The Playoff Chase – February 15 2015

9 years ago

Another week, another shuffle in the Western Conference playoff race! Yet despite everyone shuffling in their order, the same eight teams remain in the Western Conference playoff spots. For now.

Here’s a look at the next seven days.

WINNIPEG (68 POINTS)

Record: 29-19-10 in 58 games; first wild-card in the West

Monday vs. Edmonton
Thursday at Washington
Saturday at Toronto

Two of the NHL’s worst clubs face the Jets this week. Oh, and the Capitals, who are quite good. Overall, a fairly simple week for the Jets.

SAN JOSE (67 POINTS)

Record: 29-20-8 in 57 games; second place in Pacific Division

Sunday vs. Tampa Bay
Tuesday at Nashville
Thursday at Dallas
Saturday vs. Los Angeles

The week features two tough games for the Sharks and two winnable games against conference opponents afterwards. They should get at least a split. I think Flames fans are hoping they beat LA, at the very least.

VANCOUVER (65 POINTS)

Record: 31-21-3 in 55 games; third place in Pacific Division

Monday vs. Minnesota
Thursday at NY Rangers
Friday at New Jersey

Let’s hope it’s a two point game on Monday – go Canucks, I guess… And then the Canucks get a tough game in the Big Apple and then an easier one in Newark.

CALGARY (65 POINTS)

Record: 31-22-3 in 56 games; second wild-card in the West

Monday vs. Boston
Wednesday vs. Minnesota
Friday vs. Anaheim

The home side has a pair of tough game against established playoff teams, and sandwiched in-between is a game featuring the hottest team in hockey. This week is a measuring stick. Win two of three (or more), and you’re probably worthy of being a playoff squad.

MINNESOTA (63 POINTS)

Record: 28-20-7 in 55 games; two points back of Calgary for the final wild-card with a game in hand

Monday at Vancouver
Wednesday at Calgary
Friday at Edmonton

The Wild are 8-0-2 in their last ten thanks to Devan Dubnyk’s heroics. Now they head West for two tough games against teams they’re chasing for playoff spots. Oh, and Edmonton.

LOS ANGELES (62 POINTS)

Record: 25-18-12 in 55 games; three points back of Calgary for final wild-card with a game in hand (and three back of Vancouver for a divisional playoff spot)

Monday vs. Tampa Bay
Wednesday at Colorado
Saturday at San Jose

Three tough games for the defending champs this week.

DALLAS (60 POINTS)

Record: 26-22-8 in 56 games; five points back of Calgary for final wild-card

Tuesday at St. Louis
Thursday vs. San Jose
Saturday vs. Detroit

Dallas’ playoff hopes are tenuous right now. So the league gives them three games against established playoff teams. Oh, and they just lost Tyler Seguin.

COLORADO (57 POINTS)

Record: 23-22-11 in 56 games; eight points back of Calgary for final wild-card

Monday vs. Arizona
Wednesday vs. Los Angeles
Friday at Chicago

If Colorado gets to 10 points back of the Flames and/or the last wild-card, I might stop including them. They need wins to stay in this group. They have two tough games (and Arizona) this week. They might not be included here next week.