Play-off Hockey
As the NHL season begins to wind down we find ourselves staring down the barrel of some brilliant play-off hockey. Whilst the final play-off spots are not yet set in stone, I believe the 16 teams that currently occupy the play-off spots will be the ones that are still there at the end of the NHL regular season.
In the current group is a great mixture of the old and the new. Should the Detroit Red Wings make it into the play-offs, it will be their 18th consecutive season, which is an amazing feat considering the unpredictable nature of hockey. They have consistently proven themselves to be one of the best franchises of all time. The Montreal Canadiens could also be joining the Red Wings in the play-offs and bring with them the most successful record of any NHL team. Another team with a proud history are the Boston Bruins and it looks like they will also be fighting it out for the Stanley Cup.
Some surprises have managed to find their way into the play-off spots so far this season and they look like they will comfortably qualify also. The Phoenix Coyotes are perhaps the biggest story of the season and, should they win the Stanley Cup, it will be the perfect ending to a fairytale season. The Colorado Avalanche have also been somewhat of a surprise package also and yet they find themselves on the verge of play-off qualification with several games to go.
At the top of the pile sit the Washington Capitals. They have been a dominating force all season and look like the favourites for the Stanley Cup as things stand. Returning the play-offs also will be Pittsburgh. The Penguins are the current Stanley Cup holders and their experience will keep them in good stead. Chicago and Vancouver, along with New Jersey, San Jose, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Ottawa help to round off a great group of teams, all with a decent chance of taking the Cup. The play-offs should be fantastic.
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