Breaking Down Playoff Positioning

Via: bloguin.com

After some incredible action in the NHL last night, the playoff picture has suddenly come into focus.Let's take a look at what I expect to be each contending team's playoff seed and potential first round matchup. This is just a prediction of how I think it will shake out and not the official final standings. After the season wraps up on the 28th, I'll have a full playoff preview post for each conference.

East:

1. Pittsburgh vs. 8. Islanders: The Penguins position at the top of the Eastern Conference has been assured for a while now. The only question was who would take the 8 seed and be their opponent in the first round. The Isles only have one game left, against Buffalo, which I expect them to win, but it won't be enough to jump past the Rangers for 7th because...

2. Bruins vs. 7. Rangers: The Rangers have an equally easy game at home against New Jersey and should also pick up the two points to keep the 7th seed. For Boston, currently leading the division, things are a bit more interesting. They have a game in hand over Montreal, who they are tied with at 61 points. If the Habs win their final game, the Bruins need to pick up 3 points, but a Habs loss and they only need 1 to clinch the division. Spoiler: the Habs are going to lose and Boston will take the 2nd seed. 

3. Capitals vs 6. Senators: Just like the Penguins, the Capitals position as the 3rd seed is secure after clinching the division with a win over the Jets on Tuesday. However with the Sens, Rangers and Islanders all fighting for the 6th seed, their opponent is yet to be determined. My thinking is that the Sens will take it, by picking up 3 out of a potential 4  points in their remaining two games, while both New York teams are disadvantaged by only having one game remaining. However if the Rangers win their final game in regulation, as I expect, all it will take is one regulation loss by the Sens for them to switch spots. This one's close.

4. Montreal vs 5. Toronto: This is the one series that fans in Canada have been praying to happen for weeks. And wouldn't you know it, the last game of the year for both teams is versus each other. The Leafs can't catch the Habs with a win, but they can ensure the 5th seed with a single point. The Habs are chasing Boston, but won't be able to catch them...cause the Leafs are going to win that final game of the series between the two clubs. This series is just meant to be. 

West:

1. Chicago vs. 8. Minnesota: Sorry Columbus, I really am. It was an amazing run, but with just one game remaining it won't be enough. Minnesota has a game in hand over the Jackets for 8th place and faces relatively easy competition in Edmonton and Colorado in their last two games. All the Wild need is to get at least 2 points and they don't even need to win, two shootout/OT losses would be enough to clinch. Meanwhile the President's Trophy winning Blackhawks are just sitting back and waiting to see who they'll play in the first round. 

2. Anaheim vs. 7. Detroit: The Ducks will finish 2nd and, like the Hawks, have nothing to do but scoreboard watch from this point forward. The Wings meanwhile have been fighting for their lives and shown great determination in winning their last three games. I don't expect that effort to disappear in their final game against a heart-broken Dallas team that was eliminated last night. The Wings will win and finish with 56 points, the only question is if Minnesota will be able to pick up 3 points to catch them for the 7th seed. I think they won't.

3. Vancouver vs 6. Los Angeles: Yes, a repeat of last year's first round series between the two clubs is going to happen. The Canucks are already assured the third seed and will likely be resting many of their veterans against Edmonton in their final game while they await things to shake down in the middle of the conference. Four, five and six in the West is going to be interesting, as the Blues, Kings and Sharks are separated by only one point. Fittingly, the Kings will play the Sharks in the final regular season game for both clubs, and the winner could get home ice advantage in the first round. I think San Jose will win that game, pushing LA down to the 6th seed.

4. St. Louis vs 5. San Jose: This is the only playoff series that I'm really not sure about. St. Louis will be facing a Blackhawks team that may be taking it easy in their final game as they prepare for the post-season. The Blues will face either the Sharks or Kings whether they win that game or not, but I expect them to beat the Hawks and take home ice advantage in the first round. Their opponent will be whoever wins that San Jose vs. LA game, which as you know I expect to be the Sharks. However, this series happening is a tough one to guarantee. 

So that's how I expect things to look once the regular season ends on April 28th. I would love to hear YOUR predictions, please tell me how wrong I am and how I screwed up my math in the comments section. I don't forget to share if you like the content here at WAAP, let's get this blog going! No Snap Shots today, but don't think I've forgotten your afternoon gif. Check out this absolute beauty by Alex Ovechkin last night that just might win him the Rocket Richard trophy: 

Via: russianmachineneverbreaks.com