Saturday, April 11, 2015

WHAT EACH GAME MEANS IN THE FINAL DAY OF THE NHL SEASON

WHAT EACH GAME MEANS IN THE FINAL DAY OF THE NHL SEASON


Senators at Flyers
The Senators sit in the first wild card spot, 1 point ahead of Pittsburgh (@BUF) and 2 points ahead of Boston (@TBL). They would clinch a playoff spot with at least one point against the Flyers. They would also clinch if the Bruins fail to get two points, or if the Bruins get two and the Penguins lose in regulation. They are also only one point behind Detroit @CRL) for 3rd in the Atlantic. Possible playoff opponents are the Lightning, the Canadiens, and the Rangers, all of whom would host. If the Sens miss the playoffs, they are guaranteed the 14th draft position.
The Flyers are guaranteed the 7th draft position regardless of today’s games.

Rangers at Capitals
The Rangers are guaranteed the top spot in the league and home ice throughout the playoffs regardless of today’s games. They will host the 2nd Wild Card team in the first round, which could be Ottawa, Pittsburgh, or Boston.
The Capitals are 2nd in the Metropolitan, 1 point ahead of the Islanders, who they will play in the first round. Home ice is still undecided. The two teams are equal in ROW and the Isles hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Caps would need to get either more points than Isles today, or the same number of points to hold onto home ice.

Flames at Jets
The Flames sit 3rd in the Pacific. They can move into 2nd if they win and in regulation or overtime and the Canucks (vs. EDM) lose in regulation. These two teams are guaranteed to face each other in the first round, with home ice being undecided.
The Jets are guaranteed to finish in the second Wild Card position and will visit either Anaheim or St. Louis.

Sharks at Kings
The Sharks in the 11th draft position will the able to move up to 9th or down to the 12th. They are 1 point behind Dallas (vs NSH) and 2 points ahead of Colorado (vs CHI). They have the same number of points as Florida (vs. NJD) but hold the ROW tiebreaker by 7 wins.
The Kings are in the 13th draft position, two points behind Boston (@TBL). They would drop to the 14th position with a regulation or overtime win and a Bruins regulation loss.

Wild at Blues
The Wild sit in the first Wild Card spot, where they would visit either St. Louis or Anaheim. They are two points behind Chicago (@COL) in the Central, and would overtake them with a win and a Hawks regulation loss, at which point they would visit Nashville in the first round.
The Blues have clinched the Central Division, but are still fighting Anaheim (@ARZ) for the top spot in the conference and home ice through the conference final. The Blues and Ducks have identical records, but Anaheim has the ROW tiebreaker. If bother win in regulation or overtime, or if both gain one point, or if either get a point, the Ducks would take the West. The Blues can only win the West by getting more points than the Ducks today. The winner of the West would host Winnipeg in the first round. The other would host either Chicago or Minnesota.

Penguins at Sabres
The Penguins currently hold the second wild card position, one point behind Ottawa (@PHI) and one ahead of Boston (@TBL). The Penguins will only miss the playoffs if Boston wins in regulation and the Pens fail to get a point against Buffalo, as they gold the ROW tiebreaker. By getting a point today, the Pens would clinch a playoff spot, or by getting zero and the Bruins getting fewer than two. They can also move into the first Wild Card spot if they more points than the Senators today, as they hold that ROW tiebreaker as well. If the Sens were to move into 3rd in the Atlantic, the Pens would also claim the first Wild Card spot and a matchup with the Atlantic champ with a regulation win and a Detroit (@CRL) regulation loss. Possible first round opponents are the Rangers, the Lightning, and the Canadiens. If the Pens drop out of the playoffs, they are guaranteed the 14th draft position.
The Sabres are guaranteed the 1st draft position regardless of today’s games.  

Canadiens at Maple Leafs
The Canadiens are currently first in the Atlantic, two points ahead of Tampa Bay (vs. BOS). The Lightning hold the tiebreaker, and could only pass the Habs for the division title with a win and a Habs regulation loss. Montreal will host one of Boston, Pittsburgh, Detroit or Ottawa in the first round.
The Maple Leafs are guaranteed the 4th draft position regardless of today’s games.

