The NHL playoffs are getting close to starting, and some teams have already clinched spots. The Washington Capitals are leading the league in points and have sealed up their spot, while the Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings are also in.
Washington has 109 points this season to rank first in the NHL and has clinched home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. The Capitals are winners of the Metropolitan Division this season and are looking like favorites in the Eastern Conference. The Dallas Stars have clinched a playoff spot, but the Central Division is still up for grabs.
The Los Angeles Kings have also clinched a spot, but the Pacific Division is still a race with the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks. The Kings and Stars are both in good position to win their respective divisions, but they have to make sure that they end the season playing well to do that. The New York Rangers are close to clinching a spot in the playoffs, although teams like the Oilers and Maple Leafs have already been eliminated from contention.
The Atlantic Division standings in the Eastern Conference have the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers leading with 89 points each. The Boston Bruins are close with 86 points, while the Detroit Red Wings are battling for a wild card spot with 83 points. The Capitals have locked up the Metro Division, while the Rangers are in position to get home ice in the first round of the playoffs.
The Rangers are leading the Penguins with 92 points this season to 88 for Pittsburgh, while the New York Islanders are one point back with 87. The Islanders, Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers are all battling for wild card spots. The Islanders and Flyers are currently in position, with the Islanders leading by five points for the top wild card spot.
The Central Division in the Western Conference is still up for grabs with the Stars, St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks in the mix. The Blackhawks have faded a bit, but the Blues are just two points back of the Stars for the division lead. Chicago is four points back of St. Louis but has a solid lead over the Nashville Predators in the playoff standings.
The playoffs are getting close; which teams will make it?
