Bleacher Report · Mar 15, 2017
NHL Playoff Picture 2017: Updated Standings and Bracket Outlook
Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images
Things are starting to heat up as the NHL regular season begins to wind down this week, with many teams still in the running for a postseason berth.
While some teams have all but secured their spot in the race for the Stanley Cup, there are others who need to win every game, secure every point and pray that other teams slip up down this final stretch.
The Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers are cruising into the postseason as they stand head and shoulders above the rest of the Eastern Conference, even though the Rangers are still in a wild-card spot despite having 90 points on the season.