In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on which Western Conference team currently outside of the playoffs is most likely to get in.
Todd Cordell
I'll go with Calgary.
Discipline and depth are issues for them but I think they have too much star power to miss the playoffs in a mediocre division.
Their top line is excellent, the 3M line is one of the league's best two-way units, they have arguably the best defense pairing in the NHL and Mike Smith, who has been excellent this season, will be back sooner than later.
If they stop shooting themselves in the foot with weird roster decisions – Tanner Glass should never be in the lineup – and penalty trouble, I think they'll sneak in.
Adam French I think the Avalanche are probably the most likely to make the playoffs. However I kind of think that the way the standings are right now are the teams that will get in. Not the final positions obviously, but the same teams.
St. Louis seems to have thrown in the towel and Jake Allen can't stop a beach ball.
Calgary's goaltending is completely up in the air and they've been a very polarizing team all season.
I think the Ducks are too good of a team to not make it. LA survived the Carter-less months and not have him back. That's huge. Dallas I think is also a better team than the AVs and are in a good position.
The reason why the Avalanche are the most likely to bump one of those teams off would be the elite play of MacKinnon, the health and dominance of Erik Johnson and Tyson Barrie. Solid goaltending from Varlamov. They have 8 remaining games at home and have been very good there.
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