The 2017 NHL playoffs have come to a close, and hockey fans are buzzing about the results. After an intense regular season filled with exciting games and memorable moments, only sixteen teams earned their place in the postseason.
Among those who made it were perennial favorites like the Chicago Blackhawks, Washington Capitals, and Pittsburgh Penguins. However, there were also plenty of surprises in store for fans as well–several underdogs shocked viewers by earning a spot in the playoffs despite facing long odds.
“It’s always thrilling to see which teams make it through to the playoffs, ” said veteran sportscaster Mike Emrick. “This year was no exception–there were some real nail-biters leading up to the final games. “
With so much excitement surrounding this year’s playoffs, it’s no wonder that fans around the world are still talking about them months later. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey aficionado or just someone looking for a great game to watch, 2017 had something for everyone.
Eastern Conference Playoff Teams
The NHL playoffs are here and this year, the Eastern Conference has some top contenders competing for the Stanley Cup. The teams that have secured their spot in this year’s postseason include:
- Boston Bruins: led by forward Brad Marchand and defenseman Charlie McAvoy, they finished with a 33-16-7 record.
- Tampa Bay Lightning: boasting one of the most dynamic offenses in the league thanks to Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos, they ended the season with a 36-17-3 overall record.
- Toronto Maple Leafs: with an impressive young core of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander, the team clinched their spot with a 35-14-7 record.
- New York Islanders: despite losing John Tavares over the summer, Anders Lee stepped up as captain to lead them to a 32-17-7 record.
In addition to these four teams, there are also several others in contention for playoff spots as we head into the final stretch of games, including the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals who both have strong histories in recent years’ playoffs.
“The playoffs are where legends are made. Each game is win or go home; every shift can make all the difference. “
No matter which teams end up making it through each round, one thing is certain – this year’s Eastern Conference will provide plenty of excitement on the ice for hockey fans around the world.
Atlantic Division Playoff Teams
The NHL playoffs have finally arrived, and fans of the sport are eagerly anticipating the excitement that follows. The 2017 playoff teams consist of some familiar faces as well as a few new contenders.
In the Atlantic division, four teams have made it to the postseason- the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins, and Toronto Maple Leafs. All four teams have shown tremendous skill throughout the regular season and will undoubtedly bring their A-game to this year’s playoffs.
The Canadiens finished with an impressive 103 points in the standings this season. They will be looking for strong performances from stars such as goaltender Carey Price and forward Max Pacioretty if they want to make a deep run into the playoffs.
The Senators had a slightly slower season but still managed to secure a spot in the playoffs thanks to their commitment on defense and hard work ethic. Captain Erik Karlsson is expected to lead his team during crucial moments in games.
“It doesn’t matter where you finish, ” said Bruins defenseman Torey Krug. “Everybody starts at zero [in] rounds one through four. “
Boston has shown resilience during key moments all season long and can rely heavily on players like Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron when needed most. Lastly, young talent Auston Matthews looks poised for a memorable first playoff appearance with his Toronto Maple Leafs.
All four Atlantic division playoff teams offer their own unique strengths, making predicting winners incredibly tough -it’s anyone’s game! Exciting times ahead!
Metropolitan Division Playoff Teams
The Metropolitan Division is one of the two Eastern Conference divisions in the National Hockey League. It consists of eight teams, out of which five made it to the playoffs this year.
The first team from the Metropolitan Division that qualified for the playoffs was Washington Capitals with a record of 43-21-8 and a total of 94 points.
The second team from this division that managed to reach the playoffs despite losing their last game against Carolina Hurricanes are Pittsburgh Penguins with a record of 37-16-3 and a total of 79 points.
Columbus Blue Jackets also secured their spot with a season record of 33-22-15 and a point total of 81.
New York Rangers also clinched playoff birth regardless of finishing fifth in the division standings after playing all their games with a win-loss ratio of 31:23 along with six wins required beyond regulation time i. e. , extra time/off or shootout rounds leading up to another eight bonus markers added onto them throughout regular season play. The final team from Metropolitan Divison who make it into playoffs were Philadelphia Flyers, they finished sixth on table but still able to secure remaining seed by virtue (39 -34 overall score) f being better then Islanders, Devils (fourth, seventh respectively).
“Only when I step onto ice, I feel like home. ” – Henrik LundqvistThis indeed has been an exciting year for NHL fans as some new faces are competing at different stages such as Toronto Maple Leafs. Nevertheless, these five Metropolitan Division playoff teams will surely give us thrilling action till we see our champions crowned!
