The Western Conference playoff picture didn’t get any clearer after Wednesday as both the San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings lost convincingly to their opponents.
The Sharks led the Wings by a single point heading into their game with Anaheim, but were unable to capitalize on the Wings’ 3-0 loss to Carolina and got smoked 6-2 by the Ducks. San Jose and Detroit have each played 80 games and the second seed is still undecided:
1. Vancouver Canucks (113)
2. San Jose Sharks (103)
3. Detroit Red Wings (102)
4. Los Angeles Kings (98)
5. Nashville Predators (97)
6. Phoenix Coyotes (97)
7. Anaheim Ducks (95)
8. Chicago Blackhawks (95)
9. Calgary Flames (93)
10. Dallas Stars (91)
While the top of the standings remained the same, the middle of the pack got shaken up a bit. Phoenix fell from fourth to sixth, meaning if the playoffs started today the Red Wings would matchup in the first round with the Coyotes for the second straight season.
Chicago can eliminate Calgary if they pick up a point in their final two games with the Red Wings, but their playoff spot won’t be safe yet as the Stars have three games remaining.