Devils at Panthers
The Devils are guaranteed the 6th draft position regardless of today’s games.
The Panthers are currently in the 10th draft position. The could fall as far as the 12th spot or could move up to the 8th.  They have two more points than Columbus (@NYI), one more than Colorado (vs. CHI), the same number as San Jose (@LAK) who holds the tiebreaker, and one fewer than Dallas (vs. NSH).

Blue Jackets at Islanders
The Blue Jackets have the 8th draft position. They could fall as far as the 10th. They have one fewer point than Colorado (vs. CHI) and two fewer than Florida (vs. NJD).
The Islanders are 3rd in the Metro and will be facing Washington in the first round. Home ice is still undecided. The Isles are a point behind the Caps (vs. NYR), and each have 40 ROWs. The Islanders hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Isles can overtake the Caps with a win and the Caps getting fewer than two points, or if they get one point and the Caps get none.


Red Wings at Hurricanes
The Red Wings currently hold the 3rd spot in the Atlantic. They are one point ahead of Ottawa (@PHI), who could overtake their Atlantic spot, and two ahead of Pittsburgh (@BUF) who could finish ahead of them in the Wild Card if the Sens pass the Wings. In order to lose their Atlantic spot, Ottawa would need to win and Detroit would need to lose in regulation. If that were to happen, Pittsburgh could also pass them with a regulation or overtime win, in which case Detroit would visit the Rangers in the first round. In other scenarios, the Wings will visit either Tampa or Montreal in the opening round.
The Hurricanes are guaranteed the 5th draft position regardless of today’s games.

Bruins at Lightning
The Bruins are currently out of a playoff spot. They are one point behind Pittsburgh (@BUF) for the 2nd Wild Card spot, where they would visit the Rangers in the first round. They are also two points behind Ottawa (@PHI) for the first Wild Card spot, where they would visit Montreal (if the Bruins win, Tampa can’t pass Montreal). To pass Pittsburgh, Boston would need a win and a Pitt regulation loss, or a Boston ROW and a Pitt overtime or shootout loss. If Pitt wins, Boston can’t pass them. Boston could also pass Ottawa with a regulation win and a Sens regulation loss. Boston can’t pass Ottawa if the Sens get a point today. Outside of the playoffs, the Bruins hold the 14th draft position. They could move up to the 13th position with a regulation loss and a regulation win for the Kings (vs. SJS).
The Lightning are currently 2nd in the Atlantic, two points back of Montreal (@TOR). They have the ROW tiebreaker, and to take the division crown would need a win plus a Montreal regulation loss. They will host one of Detroit, Ottawa, Boston or Pittsburgh in the opening round.

Predators at Stars
The Predators are guaranteed to finish 2nd in the Central regardless of today’s games and will host either Chicago or Minnesota in the first round.
The Stars currently hold the 12th draft position, and could move as high as the 10th. They are a point ahead of both San Jose (@LAK) and Florida (vs. NJD).

Blackhawks at Avalanche
The Blackhawks are currently 3rd in the Atlantic, two points ahead of Minnesota (@STL). If they hold their position, they would visit Nashville in the opening round. They could fall to the first Wild Card spot with a regulation loss plus a win for the Wild, in which case they would visit either Anaheim or St. Louis.
The Avalanche hold the 9th draft position. They could move up to the 8th, or fall back to the 11th. They are a point ahead of Columbus (@NYI) and a point behind both Florida (vs. NJD) and San Jose (@LAK).

Ducks at Coyotes
The Ducks are guaranteed first in the Pacific, but are still fighting St. Louis (vs. MIN) for the top spot in the West. The two teams have identical records, but Anaheim has the ROW tiebreaker. The Ducks would take the conference and host the Jets in the first round by getting more points today than the Blues. Otherwise they will host Chicago or Minnesota.
The Coyotes are guaranteed the 2nd draft position regardless of today’s games.

