominous sign of things to come with the loss to the Sabres last week. A little bit of doubt has got to be creeping into Tyler's noodle. They play Boston and the Caps this week, which could be 2 more losses. This once indomitable herculean giant appears to have an Achilles heel.
#2 Seed (2,3,5) Florida Panthers (33-9) - They have scored 220+ points the last 3 weeks. That isn't combined, that is each week. Each week they have scored 220+ points for 3 straight weeks. Only 2 other teams did it in that span, and they each only did it a single time (Hurricanes and Ducks). They have some wicked momentum going.
#3 Seed (2,3) Boston Bruins (32 -10) - They have captured their division by beating the Caps last week. Nothing sweeter than that, well making it out of the 2nd round of the playoffs is pretty sweet, but you have to take baby steps every year. Bruins put up big points again. They will finish the year off with the Avs and Ducks. Not much left to play for except pride.
#4 Seed (locked in) Edmonton Oilers (23-19) A brutally bad week scoring the 2nd fewest points in the league. I didn't watch to see if they played all their players or not, but for their sake I hope they forgot to do their lineups. They finish the year against the Blues and Lightning. If they beat the Blues that could be the end of the line for the Blues.
#5 Seed (2,3,5) Carolina Hurricanes (31-11) - Two more wins and still no closer to the division lead. Theoretically they could still win their division, but they would have to win both games against the Red Wings and Flyers and the Panthers would have to lose both games. Hurricanes would then take the division based on division record. Probably won't happen so they are locked in to the 5th seed.
#6 Seed (6,7,8,9,10,11) Washington Capitals (27-15) - A heart breaking loss to their division rival Bruins, but metaphorically they are still nipple high in the playoff pool. Which is good. There is still the tiniest chance they can get bounced, but they have to go 0-2, and just their luck they play the Blues and Ducks. One win gets them in. If they lose both games they still have a good chance, but might loose out based on tie breaks. My guess is they lose the first round bye though and end up a lower seed.
#7 Seed (6,7,8,9,10,11,12) Arizona Coyotes (26-16) - Still have a shot at a first round bye, and I like their chances to get it. They play the Blackhawks and Flyers this week and these Coyotes are scoring many fake hockey points. Who says warm weather hockey is for the elderly and people who wear pink jerseys?
#8 Seed (6,7,8,9,10,11,12) Chicago Blackhawks (26-16) 2 wins last week and they reclaim the 8th seed from the Red Wings. They are up against it though in the final week going against the Panthers and Coyotes. That might very well be 2 losses and then they are playing with the white hot fire that is the Kings and Sabres.
#9 Seed (6,7,8,9,10,11,12) Detroit Red Wings (25-17) The Hurricanes and Flames are the final test. My guess is they go 1-1 and get in based on their top notch tie break. It sometimes pays to be consistently beaten even though you score oodles of points.
#10 Seed (6,7,8,9,10,11,12) St. Louis Blues (25-17) They beat the Lightning by 1 point last week. If they didn't get that 1 point their chances of making the playoffs would've be incredibly low. They play the Caps and Oilers this last week and they need both wins. My sneaky ruthless side doesn't want any part of the Blues in the playoffs, but in reality I want them to get in, get healthy, so I can get some redemption from last year's playoff loss.
#11 Seed (6,7,8,9,10,11,12) Los Angeles Kings (25-17) 2 wins last week and they are still on the brink. Basically need 2 wins against the Panthers and Penguins this week to have a realistic chance of getting in. They are on the lower side of the tie breaker and in the bottle kneck that is 6-12 that isn't where you want to be.
#12 Seed (7,8,9,10,11,12) Buffalo Sabres (24-18) A big week equaled 2 wins last week. They are still on the outside looking in, but they just beat the Ducks and only have the Habs and Pens left to play. I don't want them to make it because they are looking dangerous, and even with 2 wins it isn't a lock. Going 1-1 still gives them shaved lunch meat slice (thin) chance to make it, and 2 losses is utter disappointment.
#13 Seed (OUT) Colorado Avs (20-22) They made a valiant run to the playoffs, but it is officially over. Snugerud can rest easy at night knowing that not even Malkin's big week would've been enough to save him. They were beat and beat soundly. Start planning for next year.
Halloween