NHL: Handicapping the Western Conference playoff race
By Jasmine Yen
The Cinderella Stories
These are the teams that have an outside shot but have been playing very well as of late and have the chance to capitalize on their momentum and make it. The teams in this category are the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are currently three points back on the Arizona Coyotes and have two games in hand. After struggling early on in the season, the team has gotten into a groove and have gone 10-4 in their last 14 games.
light. Related Story. Should the Blackhawks be buyers or sellers?
Patrick Kane is having one of the best seasons of his career and the addition of Robin Lehner has really solidified the team’s backend. The tandem of Lehner and Corey Crawford have given the team the 6th best team save percentage. Good goaltending can hide all sorts of problems and the Blackhawks have two solid netminders to rely on.
Winnipeg Jets
Before the season started, there was a lot of doubt surrounding the Winnipeg Jets. The Dustin Byfuglien question and losing Jacob Trouba left their defense in shambles and it seemed like the Jets were doomed.
Next. Handicapping the Eastern playoff race. dark
Well, Neal Pionk and Josh Morrissey have really stepped up this season, with both players seeing an increased responsibility while also having career seasons. Connor Hellebyuck was playing really well in the first half of the season along with his teammates but have been struggling since mid-December. Unless the team can get it going again, their playoff hopes are slim, but with a loaded offense the Jets have, you can never count them out.