Western Conference Playoff Teams
The 2017 NHL playoffs have now started, and there are eight teams in the Western Conference who made it to the postseason. These teams include:
“The Anaheim Ducks, Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues. ”
This year’s playoff race was incredibly close between all of these teams with only a few points separating some of them until the final week of games. With that being said, anything can happen once April rolls around.
The first round matchups for the West are:Blackhawks vs. PredatorsBlues vs. WildDucks vs. FlamesOilers vs. Sharks
All four series promise to be hard-fought battles with no clear favorite emerging from any matchup.
Note that at this point, not every game has been played yet so things could still change as we move further into the playoffs calendar.
With so much drama unfolding each night on the ice during this exciting time for hockey fans everywhere – who will you be cheering for in Western Conference Playoffs 2017?Central Division Playoff Teams
The National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs are one of the most exciting events for hockey fans all over North America. The Central division is considered amongst the toughest divisions in NHL and this year it’s no different; where they have some pretty strong playoff teams fighting for their way to the Stanley Cup.
The Central division has five excellent franchises that made it into the 2017 Playoffs: Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators, and Winnipeg Jets. The competition between these teams will be fierce as they fight their way through the tournament starting off with best-of-seven series games against each other until we crown a new champion in June.
“Playing in a tough division like Central means each game is intense and every team wants to win at any cost, ” says Patrick Kane from Chicago Blackhawks.
The central division champions were last won by Chicago in the 2014-15 season and since then they’ve been dominating till date having got three championships on an average per decade so far. Although there are plenty of favorites depending on home advantage or seeds, only time will tell which team emerges victorious to lift the Stanley Cup this year!
To witness these energizing games yourself, get your tickets soon before they sell out! You do not want to miss out on witnessing some of the greatest moments in hockey history played live right before your eyes.
Pacific Division Playoff Teams
The 2016-2017 NHL season has seen some interesting developments in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. As far as playoff teams are concerned, four from this division have made it to the playoffs.
First up is Edmonton Oilers which finished first in its Group with a record of 47 wins and 26 losses over regular season games. Connor McDavid was their star player throughout the season as they ended up with 103 points.
Calgary Flames came second with an impressive season, netting 94 points through winning a total of 45 games during regulation time out of a total of 82 games played overall. The team now looks forward to playing strong and hopefully progressing further into later rounds.
Owing to various factors such injuries and frequent loss of form among key players, San Jose Sharks only managed to secure third place despite having huge potential at the beginning if the season. However, since reaching the last tournament there remains hope for stronger performances going ahead including possibly even managing go all one step further than their previous performance.
“After finishing fourth in our group, we felt like we had let ourselves down. But once you make playoffs everything can happen so we’re excited about what’s to come” said Todd McLellan (Head Coach) speaking on behalf of LA Kings who will also take part following maintaining fourth position during regular play. “
Teams with Best Regular Season Records
The regular season in the National Hockey League (NHL) has come to a close, and the playoffs are about to begin. Let’s take a look at which teams had the best records during the regular season.
Topping the list with an impressive 62 wins was the Washington Capitals. They finished with 118 points, securing their position as first seed in the Eastern Conference going into the playoffs.
In second place, we have another team from the East: the Pittsburgh Penguins. They racked up 50 wins and ended with a total of 111 points. As defending champions, they will surely be looking to repeat their success in this year’s playoffs.
Out West, we find the Chicago Blackhawks in third place with 50 wins and 109 points. Even after several key players were traded away over the summer, they still managed to put together an impressive performance throughout much of this season.
“Having one of these top records certainly gives you an edge heading into playoffs, ” said NHL analyst Steve Levy on ESPN earlier this week. “But as history has shown us time and time again, anything can happen once postseason play gets underway. “
Rounding out our top four is yet another Western Conference team: the Anaheim Ducks. With 46 wins and 105 points, they earned themselves home-ice advantage for at least one round of playoff games.
The path to getting there may have been different for each team, but all four share something in common today: a chance to compete for hockey’s ultimate prize – The Stanley Cup.
Top Seed in Eastern Conference
The 2017 NHL Playoffs are underway and there is already a lot of excitement brewing amongst fans. As for hockey teams that made the playoffs 2017, in the Eastern Conference, it’s no surprise that the Washington Capitals have clinched the top seed with an impressive record of 55 wins and 23 losses during their regular season.
The Capitals won their division comfortably and look like strong contenders to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals this year. Led by captain Alex Ovechkin, they will be hoping to improve on last year’s playoff performance where they bowed out at the second round stage losing in six games against Pittsburgh Penguins.
Besides Capitals, other teams who made it to the playoffs from Eastern Conference include The Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets.