Oilers at Canucks
The Oilers are guaranteed the 3rd draft position regardless of today’s games.

The Canucks currently sit second in the Pacific, two points ahead of Calgary (@WPG), who they will face in the first round with home ice still undecided. Calgary can pass Vancouver with a ROW and a Vancouver regulation loss. If the Canucks get a point, or if the Flames fail to get two points before a shootout, the Canucks will secure home ice.

Friday, April 10, 2015

NHL 2015 Stretch Run - Final Weekend

Three teams (Pittsburgh, Ottawa, and Boston) are fighting for the final two playoffs spots in the East. All other playoff teams are jockeying for position in terms of seedings. Teams whose spots are locked in have been underlined.


WESTERN CONFERENCE

PACFIC DIVISION
ANAHEIM DUCKS
Playoff Status: Clinched berth and 1st Pacific
Current position: 1st Pacific
Points: 107
Games Left: 1. Sat at Coyotes
Possible Finishes: 1st Pacific (chance at 1st West)
1st Round Picks: Ducks

ARIZONA COYOTES
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 29th NHL
Points: 56
Games Left: 1. Sat vs. Ducks
Possible Finishes: #1-#2 draft position
1st Round Picks: Coyotes, Blackhawks

CALGARY FLAMES
Playoff Status: Clinched berth
Current position: 3rd Pacific
Points: 97
Games Left: 1. Sat at Jets
Possible Finishes: 2nd Pacific, 3rd Pacific
1st Round Picks: Flames

EDMONTON OILERS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 28th NHL
Points: 61
Games Left: 1. Sat at Canucks
Possible Finishes: #3 draft position
1st Round Picks: Oilers, Penguins

LOS ANGELES KINGS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 18th NHL
Points: 93
Games Left: 1. Sat vs. Sharks
Possible Finishes: 13-#14 draft position
1st Round Picks: Kings

SAN JOSE SHARKS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 20th NHL
Points: 89
Games Left: 1. Sat at Kings
Possible Finishes: #7-#12 draft position
1st Round Picks: Sharks

VANCOUVER CANUCKS
Playoff Status: Clinched berth
Current position: 2nd Pacific
Points: 97
Games Left: 2. Thu vs. Coyotes, Sat vs Oilers
Possible Finishes: 2nd Pacific, 3rd Pacific
1st Round Picks: Canucks

























CENTRAL DIVISION
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Playoff Status: Clinched berth
Current position: 3rd in Central
Points: 102
Games Left: 1. Sat at Avalanche
Possible Finishes: 3rd Central, 1st Wild Card
1st Round Picks: None

COLORADO AVALANCHE
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 22nd NHL
Points: 88
Games Left: 1. Sat vs. Blackhawks
Possible Finishes: #8-#12 draft position
1st Round Picks: Avalanche

DALLAS STARS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 19th NHL
Points: 90
Games Left: 1. Sat vs. Predators
Possible Finishes: #10-#12 draft position
1st Round Picks: Stars

MINNESOTA WILD
Playoff Status: Clinched berth
Current position: 1st Wild Card
Points: 100
Games Left: 1. Sat at Blues
Possible Finishes: 3rd Central, 1st Wild Card
1st Round Picks: Wild

NASHVILLE PREDATORS
Playoff Status: Clinched berth and 2nd Central
Current position: 2nd Central
Points: 104
Games Left: 1. Sat at Stars
Possible Finishes: 2nd Central
1st Round Picks: None

ST. LOUIS BLUES
Playoff Status: Clinched berth and Central
Current position: 1st Central
Points: 107
Games Left: 1. Sat vs. Wild
Possible Finishes: 1st Central (chance at 1st West)
1st Round Picks: None

WINNIPEG JETS
Playoff Status: Clinched berth and 2nd Wild Card
Current position: 2nd Wild Card
Points: 97
Games Left: 1. Sat vs. Flames
Possible Finishes: 2nd Wild Card
1st Round Picks: Jets















