Handicapping the NHL's Western Conference Race

Only 13 points separate ten teams for the final wild card spot in the NHL's Western Conference. One hell of a race has converged, with every team technically having a shot at making the postseason. Here's your who's who of the race for the final wild card spot in the west.

• The Teams That Have Struggled Lately:
  • Colorado Avalanche: For a while, the Avs held a playoff spot in the West. However, they have fallen on hard times, losing nine of their past ten. In that span, they have allowed two or fewer goals just twice.
  • Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks were also in one of the playoff spots until a nasty slide left them all the way near the bottom of the Pacific Division. They've fired Randy Carlyle in the process and appear to be on their way towards a rebuild.
  • Edmonton Oilers: Despite having Connor McDavid, the Oilers are also on the outside looking in. They've just traded goalie Cam Talbot and appear destined for another disappointing season.
• The Pedestrian Teams:
  • Arizona Coyotes: Despite the consistent relocation rumors, the Coyotes are only three points back of the final spot. John Chayka's hit his mark with players like Clayton Keller and Alex Galchenyuk. Arizona's goaltending has also been decent, keeping them in the race.
  • Vancouver Canucks: Surprisingly, the Canucks are only one point out. Elias Petterrson (26 goals, 27 assists) has become the team's top skater and a young core has Vancouver fans hoping for Spring hockey.
  • Los Angeles Kings: The Kings struggled mightily in the beginning of the season. However, they have turned it around since. Still, they have a ways to go before getting serious about the playoffs.
  • Minnesota Wild: The team that holds the final wild card spot, the Wild hold the cards. Injuries to skaters like Mikko Koivu (ACL) have hampered the Wild a bit, which will test Minnesota down the stretch.
• The Hot Teams:
  • Dallas Stars: The Stars hold the other wild card spot in the West. They've cooled off a bit, but rode a recent five-game winning streak up the standings.
  • Chicago Blackhawks: For a majority of the season, the Blackhawks have struggled. But a seven-game winning streak and Patrick Kane's hot hand (34 goals, 85 points) have suddenly put the Blackhawks back in the race.
  • St. Louis Blues: No other team in the NHL is hotter than the Blues right now. A nine-game winning streak along with Jake Allen's stellar goaltending has put the Blues in one of the Central's playoff spots.