“Making it into the playoffs is never easy but what really counts now is how well these teams perform when it matters most. “
With all eyes set on which teams will make it through each round of matches, one thing is for sure – there is going to be some nail-biting encounters ahead as we witness history unfold before our very own eyes.
Top Seed in Western Conference
The NHL playoffs for 2017 are still ongoing, and the top seed in the Western Conference is currently being held by the Vegas Golden Knights. This expansion team has had an incredible debut season, finishing with a remarkable record of 51-24-7.
Their standout player this season was William Karlsson, who scored an impressive total of 43 goals in regular season play. The team also boasts a talented roster including players such as Marc-Andre Fleury and Jonathan Marchessault, both of whom have been instrumental in their success so far.
The other teams that have clinched spots in the Western Conference playoffs include the Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings.
“The playoffs bring out the best hockey in all of us. ” – Darryl Sutter
All these teams will be competing fiercely to earn a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals. It’s worth noting that while the Golden Knights may hold the number one seed at present time, anything can happen once playoff hockey begins. Regardless of which team ends up on top though, fans can expect some great games filled with excitement and intensity.
Wild Card Playoff Teams
The 2017 NHL playoffs have begun with great excitement for fans all over the world. The top teams in each division are making their way towards the Stanley Cup Finals, but let’s not forget about the four Wild Card playoff teams who fought hard to make it into the postseason.
The Eastern Conference wild card teams include Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers, while Western Conference wild card entries are Nashville Predators and Calgary Flames. All of these teams finished their regular season with less points than their respective divisions’ third-place finisher. Still they pushed through adversities and earned a spot within the post-season brackets by coming out ahead on head-to-head games or taking advantage from their rivals’ unfortunate defeats.
The Toronto team started off strong winning its first game against Washington Capitals (using backup goalie Frederik Andersen) after being defeated twice during regular time play earlier this year. Meanwhile, Nashville received an unexpected shutout victory against top seeded Chicago Blackhawks opening up doors wide open for what already was turning out to be a low scoring tournament.
“Being a wild card entry does not mean that you won’t get too far in the competition, ” said Head Coach Peter Laviolette of the Nashville Predators. “It is inspiring how our players came together as a unit to perform at their best when it mattered most. “
This just shows how anything can happen in hockey, especially during playoff season where even underdogs come up on top grabbed everyone’s attention!
Eastern Conference Wild Card Teams
The 2017 NHL Playoffs are underway and the Eastern Conference wild card teams have earned their spot in the postseason. The New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs both secured a place as wild cards, finishing as the fourth and fifth team respectively within the Atlantic Division.
Although not originally predicted to make it this far, both teams should not be underestimated. The Rangers finished with a solid regular season record of 48-28-6, while the young Maple Leafs stunned hockey fans by finishing at an impressive 40-27-15.
“The playoffs bring a new level of intensity and anything can happen, ” said NHL analyst Brian Burke. “These two teams have proven that they deserve to be here and I’m excited to see what they will bring to the ice. “
The playoff journey for these two wildcard entries has only just begun, but there is undoubtedly hope for them yet after putting up such strong performances during regular season play. As we move further into round one, all eyes will surely be on these underdogs from out east to continue competing against some of biggest names in professional hockey.
Western Conference Wild Card Teams
The playoffs are here and the Western Conference is heating up with some exciting matchups. The wild card teams in the West include the Calgary Flames, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, and Anaheim Ducks.
The Calgary Flames finished third in the Pacific Division with 94 points. They will face-off against the Anaheim Ducks who were second in their division with 101 points. This series promises to be an intense one as both teams have had solid seasons.
Nashville Predators sneaked into a playoff spot with 94 points and secured a wild card position. They will take on Central Division’s top team – Chicago Blackhawks who finished first place with 109 points. Nashville has plenty to prove but it’s unlikely that they will make significant progress against such tough opponents.
St Louis Blues had a good season finishing third in their division with 99 points. However, they fared poorly when they faced off in last year’s playoffs so there is no telling what further surprises this game holds for us yet. But going by opposition strength alone we can safely say that Minnesota Wild – standing at second place in their division and five point ahead of St Louis – should emerge victorious from this round assuming all goes according to plan.
“There aren’t any easy games now, ” said Ryan Johansen, centreman for Nashville Predators. “Every single detail matters and every shift counts. ”
All four western conference wildcard teams know how important every match is now because at this point even small or subtle mistakes can cost them greatly than ever before. We’re set for exciting matches between these teams!
