Each new day brings us closer to the end and to a new beginning. The old saying is “Get into the playoffs, and anything can happen.” It is a fresh start, yet it is also the most grueling, brutal playoff in all of sports. The sacred chalice that is the Stanley Cup waits at the end, but you are going to pay dearly for it along the way.
Last night, the standings took another step toward completion as the Chicago Blackhawks win officially eliminated the Calgary Flames from contention. The win also helped the Hawks hang on to their perilous lead over the Dallas Stars for the final playoff spot.
Meanwhile, out on the west coast, the Los Angeles Kings beat the Phoenix Coyotes in a shootout to put the stamp on their playoff position. While their seeding is still not set, the Kings are in, and no one can take that away from them.
Current Matchups, if the Playoffs Started Today:
West
Vancouver Canucks vs Chicago Blackhawks
San Jose Sharks vs Anaheim Ducks
Detroit Red Wings vs Phoenix Coyotes
Los Angeles Kings vs Nashville Predators
East
Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers
Philadelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabres
Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Tampa Bay Lightning