The NHL playoff race for the eighth and final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference is heating up. The Pittsburgh Penguins are currently in the eighth spot with a 23-15-8 record with 54 points so far this season. They have played in 46 games. Who can catch Pittsburgh if they are not careful led by Sidney Crosby?
Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo has also played in 46 games so far this season. The Sabres are led by a young team and Tage Thompson. Buffalo has a 24-19-3 record with 51 points so far this season. They haven't been in the playoffs in a very long time since 2010-2011.
Florida Panthers
Just a season ago, Florida won the Presidents' Trophy a season ago and they are currently on the outside looking in on the playoff picture. The Panthers have played in 49 games so far this season and have a 23-21-5 record with 51 points. Florida is led by Matthew Tkachuk. It feels like the Florida Panthers are too talented to be underachieving this season.
New York Islanders
New York was good to start the season and has cooled off, but it doesn't help that they play in a very loaded Metropolitan Division. The Islanders are led by Mathew Barzal. New York has a 23-21-5 record with 51 points so far this season in 49 games played. It will be interesting to see if the New York Islanders have another gear in them or not.
The odds are the Pittsburgh Penguins will be fine. The Washington Capitals (49 games played, 25-18-6 record with 56 points so far this season) could be the ones that drop out.