Heading into today’s massive 14-game slate, one of the major storylines we’re following is: Who will win the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference?
As it stands now, the New York Islanders and Detroit Red Wings both have 72 points; the Isles are given the tiebreaker in the standings right now as they have a higher points percentage, but when regulation wins come into play, the Red Wings sit two ahead. But thanks to some up-and-down play from those teams as of late, there are four teams within five points behind them.
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The Isles have the best chances of making the playoffs, per Stathletes’ projections, at 61.1%. Eight of their final 17 games are against teams currently outside the playoffs — including today’s matchup against the Ottawa Senators (12:30 p.m. ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+).
The Red Wings, who have a 12.1% chance of a playoff berth, play nine of their final 16 against non-playoff clubs, though they face the razor-hot Buffalo Sabres today (12:30 p.m. ET, NHL Network).
Speaking of the Sabres, they’ve gone 6-3-1 in their last 10 to pull within three points of the Isles and Wings, and have a 13.2% chance of reaching the postseason. Just seven of their remaining 15 games are against teams out of playoff position, but they’ve dispatched playoff-bound teams as well during the recent heater (including a 7-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights). Of note, the most recent Red Wings-Sabres tilt went to Buffalo, 7-3.
The Washington Capitals are looming one point behind the Isles and Wings, and Stathletes projects their playoff chances at 37.8%. They’ll skate in one of the evening’s nightcaps, at the Vancouver Canucks (10 p.m. ET, NHL Power Play on ESPN+). Washington’s schedule is tough, with just seven out of 17 games against teams not in playoff position.
One of those games will come against their classic rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are currently five back of the Isles and Wings. The Penguins — who play the New York Rangers this…
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39738711/nhl-playoffs-standings-2024-east-wild-card-wings-islanders-sabres
Author : Tim Kavanagh
Publish date : 2024-03-16 12:41:54
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