As we approach the end of March, the countdown to the end of the regular NHL season is on. With only three weeks left, the focus is shifting towards the intense playoff races that will determine which teams make it to the postseason. However, before we dive into the playoff scenarios, let’s take a moment to recognize the teams that have managed to stay out of both the top and bottom five rankings throughout the season.
This group of teams, the true middle of the pack, is an interesting mix this year. Out of the 32 teams in the league, 10 have successfully avoided landing in either extreme all season long. Let’s break them down into categories:
1. The good teams that could still make a run for the top five: The Tampa Bay Lightning and the Toronto Maple Leafs are two strong teams that have flirted with the top five rankings but haven’t quite made the cut. As they battle for first place in the Atlantic Division, they still have a chance to break into the top tier if they finish the season strong.
2. The teams that are content with their season: The Los Angeles Kings, Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Blues, and Calgary Flames fall into this category. While they haven’t been close to the top five, they have had a decent season and are on track to make the playoffs. The Flames, in particular, have been a pleasant surprise after many wrote them off at the beginning of the season.
3. The true middle-of-the-pack teams: The New York Islanders and the Utah team (presumably the Utah Grizzlies) have been consistent but not exceptional throughout the season. They have stayed in the playoff mix without making much noise in either direction.
4. The disaster: Unfortunately, the Boston Bruins have had a disappointing season. Starting slow, firing their coach, and struggling to stay above .500, they are now on a downward spiral that could see them land in the bottom five by the end of the season.
5. The mystery: The Vancouver Canucks have been a roller coaster of a team this season. Despite falling short of expectations and facing numerous challenges, they are still in the playoff hunt. Every game they play is unpredictable, making them a team that is hard to figure out.
Overall, it has been an intriguing season for these middle-of-the-pack teams. As we head into the final stretch of the regular season, it will be interesting to see how these teams fare and if any of them can make a late push to break into the top or bottom five.
In other news, the race for the Stanley Cup is heating up, with the Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights, Washington Capitals, Dallas Stars, and Winnipeg Jets leading the pack. Each team has its strengths and weaknesses, but the Jets currently hold the top spot and are looking like strong contenders for the title.
As for the bottom five teams, the Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, and San Jose Sharks are all struggling at the bottom of the standings. These teams are focused on rebuilding and securing a top draft pick for the future.
In the midst of all the playoff races and standings battles, it’s important to appreciate the teams that have managed to stay right in the middle throughout the season. As the regular season winds down, the excitement is building for what promises to be an intense and thrilling playoff season ahead.
