Todd Cordell
I think things will stay the way they are out West (with Minnesota edging out Colorado) but I'm going to say Philadelphia will take Detroit's spot in the East.
The Flyers have been playing real good hockey of late (7-2-1 in their last 10) while the Red Wings have faltered a bit because Petr Mrazek, who has been one of the NHL's best goaltenders this season, has cooled off.
Shayne Gostisbehere has been an absolute game changer on the back end plus Steve Mason and Michal Neuvirth have combined to give the Flyers the 2nd best 5 v 5 goaltending in the league this season.
I think that, coupled with some stars up front, gives the Flyers enough to unseat the Wings for the final wild card spot.
Jason Lewis I don't think it will happen in the West. There is too large a gap from the Colorado down, and despite the Avs being close enough I just do not think they have the quality to overtake a Nashville or Minnesota.
East it is a different story. Who are the Red Wings? It seems like every ten games or so this team is a completely different story. I think they are treading water though, and the Flyers are on the rise.
Philly has been unlucky in different ways almost all season, and they are finally starting to put together good stretches of wins and points. They are getting outstanding goaltending, they create a ton of scoring chances (top 10 in the league), and most importantly they seem to be converting on them now. Also with Gostisbehere/Gudas emerging, I think they have better blueline depth as well. If I had to pick one team that was going to leap into the playoffs in these final 17-18 games, it would be the Flyers.
James Tanner I think it's possible that either Philly or Carolina or Ottawa could squeak into the Eastern Wildcard - all it would take is for a cold streak from the Rangers, or Red Wings. With Schneider down, you can eliminate New Jersey.
In the West, the Avalanche could easily catch the Wild, but no one else has a chance.
All in all, it's probably the worst playoff race ever.
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