Eastern Conference
It looks like the Eastern Conference playoff race is down to 3 teams for the last 2 playoff spots (3rd in Atlantic and the 2nd wild card).
GP W L OTL Pts
Montreal 69 30 30 9 69
Florida 66 32 30 4 68
New Jersey 66 30 27 9 69
With only 1 point separating the 3 teams, this race will go on until the last game of the regular season.
A month ago, it seemed like New Jersey had all but locked up the last wild card spot, but a few rough weeks from the Devils and a good run from the Panthers and Habs as closed the gap and made this playoff race interesting.
With 3 games in hand, 2 more wins in the bank and only 1 point behind the Devils and the Canadiens, it looks like Florida has the advantage.
But neither one of these teams have demonstrated the ability to be consistent enough to earn a playoff spot.
Western Conference
The top 4 spots in the Pacific divisions are all be wrapped up, the only question left to answer is who will finish 2nd, 3rd and 4th and who will avoid the Sharks in the 1st round.
Although the Oilers currently hold the 2nd spot in the division, not having their top goalie for the remainder of the season will make that difficult with the Kings and Flames beathing down their neck.
In the Central division, we have a 3 horses race for the last 2 spots.
GP W L OTL Pts
Minnesota Wild 65 36 22 7 79
Chicago Blackhawks 68 36 27 5 77
ST Louis Blues 65 34 23 8 76
It may look like the Wild have a playoff spot wrapped up, but with only a 3-point lead on the Blues with 17 games left anything can happen.