In this 48-game lockout-shortened NHL season, there are very few teams that are legitimately out of the playoffs.
The standings are very close, and even teams that are currently on the outside looking in have a chance to get back into the playoff picture by reeling off a few wins.
However, it isn't just the number of points a team needs to make up. It's also the number of teams they need to leapfrog past.
Some teams might only be a few points out, but there are four or five other teams between them and the last playoff spot.
In a season rife with three-point overtime games and with all games being between conference opponents, it is hard to make up ground and pass teams.
But if you can get in, even the eighth seed might be enough to make a deep run, as evidenced by the defending Stanley Cup Champions. The L.A. Kings backed into the playoffs as the eighth seed, then dominated on the way to the Stanley Cup.
With all that in mind, while teams like the Flyers, Lightning and Oilers are in deep trouble, there are three teams that currently have zero chance of realistically making the playoffs. And of course, if you d ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Joel Prosser
3 NHL Teams That Have No Shot at the 2013 Stanley Cup
March 23rd, 2013 by Joel Prosser Leave a reply »
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