Western Conference Playoffs: Handicapping the Race

Feb 18, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Minnesota Wild goalie

(40) makes a save as Calgary Flames left wing

(24) tries to score during the overtime period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Minnesota Wild won 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

With the NHL Trade Deadline behind us, we can now shift our focus to the tight playoff races, particularly in the Western Conference.  Sure, there is some intrigue in the Eastern Conference with the Bruins sputtering and recent surges by the Panthers, Flyers, Devils, and Senators have at least made the race for the eight seed somewhat interesting.  But today, we’re here to talk about the Western Conference and the endless possibilities that can go down over the next six weeks.

If I was a betting man, I’d say the safe money is on the Predators, Blues, Blackhawks, and Ducks all making the playoffs.  While one injury or bad streak could derail that, let’s assume those four teams will comfortably make the field of eight.

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With that, we are left with six teams for four spots: the Jets, Wild, Canucks, Flames, Kings, and Sharks are all vying for those remaining payoff spots.  For the Jets and Wild, any post-season play will come via the wild card as the teams above them seemingly have locks at the top three Central spots.  For the Canucks, Flames, Kings, and Sharks, two of them will qualify via a top-three finish in the Pacific Division.  After that, either both, none, or one of the remaining two teams can grab a wild card spot.

So who will make the playoffs in the Western Conference?  We take a closer look over the next several pages.

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