EASTERN CONFERENCE

ATLANTIC DIVISION
BOSTON BRUINS
Playoff Status: In the hunt
Current position: 3rd Wild Card
Points: 95
Games Left: 1. Sat at Lightning
Possible Finishes: 1st Wild Card, 2nd Wild Card, #13-#14 draft position
1st Round Picks: Bruins

BUFFALO SABRES
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 30th NHL
Points: 54
Games Left: 2. Fri at Blue Jackets, Sat vs. Penguins
Possible Finishes: #1-#2 draft position
1st Round Picks: Sabres, Islanders, Blues

DETROIT RED WINGS
Playoff Status: Clinched berth
Current position: 3rd Atlantic
Points: 98
Games Left: 1. Sat at Hurricanes
Possible Finishes: 3rd Atlantic, 1st Wild Card, 2nd Wild Card
1st Round Picks: Red Wings

FLORIDA PANTHERS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 21st NHL
Points: 89
Games Left: 1. Sat vs. Devils
Possible Finishes: #8-#12 draft position
1st Round Picks: Panthers

MONTREAL CANADIENS
Playoff Status: Clinched berth
Current position: 1st Atlantic
Points: 108
Games Left: 1. Sat at Maple Leafs
Possible Finishes: 1st Atlantic, 2nd Atlantic
1st Round Picks: Canadiens

OTTAWA SENATORS
Playoff Status: In the hunt
Current position: 1st Wild Card
Points: 97
Games Left: 1. Sat at Flyers
Possible Finishes: 3rd Atlantic, 1st Wild Card, 2nd Wild Card, #14 draft position
1st Round Picks: Senators

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
Playoff Status: Clinched berth
Current position: 2nd Atlantic
Points: 106
Games Left: 1. Sat vs. Bruins
Possible Finishes: 1st Atlantic, 2nd Atlantic
1st Round Picks: Rangers

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 27th NHL
Points: 67
Games Left: 1. Sat vs. Canadiens
Possible Finishes: #4 draft position
1st Round Picks: Maple Leafs, Predators



METROPOLITAN DIVISION
CAROLINA HURRICANES
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 26th NHL
Points: 71
Games Left: 1. Sat vs. Red Wings
Possible Finishes: #5 draft position
1st Round Picks: Hurricanes

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 23rd NHL
Points: 85
Games Left: 2. Fri vs. Sabres, Sat at Islanders
Possible Finishes: #7-#10 draft position
1st Round Picks: Blue Jackets

NEW JERSEY DEVILS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 25th NHL
Points: 78
Games Left: 1. Sat at Panthers
Possible Finishes: #6 draft position
1st Round Picks: Devils

NEW YORK ISLANDERS
Playoff Status: Clinched berth
Current position: 3rd Metropolitan
Points: 98
Games Left: 2. Fri at Penguins, Sat vs. Blue Jackets
Possible Finishes: 3rd Metropolitan, 1st Wild Card, 2nd Wild Card
1st Round Picks: None

NEW YORK RANGERS
Playoff Status: Clinched berth, 1st Metropolitan, 1st East and 1st NHL
Current position: 1st Metropolitan
Points: 111
Games Left: 1. Sat at Capitals
Possible Finishes: 1st Metropolitan
1st Round Picks: None

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 24th NHL
Points: 84
Games Left: 1. Sat vs. Senators
Possible Finishes: #7-#8 draft position
1st Round Picks: Flyers, Lightning

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Playoff Status: In the hunt
Current position: 2nd Wild Card
Points: 96
Games Left: 2. Fri vs. Islanders, Sat at Sabres
Possible Finishes: 3rd Metropolitan, 1st Wild Card, 2nd Wild Card, #14 draft position
1st Round Picks: None

WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Playoff Status: Clinched berth and 2nd Metropolitan
Current position: 2nd Metropolitan
Points: 101
Games Left: 1. Sat vs. Rangers
Possible Finishes: 2nd Metropolitan
1st Round Picks: Capitals



