The NHL Wild Card Standings are narrowing down. Only a few games remain in the NHL schedule, and in the standings, the Western Conference final wild card spot is up for grabs. The Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames, and Nashville Predators are battling it out down the wire. One point separates the teams right now in the NHL Western Conference Wild Card race. Here we take a look at how their respective schedules play out. Also, we will investigate how the teams got themselves into this position.
How the Three Teams Position Themselves in the NHL Western Conference Wild Card Standings
The NHL Wild Card Standings is down to three. All three teams see very little margin between them. Winnipeg and Calgary both sit at 89 points with Winnipeg having four games remaining opposed to Calgary’s three. Nashville has 88 points with four games remaining. Furthermore, neither of the three teams has been exceptionally hot recently. Calgary has tried to turn the tide by going 6-3-1 in their last ten. However, with one fewer game than the other two, they will need help.
Who Has the Tougher Remaining Schedule
Nashville has the toughest remaining schedule, but kind of holds its destiny in its own hands. Nashville’s final four games see an average opponent WIN% of .603. Whereas Winnipeg’s is .556 and Calgary’s is .481. However, for the Predators, their next two games are against the Jets and the Flames. They finish up against two teams with at least a .628 WIN% in the Minnesota Wild and the Colorado Avalanche. Interestingly enough those are also Winnipeg’s final two opponents. Winnipeg and Calgary should get some reprieve with a game each against the San Jose Sharks. Although San Jose might be difficult if they are playing loose. Also, they will be motivated to see superstar Erik Karlsson eclipse the century mark in points. The 100-point mark has not been reached by an NHL defenceman since the 1991-92 season. That year, Brian Leetch had 102 points for the New York Rangers.
The Slight Frontrunners: the Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets are a surprise success story this season. Although after a strong start, make no mistake, missing the playoffs will now be a disappointment. Under head coach Rick Bowness, they are playing a much more defensive game compared to last year. They rank near the top 10 in many statistics in preventing offence, such as scoring chances against. One example is Connor Hellebuyck’s play, who ranks sixth in the league in Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) at 24.0. Another player having a solid season is forward Pierre-Luc Dubois. In just 70 games played, he is currently tied with his career-high in 61 points. In addition, defenceman Josh Morrissey is in the midst of a breakout season. His 71 points thus far, shattered his previous career high of 37 from last year. Finally, the club showed so much promise the organization’s belief in this group was evident with the acquisition of Nino Niederreiter at the deadline.
The Disappointing Member of the Group: Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames have had a disappointing season. After last season, winning the Pacific Division, the club again had high expectations going into 2022-23. Of course, we all remember the major roster shakeup. However, with the addition of a defenceman in particular, MacKenzie Weegar, the shakeup was thought to be an improvement. Weegar has played well for Calgary, but otherwise, it has not worked out for the club. For starters, Jonathan Huberdeau is having a historically bad drop-off. Last year he recorded 115 points with the Florida Panthers, but this year he likely won’t hit 60. Furthermore, amongst goalies with 20 or more games, Jacob Markstrom ranks 46th in the league in GSAx. Coach Darryl Sutter and his group need to gel in these last three games. If not, the season might be a wash.
The One That Stuck Around: Nashville Predators
Turning to the Nashville Predators and they will just not go away. It seemed they had given up on the season, which started with an injury to Ryan Johansen. In late February, it was determined he would miss significant time. Next, the club appeared to be sellers at the deadline. Trading gritty forward Tanner Jeannot and defensive stalwart Mattias Ekholm. However, aided by the lacklustre play of Calgary and Winnipeg, and holding their own, Nashville has stuck around. Having the league leader in GSAx in Jusse Saros helps their cause. Strong goaltending is always an asset, but especially so when the playoffs are in the picture. The Predators do have a difficult final four games, but they don’t appear to be mailing it in.
So, Who Gets In?
So who makes it in the last spot of the NHL Western Conference wild card standings, really depends on who can come together as a group. With both Winnipeg and Nashville finishing up against the same two opponents, it really is anyone’s guess. Interestingly, the Jets finish up on April 13th. So, it could come down to the final game for the Predators when they take on the defending Stanley Cup Champion Avalanche. It looks like if the Winnipeg Jets can beat the Nashville Predators today, they will be the frontrunners. Nashville then has to battle Calgary, which will also be a tightly contested affair. Therefore, Winnipeg should be in a position of favour, going into their matchup with the San Jose Sharks. If they can separate themselves just enough, they should have enough breathing room, regardless of their last two game’s outcomes. Meanwhile, if Calgary can run the table, including the Nashville matchup, they might just sneak in.
Main Photo: Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports
