The NHL season is entering its final stretch, with teams focused on securing playoff spots or improving their position for the upcoming draft. As the regular season winds down, each of the 32 clubs has something at stake. With 15 or fewer games remaining, the pressure is on.
Atlantic Division Battle Heats Up
The Sabres and the Lightning are competing for the top spot in the Atlantic Division. Their performance in the remaining games will determine who claims the division title. Securing the top spot would give either team a significant advantage heading into the playoffs.
Teams Eyeing the Draft Lottery
For teams out of playoff contention, attention shifts to the draft lottery. The Blackhawks are in the mix with other teams near the bottom of the league standings. The Canucks have probably sewn up a 32nd-place finish and the best odds of winning the No. 1 pick at the draft lottery.
The Blackhawks could use another dynamic forward to add to their roster. Where they land in the top three or five picks will depend on how they finish the season. The Panthers technically have a very slim chance of making the postseason.
What remains at stake for Florida is whether or not Florida keeps its pick, as its first-rounder from the Seth Jones trade is top-10 protected. Adding a good young prospect/asset would be a silver lining from a tough season.
Rangers Focus on Present Performance
The Rangers’ players are focused on their current performance, not on improving their lottery odds. They’ve been playing well coming out of the Olympic break. Gabe Perreault thriving with bigger minutes is encouraging, and Alexis Lafrenière was just named the NHL’s first star of the week.
Some fans, of course, will still be on reverse standings watch. That is all going to be worth monitoring down the stretch.
Coaching and Management Under Scrutiny
The Devils have had a disappointing season after a red-hot start and are now all but eliminated. The club’s management will have big-picture decisions to make about the organisation’s future. Will general manager Tom Fitzgerald be back next year? How about coach Sheldon Keefe?
Nothing will change the evaluation of Canucks management, or Adam Foote’s suitability to get a second year as Vancouver’s head coach. The Canucks have pride to play for, and that’s about it.
The next few weeks will be crucial for teams looking to solidify their playoff positions, while others hope to improve their standing in the draft lottery.