Race for the chase: Western Conference
| Team | PTS | GR | Home | Away | Remaining Schedule |
| Chicago | 93 | 5 | 2 | 3 | Stl, @Nas, Min, @Min, @Det |
| San Jose | 88 | 6 | 2 | 4 | @Ana, @ Phx, Dal, @Dal, @Lak, Lak |
| Dallas | 87 | 6 | 2 | 4 | @Edm, @Van, @SJ, SJ, @Nas, Stl |
| Phoenix | 87 | 5 | 3 | 2 | SJ, Ana, Clb, @Stl, @Min |
| Los Angeles | 86 | 6 | 2 | 4 | @Cal, @Edm, @Min, Edm, SJ, @SJ |
| Colorado | 86 | 4 | 2 | 2 | @Van, @Cal, Clb, Nas |
| Calgary | 85 | 5 | 4 | 1 | Lak, Col, @Van, Van, Ana |
Peej’s Pucks (follow him on twitter @peej___ )
Going into tonight’s action, here are the up to the minute standings in the Western conference where 7 teams are competing for 4 playoff spots (closer to 6 for 3 as the only way the Blackhawks fall out of the picture is with an epic late season collapse).
Chicago
It will be interesting to see how the Hawks adjust to life without Toews and Keith. Grabbing points in 6 of their last 7 has virtually put them in the playoffs. The upcoming home and home with the Wild will certainly go a long way in securing their 6th spot in the standings. Why is finishing 6th so important in the conference? Whoever falls here will take on the champion of the Pacific division, the closest thing the NHL has to a season long grease fire.
San Jose
While currently in the 3rd spot after their win Monday night over Colorado and leading the Pacific division, the Sharks tenuous hold could change by the minute. With 4 of the 5 teams in the Pacific division within 2 points of each other it’s anyone’s guess as to who comes out on top of the division. The Sharks are on a 6 – 3 – 1 run over their last 10 games and look more like the team we have grown accustomed to seeing as we approach the season’s final push. Their home and home with the Kings will go a long way in determining the winner of the Pacific division.
Dallas
With the Stars owning the most regulation wins (first tie breaker) out of the 4 teams competing for the Pacific Division crown, they look to be the best bet to end up winning the division. However 4 of their next 5 games come away from home and for a team no one imagined would be here at the end of the year pressure can mount quickly.
Phoenix
For Phoenix to make the playoffs they will need to win 4 of their remaining 5 games. Two losses this past weekend really hurt the Coyotes chances and for the fans in the desert, this may be one of their last opportunities to see postseason hockey. The major brightside during their final 5 games is 3 of their opponents are merely playing out the stretch just looking to play spoiler.
Los Angeles
The Kings have been rolling for the last two weeks winning 6 out of 8 but missed a glorious opportunity for valuable points in their game against Vancouver Monday night. Jonathan Quick’s stellar netminding of late gives the Kings hope to secure not only a playoff spot but a chance at the division crown. They will go as far as he takes them…even if that includes missing the postseason entirely.
Colorado
With only 4 games remaining on their schedule, the Avalanche have a major uphill climb to make the postseason. Monday nights 5 – 1 loss to San Jose hurt and left most players scrambling for tee off times on April 8th.
Calgary
The Flames inconsistent play on the road ( 14 – 17 – 9 ) this year has been their biggest problem. With 5 games remaining but only one on the road, their fading playoff hopes still remain alive. Offensive ineptitude hasn’t helped them either as they’re ranked 25th in goals per game, not exactly consistent with playoff caliber hockey. My post from end of January sums it up perfectly “valiant team effort and late playoff push only to miss out on the postseason by a few precious points” and it just may prove prophetic.