Tuesday, April 7, 2015

NHL Stretch Run - 5 Days Remaining

It’s sure to be a crazy finish to the 2014-15 NHL season. With five days to go, the standings are still wide open. Only 8 teams have clinched playoff berths so far and only 12 have been eliminated. That leaves 10 teams battling it out for the remaining 8 postseason tickets, plus much is undecided with the seedings of those who have already clinched. Meanwhile, the fight for the bottom of the league is also intriguing with so much hype around the upcoming entry draft. There are many charts out there detailing the standings and the remaining playoff and draft position races, but they can be a little intimidating to look at and difficult to grasp. Below, I have done my best to separate each team so that you can look at them individually and understand their particular scenarios. I will continue to update daily until the season ends on April 11. All postings are written before the day’s games have begun.

First off, a little info about how the postseason berths, matchups, and draft order work this season for those who are unfamiliar:
Playoffs:
8 teams make the postseason in each conference (there are 16 teams in the East, 14 in the West). The top three teams in each division make the playoffs, plus the next two best teams in the conference standings. These two are the Wild Card teams. The three divisional teams are seeded 1-3 based on the standings. In each conference, the better of the two division winners hosts the 2nd wild card in the first round, while the top wild card visits the other division winner. The remaining matchups are within each division, with the 2nd divisional seed hosting the 3rd.
Draft:
For the most part, the draft order is based on the reverse of the standings, with a few exceptions. The 14 teams that miss the playoffs are entered into the draft lottery, which for this season affects only the first overall pick. The lower the finish, the greater the chance of winning the top pick. The probabilities are below. For the remaining rounds, the draft positions revert to the reverse standings. For the teams that make the playoffs, the draft positions are a little different based on performance. The four teams that reach the conference finals receive the bottom four picks (#27-30). The remaining 12 get picks #15-26 in reverse standings order. The Stanley Cup champion gets the #30 draft position, the Stanley Cup runner-up gets #29, and the remaining two conference finalists get #27 and #28 in reverse standings order.


DRAFT LOTTERY PROBABILITIES
#1 position (30th NHL) – 20%
#2 position (29th NHL) – 13.5%
#3 position (28th NHL) – 11.5%
#4 position (27th NHL) – 9.5%
#5 position (26th NHL) – 8.5%
#6 position (25th NHL) – 7.5%
#7 position (24th NHL) – 6.5%
#8 position (23rd NHL) – 6%
#9 position (22nd NHL) – 5%
#10 position (21st NHL) – 3.5%
#11 position (20th NHL) – 3%
#12 position (19th NHL) – 2.5%
#13 position (18th NHL) – 2%
#14 position (17th NHL) – 1%


WESTERN CONFERENCE

PACFIC DIVISION
ANAHEIM DUCKS
Playoff Status: Clinched berth and Pacific
Current position: 1st Pacific
Points: 107
Games Left: 2. Wed vs. Stars, Sat at Coyotes
Possible Finishes: 1st Pacific (chance at 1st West, 1st NHL)
1st Round Picks: Ducks

ARIZONA COYOTES
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 29th NHL
Points: 56
Games Left: 3. Tue at Flames, Thu at Canucks, Sat vs. Ducks
Possible Finishes: #1-#3 draft position
1st Round Picks: Coyotes, Blackhawks

CALGARY FLAMES
Playoff Status: In the hunt
Current position: 3rd Pacific
Points: 93
Games Left: 3. Tue vs. Coyotes, Thu vs. Kings, Sat at Jets
Possible Finishes: 2nd Pacific, 3rd Pacific, 1st Wild Card, 2nd Wild Card, #13-#14 draft position
1st Round Picks: Flames

EDMONTON OILERS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 28th NHL
Points: 59
Games Left: 3. Tue vs. Kings, Thu vs. Sharks, Sat at Canucks
Possible Finishes: #2-#3 draft position
1st Round Picks: Oilers, Penguins

