NHL Standings: Eastern and Western Conference Updates
Current Standings and Playoff Picture
The NHL regular season is in full swing, and the playoff race is heating up. In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Bruins hold a slim lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs, while the Carolina Hurricanes are just a point behind in third place. The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers round out the top five, while the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals are battling for the final wild card spot. In the Western Conference, the Colorado Avalanche are the clear frontrunners, sitting 10 points ahead of the second-place Edmonton Oilers. The Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets are tied for third place, while the Los Angeles Kings and Minnesota Wild are in the hunt for the final two wild card spots.
Upcoming Schedule and Key Matchups
With just over a month remaining in the regular season, there are several key matchups that could have a major impact on the playoff race. On March 29, the Bruins will host the Maple Leafs in a battle for first place in the East. On April 2, the Avalanche will face the Oilers in a rematch of last year's Western Conference Final. And on April 6, the Kings will take on the Wild in a game that could have playoff implications.
Playoff Format and Dates
The NHL playoffs will begin on April 12. The top three teams in each conference will automatically qualify for the playoffs, while the remaining four spots will be determined by a wild card game. The first round of the playoffs will be a best-of-seven series, followed by the second round and conference finals, which will also be best-of-seven series. The Stanley Cup Final will be a best-of-seven series, with the winner being crowned champion of the NHL. The NHL playoffs are always an exciting time, and this year's race for the Stanley Cup is sure to be no different. With so many great teams in contention, it's anyone's guess who will come out on top.
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