NHL Regular Season 16-17

[biittner77]

The Metropolitan Division continues to be a dogfight, with the top four teams all having better records than anyone in the Atlantic or Pacific.

 

The current top 16 overall teams in points break down like this:

 

WSH   (MET)
MIN   (CEN)
PIT   (MET)
CBJ   (MET)
NYR   (MET)
CHI   (CEN)
SJ    (PAC)
MON   (ATL)
ANA   (PAC)
EDM   (PAC)
STL   (CEN)
OTT   (ATL)
BOS   (ATL)
TOR   (ATL)
NYI   (MET)
NSH   (CEN)

 

Considering how awful the coyotes and Vancouver are, you'd think the Sha arks would have put up more points.

[Derwood]

 

Considering how awful the coyotes and Vancouver are, you'd think the Sha arks would have put up more points.

 

They're only 10-7-3 against the Pacific. Ouch

[Derwood]

If the season ended today, the #3 and #4 best teams in the entire NHL would play in the 1st round. Based on last night's game, that would be a helluva series

[jersey cubs fan]

[biittner77]

Caps getting Shattenkirk is likely the most important trade so far. Not sure about the guys they gave up but the Caps got better and it will be up to the other contenders in the East to respond.

[Brian707]

If the season ended today, the #3 and #4 best teams in the entire NHL would play in the 1st round. Based on last night's game, that would be a helluva series

 

 

I believe that happened last year with the Hawks and Blues

[apete6]

If the season ended today, the #3 and #4 best teams in the entire NHL would play in the 1st round. Based on last night's game, that would be a helluva series

 

 

I believe that happened last year with the Hawks and Blues

 

Yeah, this new NHL playoff format sucks ass. Just go 1-8 or abandon geography altogether and go 1-16 (like the NBA is rumored to be considering).

[Derwood]

The Blue Jackets have set franchise records for wins and points, and still have 14 games to go. I'll be disappointed if they don't get out of the first round this year, but they would have to catch the Capitals to guarantee a much easier match up (they'd play the Penguins if the season ended today)

[biittner77]

The Blue Jackets have set franchise records for wins and points, and still have 14 games to go. I'll be disappointed if they don't get out of the first round this year, but they would have to catch the Capitals to guarantee a much easier match up (they'd play the Penguins if the season ended today)

 

I don't see how they pass both the Pens and the Caps. Given the Caps' playoff history, I guess the Jackets would rather take their chances against the Caps than the Pens.

[Derwood]

The Blue Jackets have set franchise records for wins and points, and still have 14 games to go. I'll be disappointed if they don't get out of the first round this year, but they would have to catch the Capitals to guarantee a much easier match up (they'd play the Penguins if the season ended today)

 

I don't see how they pass both the Pens and the Caps. Given the Caps' playoff history, I guess the Jackets would rather take their chances against the Caps than the Pens.

 

Well all three teams have played 68 games, and the Pens and CBJ are just one point behind Washington. I haven't looked to see how their schedules line up, but that #1 Metro team will probably play Toronto, while the 2/3 play each other.

[Derwood]

Updated playoff matchups as of 3/17:

 

WSH vs. TOR

MON vs. NYR

CBJ vs. PIT

OTT vs. BOS

 

CHI vs. STL

SJ vs. CAL

MIN vs. NSH

ANA vs. EDM

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Not NHL, but still.

 

[tweet]

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[biittner77]

The Blue Jackets have set franchise records for wins and points, and still have 14 games to go. I'll be disappointed if they don't get out of the first round this year, but they would have to catch the Capitals to guarantee a much easier match up (they'd play the Penguins if the season ended today)

 

I don't see how they pass both the Pens and the Caps. Given the Caps' playoff history, I guess the Jackets would rather take their chances against the Caps than the Pens.

 

Well all three teams have played 68 games, and the Pens and CBJ are just one point behind Washington. I haven't looked to see how their schedules line up, but that #1 Metro team will probably play Toronto, while the 2/3 play each other.

 

At first glance, it looks like the Caps have the easiest schedule in that they play 4 games against teams that are out of the playoffs or don't really have playoff aspirations (Coyotes twice, Florida and Colorado) The BJs have 2 games (Winnipeg and Buffalo) against non playoff teams. The Pens only remaining games against non play are at Devils, vs Islanders and vs Flyers. The Isles will still have playoff aspirations and the Flyers are always motivated against the Pens.

 

Pens and BJs both have to play the Hawks. The Pens have them at home, Columbus away. If it comes down to the last game of the season, Caps are home vs. Florida, Pens are @ Rangers and Columbus is @ Toronto.

 

Conclusion: The schedule favors the Caps. However, Columbus has 2 games remaining against the Caps so that gives them the chance to control their own destiny. A split of those games helps the Pens but they have the toughest schedule of the 3 teams.

[philosophizer75]

I can't wait for the playoffs to get rolling. Stanley Cup season is always awesome and exciting.

 

Feeling pretty good about the Pens regardless of who they have to face in round 1.

[Banedon]

So I guess Sidney Crosby can just do whatever he wants. Slash a guys fingertip off and no big deal.

[Derwood]

Is Bobrovsky the guy for the Vezina? 40 wins (after another shut out today) and leads the league in wins, save % and GAA. I guess Holtby and Dubnyk are hot on his heels, but I think if Bob completes the "triple crown" he'll win. I wish Werenski would get serious consideration for the Calder, but as a defenseman, he probably has no shot. He has 47 points (as a 19 year old), leads all rookies in +/-, and has just 14 PIM

[Derwood]

So I guess Sidney Crosby can just do whatever he wants. Slash a guys fingertip off and no big deal.

 

I should not have searched for video of that

[Derwood]

Updated matchups with 4 or 5 games left for most teams:

 

EAST

 

WSH vs. BOS

CBJ vs. PIT

MTL vs. NYR

TOR vs. OTT

 

WEST

 

CHI vs. NSH

MIN vs. STL

ANA vs. CAL

EDM vs. SJ

[Derwood]

When was the last time four teams from one division had 100+ points?

[bukie]

When was the last time four teams from one division had 100+ points?

It happened each of the last two years.

[Derwood]

When was the last time four teams from one division had 100+ points?

It happened each of the last two years.

 

So....not as rare as I thought. Good talk

[JonJayCutler]

Damn, I didn't know that team had any fans.

[Banedon]

NHL done with the Olympics.

 

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhl-will-not-participate-2018-pyeongchang-olympic-games/

[Derwood]

Damn, I didn't know that team had any fans.

 

What team

[biittner77]

NHL done with the Olympics.

 

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nhl-will-not-participate-2018-pyeongchang-olympic-games/

 

Meh, whatever. The Olympics will still be the Olympics and this way the US can actually win a gold medal. The NHL guys can play for their country in the world cup.