We are getting closer and closer to the May 11 start of the NHL playoffs. As this picture slowly comes into view, the Stanley Cup odds continually adjust to the changing reality. The favorites continue to be the Colorado Avalanche, with last year’s winner nipping at their tail.
Carolina Hurricanes Blow into the Playoffs
With ease, the Carolina Hurricanes have clinched their berth in the 202 NHL playoffs. On Monday night’s game against the Dallas Stars, they just needed to score a point, which they did easily, by making it to overtime. This game them their 69th point in the standings.
Even though the Hurricanes lost their match against the Dallas Stars (3-4), they are cruising into the postseason. For the first time in franchise history, the Hurricanes have made it to the playoffs for three consecutive years.
The Canes currently sit atop the Central Division, and they could drop down to the fourth spot and still make it to the playoffs. This is how they have been able to clinch the playoffs so early. Currently, they would face off against the Nashville Predators in the playoffs.
They have a fairly easy schedule left in the regular season. After this weekend, they will not face the number two or three in the Central division. This will allow them to steer clear of dangers and rest up for the playoffs.
Pittsburgh Penguins on the Rise
The Penguins are quickly rising in the odds to win the Stanley Cup. While the Penguins have not yet clinched their playoff berth, they currently sit atop the East Division, just a hair above the Washington Capitals.
The Penguins were considered longshots to make it all the way…until recently. They have won 14 of their lost 19 games, and earned points in an additional two. And they have done this with disruptions to their rosters. They have been successful both with and without Evgeni Malkin and Kasperi Kapanen.
And this boost could be key for the Penguins. We expect them to clinch their playoff spot shortly, leaving home-ice advantage as the main goal. If the Penguins can play in Pittsburg, they could be nearly unstoppable. Their at-home record 20-3-2 is enviable and could help them glide all the way to the Stanley Cup.
Expect the Panthers to Clinch Soon
The Florida Panthers are right behind the Canes as we head into the final weeks of hockey’s regular season.
They even had the chance to clinch, but the Predators held them off, and held onto their fourth spot in the Central Division. With this, they blocked the Panthers from clinching and held onto their playoff prospects.
And they lost handily to the Predators. Saros made 39 saves, thus golding his opponents to just one goal. The first time in nearly a month the Panthers have only scored one goal.
The Panthers outshot Nashville, but their goalies were simply on point. The Panthers will have to do better if they hope to overcome the Canes and earn home-ice advantage.
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Chris Wassel
AA, AAS
CURRENTLY
Sports Writer and Journalist
RESIDES IN
Rahway, NJ
EDUCATION
Union County College, Montclair State University
EXPERTISE
Business, Writing, Sports, Food, Grilling, Olympics, Injuries, Politics, and more
Summary
Member of FSWA, FSGA, and a variety of Sports Betting Groups.
Works on injuries for a variety of sites. Edits articles from NASCAR to football and beyond.
Occasionally runs sites like mynhltraderumor.com and Full Press Hockey/Bets.
Does a podcast for Full Press Hockey and a few other sports too.
Experience
Chris Wassel has 20+ years of sports journalistic experience in various disciplines.
His ability to play sports is well documented. Most people in the business just write. However, Chris will race cars and even a super Moto bike from time to time. There is that fitness and hiking/cycling aspect too.
Chris has climbed mountains from Mount Washington to Mount San Jacinto in Palm Springs, California. For those that do not know. Chris also dabbles in food eating contests and challenges. Having a unique background with friends including Joey Chestnut and Casey Webb, Chris has the ability to eat a whole 16-pound turkey or a 32 inch meat lover's pizza.
Since 2013, Chris does focus on things like fitness, fishing, and sports. One would be surprised that Chris runs, hikes, and rock climbs. There are even those occasional mini-triathlons. One truly can pack a lot in a small package. Chris can lift things over his body weight with ease. Also, if there is a NASCAR rain prop, Chris can tell you if there will be a Monday race.
Throughout his career, Chris has worked at a wide range of places from Amazon to USA Today to a variety of rumors and fantasy sports sites.
Finally, Chris has been nominated for quite a few awards from the Fantasy Sports Writers Association for Hockey Writer Of The Year. Also, there have been a number of high-stakes fantasy trophies and rings that Chris sports in his house.
Education
Chris received an Associates from Union Country College for business and accounting. Chris did sports journalism work at Montclair State University covering the hockey, baseball, and football teams.
Quote from Chris Wassel
"Shut up and play.”