Numbers Game: Projected Final Standings

As we enter the final stretch of the NHL season, the playoff picture still remains very unclear.  In the East, all of the seeds are up for grabs and with the Habs continuing to fall in the standings, the Panthers, Sabres and even the surging Sens, have a very realistic shot at the final playoff seed.  In the West, the Sharks and Red Wings will continue to battle for the President’s trophy, the Flames risk losing 3rd place to the hot Canucks, and 5 teams sit within 7 points of the 8th place Predators.  

How will it all turn out come April 12th?  In today’s Numbers Game, we project the final NHL standings based on each team’s record in the previous number of games that they have remaining.  So, for example, the Bruins have 9 games left to play, so we looked at their record in the previous 9 games.

What does this mean for your team?  Well, I hope for your sake that you are not a Habs fan as the Sens would actually slip into 8th spot if both teams continue at their current pace.  In the West, the Sharks would maintain their claim to top seed, the Cancuks would overtake the Flames for the Northwest division title, and the Oilers would hold on to the final playoff seed.  And for all those Leafs fans, rest assured, the Leafs will be in a great position to draft a London Knights prospect. Unfortunately, with the 9th overall pick, the Knights prospect that would be availabe is Nazim Kadri.

Projected 1st round matchups:

EASTERN

(1) Bruins vs. (8) Senators

(2) Devils vs. (7) Hurricanes

(3) Captials vs. (6) Rangers

(4) Flyers vs. (5) Penguins

WESTERN

(1) Sharks vs. (8) Oilers

(2) Red Wings vs. (7) Predators

(3) Canucks vs. (6) Blackhawks

(4) Flames vs. (5) Blue Jackets

Projeted NHL standings:

EASTERN