Any hockey fan will tell you the playoffs are far more exciting than the regular season. As the playoffs approach, teams are fighting to get into the playoffs and with just a few games remaining, it's created a playoff like atmosphere around the league.
(Last season the race for the playoffs came down to the final game of the season)
Last season the final spot in the Eastern Conference wasn't decided until the final game of the regular season. As if that wasn't enough, the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers needed overtime and eventually a shootout to decide who got in. The Philadelphia Flyers won the game and were officially the last team to secure a playoff spot. As we all know, the Flyers went on a remarkable run winning the Eastern Conference and moving on to the Stanley Cup Finals.
As the 2011 regular season approaches its final weekend, teams are once again battling until the end to decide who gets into the playoffs and where they are seeded. In the Eastern Conference five teams have secured their spot in the playoffs. While the teams can finish in a number of spots, the Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Pittsburgh Penguins have all clinched. The the Caps and Flyers battle it out for the top seed in the East, the New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres will all try to hang on to the final playoff spots while the Carolina Hurricanes (just 2 points behind the Rangers) look to sneak in during the final three games.
In the wild Western Conference only three teams have solidified a playoff spot. The Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, and San Jose Sharks have all punched their playoff tickets. The Canucks have won the Presidents Trophy as the leagues top team and the Wings are battling for second place in the west with the Sharks. Spots 4-8 are still up for grabs. The L.A. Kings, Phoenix Coyotes, Nashville Predators, Anaheim Ducks, and Chicago Blackhawks would all be in if the season ended today. Unfortunately for them, it doesn't. Sitting just one point behind Chicago for the 8th spot is the Calgary Flames while the Dallas Stars are just three points behind.
As hockey fans prepare for the Stanley Cup Playoffs they can take a look at the last week of the NHL's regular season and enjoy the pre-playoff excitement.
I love the end of the season race! You can feel the change in atmosphere in every arena... it's awesome!
Posted by: WAMGolf.com | 04/04/2011 at 12:16 PM