Which NHL Playoff Race Is the Most Intriguing One?

by NESN Staff on Sat, Mar 31, 2012 at 8:00AM

The Bruins are in the playoffs but still have seeding to worry about Saturday against New York. Meanwhile, plenty of teams are still jockeying for postseason position this late in the season.

The playoff picture has begun to clear up, and several teams have already clinched spots, but there is sure to be plenty of late-season drama over the final week of the season.

The race for the President's Trophy is well underway, with New York, St. Louis, Vancouver and even Pittsburgh all in the mix for home ice throughout the duration of their Cup runs. On the opposite end of the spectrum, however, there are plenty of teams scrambling for the final spots into the playoffs in each conference.

The Sabres and Capitals seem destined to battle for the No. 8 spot in the East until the season's final days, while in the West a five- or even six-team dogfight simmers.

The frantic Pacific Division race will likely have more losers than winners, with the Sharks, Coyotes, Stars and Kings all desperate for points. The division winner will earn home ice in the first round, but the losers may still be able to sneak in to the playoffs. That is, unless Calgary or Colorado make a run.

Of course, the Bruins are in control of the Northeast, but with a tough schedule down the stretch, the Senators or Sabres would like nothing more than to spoil the B's division dominance. It's all going to be settled soon, but the road there looks to be a wild one.

Which playoff race is the most intriguing one?