NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Races Heating Up

Fire on ice action is really starting to heat up as the National Hockey League heads into the final quarter of the season. Most NHL teams have under 20 games left to be played and the playoff races are extremely tight in the Eastern Conference.

Surprise teams in the the thick of the chase include the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, and most shockingly – the Ottawa Senators. We are starting to get pumped up as the “real” NHL season is just over a month away – we can’t wait!

Atlantic Division: Big Apple Blueshirts Lead The Pack

One of the surprise teams in the NHL this season has been the New York Rangers. While LinSanity may be gripping the Big Apple, the Rangers are an even bigger story as they lead the East by nine points over the defending Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins. The Rangers also have a lock the Atlantic Division – as they hold a nine point lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Southeast Division: Three Horse Playoff Race

With just over a month left in the regular season, tightly contended races are taking place in both the Northeast and Southwest Divisions. The top three teams in the South seem to trade positions – almost on a daily basis, as the Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals, and Winnipeg Jets are separated by just four points for the division lead. The Caps and Jets are also separated by just one point as they battle for the eighth and final playoff spot in the South.

Northeast Division: Stanley Cup Champs Lead The Way

Up in the Northeast Division, the Boston Bruins are trying to hold the pesky Ottawa Senators who are the shock team of the NHL 2011-12 season. Picked to finish last in the entire league by many puck pundits, the Senators have far exceeded expectations as they trail the Boys from Beantown by just one point – though they have played four more games than the Bruins. That said, Ottawa, Philadelphia, and New Jersey all appear headed for postseason play.