NHL Standings Update: 16 Teams Qualify for Playoffs
Close Contests Mark Final Regular Season Games
The National Hockey League (NHL) regular season has come to a close, with thrilling games determining the final standings. Several teams secured 4-3 victories, including WEB, FLA, TOR, NJD, SEA, and DAL. VGK managed an impressive 4-1 win. With all 16 playoff teams now confirmed, the stage is set for the highly anticipated Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Eastern Conference Standings
In the Eastern Conference, the top teams hold commanding leads. The Boston Bruins clinched the Atlantic Division title with a remarkable 130 points. The Toronto Maple Leafs are comfortably in second place with 112 points, while the Tampa Bay Lightning sit third with 106 points.
The Washington Capitals (99 points) and Pittsburgh Penguins (98 points) will battle it out for the final playoff spot in the East. Both teams have one game remaining, with the Capitals holding a slim one-point advantage.
Western Conference Standings
The West is much tighter, with only three points separating the top five teams. The Colorado Avalanche (114 points) finished the season with the most points in the league. The St. Louis Blues (104 points), Minnesota Wild (104 points), and Dallas Stars (104 points) are all tied for second place.
The Edmonton Oilers (96 points) and Los Angeles Kings (94 points) clinched the final two playoff spots. The Oilers secured their berth with a thrilling overtime victory, while the Kings came back from a 3-1 deficit to win their final game of the regular season.
Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket
The Stanley Cup Playoffs will begin on May 2nd. The brackets are set based on division, with the top teams in each division facing off in the first round. The Eastern Conference will see Boston take on Washington/Pittsburgh, Toronto facing Tampa Bay, and Florida facing New Jersey/Carolina.
In the West, Colorado will face Minnesota/Dallas, St. Louis will play Edmonton, and Vegas will battle Los Angeles. Intense competition and thrilling hockey are expected throughout the playoffs as the teams vie for the iconic Stanley Cup trophy.
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