Defending Champions and their Playoff Journey
The 2017 NHL playoffs commenced on April 12th, with sixteen teams vying for the coveted Stanley Cup. Among those teams were last year’s defending champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Penguins had a strong regular season, finishing second in the Eastern Conference with a record of 50-21-11. Led by star players Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins looked poised to make another deep playoff run.
In the first round of the playoffs, they faced off against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The series was tightly contested, but ultimately went to the Penguins in five games. They then advanced to face off against their division rivals, the Washington Capitals.
“The Caps are a great team, ” said coach Mike Sullivan. “We know we’re going to have our hands full. “
The series lived up to expectations as it went all seven games. In Game Seven, it was once again Crosby who came through in overtime with a game-winning goal that sent his team to yet another Eastern Conference Final appearance.
Currently, they find themselves down two games to none against the Ottawa Senators. However, as defending champions, this team knows how to come back from adversity and cannot be counted out just yet.
Defending Champions Playoff Berth
The defending Stanley Cup champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins have secured a playoff spot for the 2017 NHL playoffs. The team has been led by superstar captain Sidney Crosby and his dynamic supporting cast. They will look to defend their title against some fierce competition, both from within their division and outside of it.
Other teams in the playoffs include the Washington Capitals who finished with the best record in the league this season, as well as arch-rivals to thhe Penguins, the Philadelphia Flyers. Additionally, Original Six franchises such as the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens will also be battling for supremacy.
In the Western Conference, perennial powerhouses like the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks have once again qualified for postseason play. Other strong contenders include young up-and-coming teams such as the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames.
It’s going to be an exciting time for hockey fans everywhere as they tune in to see which team will ultimately come out on top and claim Lord Stanley’s Cup come June.
No matter what your favorite team happens to be or where you live in North America or around the world, it’s sure to be an exhilarating ride all throughout April, Masy, and early June. ‘Let’s drop that puck!’
Defending Champions Playoff Matchups
The playoffs are here and the defending champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins, are ready to defend their title!
In the Eastern Conference, the Penguins will face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round. It’s sure to be a tough matchup for both teams.
Meanwhile, out West, another defending champion team is looking to make it back-to-back wins. The Chicago Blackhawks may have struggled at times this season but they still managed to secure a playoff spot. They’ll start their journey by facing off against arch-rivals, Nashville Predators.
This year’s playoffs feature many strong teams like Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers among others who all look determined to take home the championship trophy.
“The playoffs are always such an exciting time of year, ” said Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. “We’re excited to get started and hopefully bring another championship back to our city. “
No matter which teams come out on top this postseason – one thing is for certain – there will be plenty of thrilling moments that fans won’t want to miss! So grab your jerseys and get ready for some intense hockey action as these elite teams compete head-to-head until only one remains standing as Stanley Cup Champion!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which NHL teams are in the playoffs for the 2017 season?
The 16 teams in the playoffs for the 2017 NHL season are the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and Calgary Flames.
What are the standings for the NHL playoffs in 2017?
The NHL playoffs in 2017 are divided into two conferences, the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. In the Eastern Conference, the Washington Capitals are in the lead with 118 points, followed by the Pittsburgh Penguins with 111 points. In the Western Conference, the Chicago Blackhawks are in the lead with 109 points, followed by the Minnesota Wild with 106 points.
Who are the favorites to win the Stanley Cup in 2017?
The favorites to win the Stanley Cup in 2017 are the Washington Capitals, who have been playing exceptionally well during the regular season. Other favorites include the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Minnesota Wild, all of whom have had strong performances during the regular season and have experienced success in the playoffs in recent years.
What are some key match-ups to watch in the NHL playoffs this year?
Some key match-ups to watch in the NHL playoffs this year include the Montreal Canadiens versus the New York Rangers, the Pittsburgh Penguins versus the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Chicago Blackhawks versus the Nashville Predators. These match-ups feature teams with strong regular season performances and should be highly competitive.
How have the teams performed in the regular season leading up to the playoffs?
The teams in the 2017 NHL playoffs have had varying performances during the regular season. Some teams, such as the Washington Capitals and the Chicago Blackhawks, have had exceptional regular season performances and are considered favorites to win the Stanley Cup. Other teams, such as the Nashville Predators and the Calgary Flames, have had solid regular season performances and are looking to build momentum heading into the playoffs.
What are some past playoff performances of the teams in the 2017 NHL playoffs?
The teams in the 2017 NHL playoffs have had varying levels of success in the playoffs in recent years. The Pittsburgh Penguins are the defending Stanley Cup champions and have won the Cup four times in the past decade. The Chicago Blackhawks have won the Cup three times in the past seven years. Other teams, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers, have not made the playoffs in several years and are looking to make a strong showing this year.