The Playoff teams in the West have been locked in since Junya's Stars decided to win 13 of their last 16 games. At one point it was looking like the Canucks or Golden Knights could make a push, but those hopes are officially over now. The picture is much different in the Eastern Conference though.

The playoff race for the final wildcard spot is heating up in the Eastern Conference. You have as many as 4 teams, all within 2 points of each other, battling it out for just a single wildcard spot. We take a look to see who is the favorite to have the honor of being defeated in 4 games by the Detroit Red Wings.


New Jersey Devils - 79 points - 8th place
Games Remaining: 9

The Devils currently have the inside track on the final Wild Card position. They are 1 point up on the Florida Panthers with the same amount of games played. On paper, the Devils are the weakest of the 5 teams, but have somehow managed to stay lucky depsite some moves at the trade deadline. There remaining schedule is very favorable as well. 7 of their remaining 9 games are against teams outside the playoffs. Their hardest tests will be against the Islanders and Bluejackets. They have one game against the Bruins that could change the picture of the playoff race if the Bruins are still hanging around by game 79. All signs point to the Devils making the playoffs, but I cannot get over the fact that a team this poor could make it. I say they are on the outside looking in after 82 games.


Florida Panthers - 78 points - 9th place
Games Remaining: 9

We talk about the Devils being the weakest team of the 5. On the other end we have the Panthers, who on paper are probably the best of the 5 teams. The decision to hang onto Ryan Strome and Anthony Mantha at the deadline seems to be paying off. The addition of Jakub Vrana has also helped push ahead the Panthers in the standings. The only thing stopping this team for being the favorite for the final playoff spot is the remaining schedule. The Panthers only play 3 of their next 9 against teams outside the playoffs. They have some tilts with the Maple Leafs, Bluejackets, Canadiens and Hurricanes coming up. A couple of wins against them could go a long way in determining where they finish. I do believe once the smoke clears, the Panthers will make their first playoff appearance under Sober Ty.


Tampa Bay Lightning - 78 Points - 10th place
Games Remaining: 8

The Lightning weren't even thinking playoffs when the trade deadline passed. The acquisition of Dylan Strome and Fabian Zetterlund was for the future, but it turns out it helped them win 11 of their first 13 games after the deadline. Since then, the Lightning have lost 3 in a row which now have them sitting on the outside looking in. A big win against the Bruins two nights ago helped propel them above their division rivals. The main thing stopping the Lightning from making a final push is their remaining schedule. They only play non playoff teams in 3 of their final 8 games. They have some tough games against the Eastern Conference's best teams in the Red Wings and Islanders. Interestingly enough, the Lightning have 1 win over both these teams already this season. If this team does make the playoffs, they might be able to push the Wings to 5 games.


Boston Bruins - 76 Points - 11th place
Games Remaining: 9

It's going to be a tough 9 games for the Bruins if they want to squeak into the playoffs. I don't believe Greg really cares as playoffs weren't the goal this year. The team re-tooled for future seasons, but a playoff appearance would be icing on the cake. Of all the remaining teams though, the Bruins only play 2 of their next 9 games against non playoff teams. There are a few tilts against the Canadiens, Flyers and Bluejackets coming up, as well as a non-conference game against the Predators. I don't see how Greg does it, but anything can happen. Expect the Bruins to be back on track next season, in a division which will be more competitive.


Buffalo Sabres - 73 Points - 12th place
Games Remaining: 9

I almost didn't consider putting the Sabres here, but I will have to put some respect on Jared's name. Just three weeks ago he held the final playoff position. Unfortunately, when you lose 20 of your last 24 games that playoff race starts to slip away from you. Despite this disasterous losing streak, the team really isn't that far out from the playoffs. A 5 point lead can easily be lost if your team isn't performing. While there is still a bit of hope for Jared and his Sabres, the schedule says otherwise. Of the Sabres remaining 9 games, only 2 are against non playoff teams. The Red Wings, Flyers, Canadiens and Hurricanes will see some action in the next two weeks.