LOS ANGELES KINGS
Playoff Status: In the hunt
Current position: 3rd Wild Card
Points: 93
Games Left: 3. Tue at Oilers, Thu at Flames, Sat vs. Sharks
Possible Finishes: 2nd Pacific, 3rd Pacific, 1st Wild Card, 2nd Wild Card, #13-#14 draft position
1st Round Picks: Kings if no playoffs, None if playoffs

SAN JOSE SHARKS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 20th NHL
Points: 87
Games Left: 2. Thu at Oilers, Sat at Kings
Possible Finishes: #7-#12 draft position
1st Round Picks: Sharks

VANCOUVER CANUCKS
Playoff Status: In the hunt
Current position: 2nd Pacific
Points: 97
Games Left: 2. Thu vs. Coyotes, Sat vs Oilers
Possible Finishes: 2nd Pacific, 3rd Pacific, 1st Wild Card, 2nd Wild Card, #13-#14 draft position
1st Round Picks: Canucks


CENTRAL DIVISION
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Playoff Status: Clinched berth
Current position: 3rd in Central
Points: 102
Games Left: 3. Tue vs. Blackhawks, Thu at Blues, Sat at Avalanche
Possible Finishes: 1st Central, 2nd Central, 3rd Central, 1st Wild Card (chance at 1st West)
1st Round Picks: None

COLORADO AVALANCHE
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 22nd NHL
Points: 84
Games Left: 3. Tue vs. Predators, Thu vs. Jets, Sat vs. Blackhawks
Possible Finishes: #7-#12 draft position
1st Round Picks: Avalanche

DALLAS STARS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 19th NHL
Points: 88
Games Left: 2. Wed at Ducks, Sat vs. Predators
Possible Finishes: #8-#12 draft position
1st Round Picks: Stars

MINNESOTA WILD
Playoff Status: In the hunt
Current position: 1st Wild Card
Points: 96
Games Left: 3. Tue at Blackhawks, Thu at Predators, Sat at Blues
Possible Finishes: 2nd Central, 3rd Central, 1st Wild Card, 2nd Wild Card, #13-#14 draft position
1st Round Picks: Wild

NASHVILLE PREDATORS
Playoff Status: Clinched berth
Current position: 2nd Central
Points: 104
Games Left: 3. Tue at Avalanche, Thu vs. Wild, Sat at Stars
Possible Finishes: 1st Central, 2nd Central, 3rd Central, (chance at 1st West, 1st NHL)
1st Round Picks: None

ST. LOUIS BLUES
Playoff Status: Clinched berth
Current position: 1st Central
Points: 105
Games Left: 3. Tue vs. Jets, Thu vs. Blackhawks, Sat vs. Wild
Possible Finishes: 1st Central, 2nd Central, 3rd Central (chance at 1st West, 1st NHL)
1st Round Picks: None

WINNIPEG JETS
Playoff Status: In the hunt
Current position: 2nd Wild Card
Points: 94
Games Left: 3. Tue at Blues, Thu at Avalanche, Sat vs. Flames
Possible Finishes: 1st Wild Card, 2nd Wild Card, #13-#14 draft position
1st Round Picks: Jets



EASTERN CONFERENCE

ATLANTIC DIVISION
BOSTON BRUINS
Playoff Status: In the hunt
Current position: 3rd Atlantic
Points: 95
Games Left: 3. Wed at Capitals, Thu at Panthers, Sat at Lightning
Possible Finishes: 3rd Atlantic, 1st Wild Card, 2nd Wild Card, #13-#14 draft position
1st Round Picks: Bruins

BUFFALO SABRES
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 30th NHL
Points: 54
Games Left: 2. Fri at Blue Jackets, Sat vs. Penguins
Possible Finishes: #1-#2 draft position
1st Round Picks: Sabres, Islanders, Blues

DETROIT RED WINGS
Playoff Status: In the hunt
Current position: 2nd Wild Card
Points: 95
Games Left: 3. Tue vs. Hurricanes, Thu at Canadiens, Sat at Hurricanes
Possible Finishes: 3rd Atlantic, 1st Wild Card, 2nd Wild Card, #13-#14
1st Round Picks: Red Wings

