"Wild" card in the East living up to it's name

While the race for the wild card in the West is pretty much a forgone conclusion, it is a completely different story in the East! This means the race is going to come down to last day(s) of the NHL schedule. I like that, as this will add some much needed excitement.

Right now, the Boston Bruins hold the last Wild card position with 86 points, and have 6 games left to place. However, they are only 3 points ahead of Tampa Bay (who has 7 games left) 4 points ahead of the New York Islanders and the Carolina Hurricanes (who also have 7 games left to play). Philadelphia is also close with 6 points behind and 6 games left to play.

Add the fact that Boston is only 1 points behind Toronto who have 7 games left, and 5 points behind Ottawa who have 7 games left to play, and you have a close race to the finish. The Atlantic Division is so tight, that several teams could change positions within only a few games. The Montreal Canadians are the only team that could be a given to make the playoffs with their 95 points. The rest, is truly up for grabs. It's anyone's race to be won.

Let's have a look of the teams in contention for that last wild card position and they remaing schedule.

1) Ottawa

Remaining games: 7

vs: Minnesota, Winnipeg, Detroit x2, Boston, New York Rangers, New York Islanders

-The Senators have a tough remaining schedule. Detroit is playing the spoiler role, so expect those two games to be very tight. The Sens are winless in their last 2 games. This is not the time for them to go in a funk, and Boston, Toronto, and Tampa Bay could easily surpass them.

2) Boston

Remaining games: 6

vs:Dallas, Florida, Chicago,Tampa Bay, Ottawa, Washington

-The Bruins have the toughest schedule of all the teams on this list. They could easily find their way out of the playoff.

3) Tampa Bay

Remaining games: 7

vs: Detroit, Montreal x2, Dallas, Boston, Toronto, Buffalo

-Tough schedule as well. The two games against the Canadians will be a true test of where they could finish.

4) New York Islanders

Remaining games:7

vs: Philadelphia, New Jersey. Buffalo, Nashville, Carolina, New Jersey, Ottawa

-The Islander could easily win 6 of those 7 games. If that is the case, they could grab the last playoffs spot.

5) Philadelphia

Remaining games:6

vs: New York Islanders, New Jersey, New York Rangers, New Jersey, Columbus, Carolina

-The Flyers are the team that will have to make up the most amount of time, with the least number of games remaining. Translation.... Don't expect them to pull out a miracle.

6) Toronto

Remaining games: 7

vs: Nashville,Detroit, Buffalo,Washington, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Columbus

-Not looking good for the Maple Leafs. They have some really tough opponents! This is the time where we will see the true character of the team.

7) Carolina

Remaining games: 7

vs: Columbus, Dallas, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, New York Islanders, St.Louis, Philadelphia

- A real test for the Hurricanes, and with Eddie Lack injuries, their chances are very slim.

So there you have it! What a way to finish the season, it is really going to add another level to the season and the playoffs. As for my predictions, well... let see.

As for the Atlantic Division Ottawa will finish second, and Toronto will finish third. For the last wild card spot spot, I am going to say that the Lightning grab it.

There you go, those are my predictions! I am eagerly looking forward to all this will turn out. For hockey fans like, me this is the best time of the season, so enjoy it!!!