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NHL: Handicapping the Eastern Conference playoff race

By Jasmine Yen

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 01: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on alongside Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena on May 1, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 01: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on alongside Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena on May 1, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images /

With roughly 30 games left in the NHL regular season, the intensity is heating up. Here is a deep dive into the Eastern Conference’s tight playoff race.

The Eastern Conference playoff picture is a constantly shifting tapestry as teams jostle each other for a higher position in the standings. There are currently four teams fighting for two wild-card spots and three of them are tied with 61 points. It’s the most compelling race in the NHL.

Entering February, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, and Philadelphia Flyers are in a deadlock. Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets sit one spot above, with just one point separating them. Here is a deep dive into the competitive teams and whether or not they will remain in the race or slowly fall off the wagon.

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These are the teams that are built for the playoffs and will make it barring some miraculous collapse. In the Metropolitan Division, the two teams are the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the Atlantic Divison, the teams are the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Washington Capitals

The Capitals have been the best team in the league and Alexander Ovechkin seems to have found another goal-scoring gear. This team is well-rounded and poised to make some noise in the playoffs.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins managed more than just navigate through their devastating injuries. They have been one of the best teams in the league without Sidney Crosby and both Evgeni Malkin and Jake Guentzel missed some action as well. With their stars back on the team, there is no way they are missing the postseason.

Boston Bruins

The Bruins have been the second-best team in the entire league with 72 points and look ready to redeem themselves after losing in the Stanley Cup Finals last year. They have arguably the best line in hockey and David Pastrnak has established himself as a premier goalscorer in the league.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning started off the season rocky but their stars have found their groove and they have been one of the hotter teams in the league as of late, including a 10-game winning streak. In their last 17 games, Tampa has a 14-2-1 record. They’ve been doing alright.

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