12. Washington Capitals
The Capitals are next up on the list. They currently have a record of 24-16-6 o the season, and if the playoffs started today, they would be the first wild-card team in the playoffs. I think the goal has to be the top wild card team considering the other matchup is destined to be the Boston Bruins, who have lost just five games in 43 games so it is hard to imagine they are going to lose four in seven right at the start of the playoffs.
11. Minnesota Wild
The Wild recently signed Matt Boldy to an extension keeping him in Minnesota for the foreseeable future. Like the extension, the Wild on the ice are showing that they do not care about their salary cap issues, and they are destined to play some great hockey. In their past ten games, the Wild are 5-3-2.
10. New York Rangers
Next up, the New York Rangers have really found their ground. In their past ten games, the team is 6-2-2. While they did recently lose to the Canadiens at home, the Rangers are finding their footing again. They might not be the top team in the league, but once the playoffs come around, anything can happen for the Rangers.
9. Dallas Stars
At number nine, we have the Dallas Stars. Dallas has a record of 6-3-1 in their last ten and a record of 26-12-7 so far on the season. The way the standings fall on Tuesday morning currently has the Stars and Wild matched up for a round-one playoff matchup. While it is still early, can we all agree that if this happens, the winner gets the Stars’ name? If Dallas wins, they remain the Dallas Stars, but if Minnesota wins, the North Stars are back!