NHL season reaches All-Star break
The 2011-12 NHL season has been a great one to date and the current all-star break provides a good time to observe both Conferences going into the business end of the season. With around 30 games left for the majority of teams, every game becomes crucial as they look to solidify a playoff berth in competitive leagues.
Starting with the East and the New York Rangers currently occupy the number one spot with 31 wins and 66 points. They have been effective both at home and on the road this season, with a solid platform being provided by Swedish goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who is having a great campaign so far.
If the season ended today, advancing to the playoffs from the East would be the Rangers, Bruins, Capitals, Flyers, Penguins, Senators, Panthers and Devils. Its not often you will hear this at this stage of the season, but I feel that every team in the Eastern Conference is still in with a shout of making the post season. Just 10 points currently separate 8th and 15th and if any of the teams towards the bottom of the East string several wins together, they will move up the table very quickly. There are some good teams all capable of making late playoff runs with the Lightning, Sabres, Maple Leafs and Canadians all currently sitting outside the top eight.
My surprise team in the East has to be the Ottawa Senators, who were picked by many at the start of the season to not challenge for a playoff spot at all. In my pre-season predictions, I bravely gave Ottawa a playoff berth and it seems like they definitely capable of securing one. The Sens currently have 60 points and host the all-star weekend – its exciting times in Ottawa.
Swiftly moving out West now and the Detroit Red Wings currently sit top with 67 points and an exquisite home record of 20-2-1 at Joe Louis Arena. The Wings have been a huge force in the NHL for a substantial length of time and they are in with a great shout of lifting the cup for the 12th time, behind some great leadership from veteran Nicklas Lidstrom.
If the season ended today, advancing to the playoffs from the West would be the Wings, Canucks, Sharks, Blues, Predators, Blackhawks, Kings and Wild. Along with the East, there is a chasing pack hot on the heels of eighth place, with the Avalanche, Stars, Flames and Phoenix all in with a chance.
My surprise outfit from the West is the St Louis Blues, who are currently on a mission to lift their first ever Stanley Cup. Along with the Wings, they have an impeccable home record (21-3-4) and have a great goaltending unit, conceding just 102 goals all season. If the Blues make the playoffs, they will be able to beat anyone at home, but with a poor away record so far, you have to fear their success away from home may be limited.
It has been an exhilarating season so far and it is set up for a tense ending. With both leagues so tight, it will all go down to the wire just like it did last season.
