Nearly 20 games to go in the NHL season so lets throw out some superlatives.
Most likely unlikely team to make the playoffs: Carolina Hurricanes, The canes haven’t made the NHL playoffs since 2008 and now they sit two spots out of the playoffs. The team is making strides there high scoring, and high flying offense is backed by a somehow ageless Cam Ward. They have to beat Detroit out though and the Red Wings haven’t missed the playoffs in over a decade.
Underdog story of the year: Last year it was the Ottowa Senators this year it’s going to be the Florida Panthers. How did this even happen? Last year the Panthers were up and coming and many thought they would sneak into the playoffs this year. They haven’t crawled in the tiny space between the playoff line and everyone else in the standings though. They have crushed everyone in their path and are second in the east just behind the Capitals. Quite Honestly it doesn’t seem like a first round exit is likely either.
Most likely to heat up the western conference playoff race: The Minnesota wild. Well after you fire Mike Yeo good things happen. 4 games with over five goals in a row the team is currently (as article is written) blowing out the Black Hawks. This team is going to make the west very interesting I don’t see Nashville or Colorado being able to keep up. Parise will be the catalyst for the insane scoring outbreak this team will have.
Most likely to disappoint in the Playoff race: The Colorado Avalanche. With the Wild heating up the Avalanche’s chances of making the playoffs do not look good. If the do want to compete the Defense of Colorado will have to step up something they really haven’t done over the past 3 years. The offense has carried them and Varlamov has been the rock at the back. If they want a playoff appearance and a playoff run the D has to step up.
Nice commentary. Well written. One of your better posts to date.