NHL Standings Western Conference Playoff Race

After a Saturday and Sunday of puck action upsets, the NHL standings, and particularly the Western Conference playoff races, are tighter than they have been all season long. The battle for first overall, as well as the final playoff spot, are still very much in doubt in the West.

Three of the top four teams in the wild West lost on the weekend as Vancouver fell the Buffalo Sabers, Detroit lost at home to the Blackhawks, and the Phoenix Coyotes fell 5-2 to the 20-38-7 Columbus Blue Jackets.

Western Conference Top Spot Overall Up For Grabs

With the three aforementioned teams coming up empty on the weekend – St. Louis, who defeated the Sharks 3-1 Saturday night, have moved into second place overall in the West. The Blues are tied with the Red Wings, as both clubs have 89 points, but St Louis holds the tie-breaker over Detroit for top spot in the Central Division. The Wings and Blues trail the Canucks (90 PTS) by just one point in the race for top spot in the Western Conference with each team having 16 games left to play.

Mid-Pack Status Quo In The West – Chase For Eighth Is Tight

After a brutal stretch, where they lost 12 of 16 contests, the Chicago Blackhawks have reeled off three straight wins including their 2-1 squeaker against the Wings on Sunday. The win was important as Chicago is now in sixth overall and seven points clear of the LA Kings who lead a pack of teams trying to get into a playoff position. The Nashville Predators are now pretty much locked into the five hole in the West.

Both Phoenix and San Jose have dropped two straight contests as they continue their battle for the top spot in the Pacific Division. By virtual of leading the Pacific, the Coyotes (75 PTS) sit third overall in the West Conference, while the Sharks (73 PTS) occupy the eight and final playoff position. The Kings and Colorado Avalanche both sit one point back of the Sharks with 72 points apiece, while the Calgary Flames are three points back with 70 points.