FLORIDA PANTHERS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 21st NHL
Points: 87
Games Left: 2. Thu vs. Bruins, Sat vs. Devils
Possible Finishes: #7-#12 draft position
1st Round Picks: Panthers

MONTREAL CANADIENS
Playoff Status: Clinched berth
Current position: 1st Atlantic
Points: 106
Games Left: 2. Thu vs. Red Wings. Sat at Maple Leafs
Possible Finishes: 1st Atlantic, 2nd Atlantic (chance at 1st East, 1st NHL)
1st Round Picks: Canadiens

OTTAWA SENATORS
Playoff Status: In the hunt
Current position: 3rd Wild Card
Points: 93
Games Left: 3. Tue vs. Penguins, Thu at Rangers, Sat at Flyers
Possible Finishes: 3rd Atlantic, 1st Wild Card, 2nd Wild Card, #12-#14 draft position
1st Round Picks: Senators

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
Playoff Status: Clinched berth
Current position: 2nd Atlantic
Points: 104
Games Left: 2. Thu vs. Devils, Sat vs. Bruins
Possible Finishes: 1st Atlantic, 2nd Atlantic
1st Round Picks: Rangers

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 27th NHL
Points: 67
Games Left: 2. Wed at Blue Jackets, Sat vs. Canadiens
Possible Finishes: #4-#5 draft position
1st Round Picks: Maple Leafs, Predators



METROPOLITAN DIVISION
CAROLINA HURRICANES
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 26th NHL
Points: 69
Games Left: 3. Tue at Red Wings, Thu at Flyers, Sat vs. Red Wings
Possible Finishes: #4-#5 draft position
1st Round Picks: Hurricanes, Kings (if Kings make playoffs)

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 23rd NHL
Points: 83
Games Left: 3. Wed vs. Maple Leafs, Fri vs. Sabres, Sat at Islanders
Possible Finishes: #7-#12 draft position
1st Round Picks: Blue Jackets

NEW JERSEY DEVILS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 25th NHL
Points: 77
Games Left: 3. Tue vs. Rangers, Thu at Lightning, Sat at Panthers
Possible Finishes: #6-#7 draft position
1st Round Picks: Devils

NEW YORK ISLANDERS
Playoff Status: In the hunt
Current position: 3rd Metropolitan
Points: 98
Games Left: 3. Tue at Flyers, Fri at Penguins, Sat vs. Blue Jackets
Possible Finishes: 2nd Metropolitan, 3rd Metropolitan, 1st Wild Card, 2nd Wild Card, #13-#14 draft position
1st Round Picks: None

NEW YORK RANGERS
Playoff Status: Clinched berth and Metropolitan
Current position: 1st Metropolitan
Points: 109
Games Left: 3. Tue at Devils, Thu vs. Senators, Sat at Capitals
Possible Finishes: 1st Metropolitan (chance at 1st East, 1st NHL)
1st Round Picks: None

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
Playoff Status: Eliminated
Current position: 24th NHL
Points: 82
Games Left: 3. Tue vs. Islanders, Thu vs. Hurricanes, Sat vs. Senators
Possible Finishes: #6-#11 draft position
1st Round Picks: Flyers, Lightning

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Playoff Status: In the hunt
Current position: 1st Wild Card
Points: 95
Games Left: 3. Tue at Senators, Fri vs. Islanders, Sat at Sabres
Possible Finishes: 2nd Metropolitan, 3rd Metropolitan, 1st Wild Card, 2nd Wild Card, #13-#14 draft position
1st Round Picks: None

WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Playoff Status: Clinched berth
Current position: 2nd Metropolitan
Points: 99
Games Left: 2. Wed vs. Bruins, Sat vs. Rangers
Possible Finishes: 2nd Metropolitan, 3rd Metropolitan, 1st Wild Card, 2nd Wild Card
1st Round Picks: Capitals