In this edition of the hotstove we discuss which team currently holding a playoff spot will end up missing out when all is said and done.
Todd Cordell
I think Boston is a lot better than their record suggests but Toronto is one back with five in hand so it seems inevitable they fall out. With that in mind, I'm …‹still going to avoid the easy road and will choose St. Louis.…‹
Over their last 20 games, they have won eight times, controlled ~47% of the shots and their goaltending has been absolutely awful. It has gotten so bad that they left Jake Allen home for a game and resorted to starting Phoenix Copley instead.
Los Angeles' goal differential is 16 better, their 5v5 numbers are better and they're just one back of St. Louis. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Kings take the Blues' spot.
Peter Tessier I really want to be ridiculously bold with this pick, but the one thing holding me back is looking at the goal differential so you're safe for now Rangers.
If I look at the standings now and try to say who is likely to fall out it seems to me it will be either Boston or Calgary. The Bruins seem n obvious choice simply because the drama and circus of the Claude Julien rumours seem to never go away. It's like a ticking clock on his shelf life and their playoff chances.
The other team is Calgary. One week they are the dark horse for half of the online hockey media the next they are a puzzling enigma of inconsistency. So what's the pick? I'll say Bruins simply because when a coach is this obviously under the microscope strange choices and decisions happen as they try to hold on. Good luck Bruins, you're going to need it.
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