The Race is On
As the NHL winds down the regular season, the postseason race is starting to heating up. All playoff hopefuls are trying to secure their final positions in the Top Eight.
In the East, the Caps have the top spot sewn up with 114 points. That’s over ten points more than those battling it out for the number two spot. The Devils and Pens are tied at 97 points with the Sabres right behind at 96 points. While the top three are trying to work it out, there are also some questions surrounding the final position.
The Bruins are currently at number seven with 85 points. They needed a win in their game against the Caps on Monday night for a more secure position, but it wasn’t to be. Boston was defeated 2-3 in an overtime stunner, which has really put their playoff hopes in jeopardy. There are three games left for the Bruins, including a Thursday matchup against the division leading Sabres and a rematch against the Caps on Sunday, April 11. A win in all three final games will be a must if they want to stay ahead of those teams looking to knock them out of their playoff spot. Leading that charge is the Philadelphia Flyers who are also looking at three more games. Philly is suffering from some goalie issues, but watch for them to pull out all the stops as they cling to their playoff hopes.
The Blackhawks and the Sharks have been battling it out all season for the top spot in the Western Conference, and it looks like they’re going to take it right down to the wire. The Sharks are currently holding onto a two-point lead with 107 points to Chicago’s 105 points. The rest of the conference is looking a little more certain. The Coyotes continue to shock this season as they have racked up 102 points and are hoping to grab the number three spot. The Canucks, Predators, Red Wings, and Kings are all also in the mix. And, the Avs have successfully defended their number eight spot.
It will be interesting to see who ends up where, particularly since the playoff race is so tight at this point. Every game matters as we play through the final week of the regular season. The following games are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 6 so don’t forget to check it out. Also don’t forget to check out all the odds on offer on BetUS.
New York Rangers v Buffalo Sabres
Rangers: +1 ½ -290
Sabres: -1 ½ +240
Philadelphia Flyers v Toronto Maple Leafs
Flyers: -1 ½ +230
Leafs: +1 ½ -270
Montreal Canadiens v New York Islanders
Canadiens: -1 ½ +225
Islanders: +1 ½ -265
New Jersey Devils v Atlanta Thrashers
Devils: -1 ½ +225
Thrashers: +1 ½ -265
Ottawa Senators v Florida Panthers
Senators: -1 ½ +230
Panthers: +1 ½ -270
Carolina Hurricanes v Tampa Bay Lightning
Hurricanes: -105
Lightning: -115
Chicago Blackhawks v Dallas Stars
Blackhawks: -1 ½ +200
Stars: +1 ½ -240
San Jose Sharks v Calgary Flames
Sharks: +1 ½ -270
Flames: -1 ½ +230
Los Angeles Kings v Anaheim Ducks
Kings: -105
Ducks: -115
The end of the season is also spurring on the scoring race as the league’s top scorers battle it out for the top position. The usual suspects are racking up the goals again, but it looks like they have some competition this year.
Sidney Crosby is leading the charge after a wrist shot against Toronto on Sunday night that put him at an amazing 47 goals. Though, Caps power forward Alex Ovechkin is right behind him with 46. But is Tampa Bay’s Steve Stamkos going to knock Ovi out of his number two spot? It’s entirely possible as Stampkos slapped in his 46th goal of the season off the point last Wednesday. San Jose’s Patrick Marleau is rounding out the top 4 goal scorers of the season with 43. You can see a few of these goals in the video below as NHL.com has released their top 10 goals of the season. Check it out and then get to BetUS to take a shot at the upcoming games.
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