Final playoff runs are being made around the NHL. Which teams will make the playoffs? See what’s in store for Friday, March 30.
Note that all standings are for games played through Monday, March 26.
Toronto Maple Leafs versus New York Islanders
Toronto is third in the Atlantic Division, while the Islanders are last in the Metropolitan Division. The Maple Leafs are +26 to +10 over the Islanders on the Power Ranking Indicator and “burning hot” versus “ice cold down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. They also have won both meetings between the teams this season. Although the Islanders at home, Toronto has been solid on the road and overall a much better team. The Maple Leafs will come away with the win.
Tampa Bay Lightning versus New York Rangers
The Lightning hold the top record in the conference and are +30 on the Power Ranking Indicator. On the flip side, the Rangers are next to last in the Metropolitan Division and +8 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Similarly the Lightning have “burning hot” status versus “ice cold down” for the Rangers. In a bit of a surprise, the teams are even at one a piece in the season series. The Rangers are tied for sixth in Team Volatility and will be a home underdog. The Lightning should cruise to a win in this one.
Carolina Hurricanes versus Washington Capitals
Washington holds the top spot in the Metropolitan Division, while the Hurricanes are all but out of the playoff picture. The Capitals have won two of their last three games and hold a +24 to +11 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. At 8-2 over their last ten games, Washington is “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator versus “ice cold up” for Carolina. This is likely not a good bet if looking for an upset, so go with the Capitals in regulation by two goals.
Chicago Blackhawks versus Colorado Avalanche
Although Chicago has been eliminated from playoff consideration, they can play spoiler against the Avalanche who are very much in the picture. Colorado has won two of the last three meetings are are +17 to +3 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Chicago is 2-6-2 over their last ten and “dead” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Avalanche are a solid 26-10-2 at home and 6-3-1 over their last ten. Nothing leads me to believe Chicago can upset Colorado in this one.
Los Angeles Kings versus Anaheim Ducks
In the game of the day, the teams are deadlocked in the Pacific Division. They are also even in the last four meetings. Not surprisingly they have similar numbers on the oscillators with the Kings holding a slim +20 to +15 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. They are both “average” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Kings have nearly as good of road record as the Ducks do at home. This is a game where picking the Kings isn’t out of the question, however I see the Ducks in a close one, perhaps in overtime.
St. Louis Blues versus Vegas Golden Knights
In their first season, the Golden Knights have made the playoffs and are tops in the Pacific Division. The Blues are hanging on by a threat in the playoff race due to five straight wins. Vegas holds a slim +22 to +21 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator, but the Blues are “burning hot” at 7-2-1 over their last ten. The teams have split the last two games. Although the Golden Knights will be the favorites, here’s a game to go for an upset. The Blues have more to play for since Vegas already clinched and are a hot team. Don’t bee surprised to see St. Louis come out of Vegas with a victory.
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