Lost in the conversations about dangerous hits, concussions, goalie fights and full line brawls is one of the most competitive NHL seasons ever.
The league’s quest for parity and competitive balance is on full display in the Western Conference, where only eight points, or four wins, separate the third-seeded and Pacific Division-leading Phoenix Coyotes from the 12th-seeded Columbus Blue Jackets.
Dissecting the standings a little further, the entire five-team Pacific Division is separated by four points, and four of those five teams are currently in one of the eight playoff positions. The one Pacific team currently on the outside is the Los Angeles Kings, and they are only one point behind the eighth-seeded Calgary Flames.
With the way the races are shaping up, it is entirely possible for all five of the Pacific teams to make the playoffs. Never in NHL history as the entire roster of a division made the playoffs in the same season.
While recently the only times we’ve seen the NHL break into the mainstream is with ugly incidents and Sidney Crosby concussion updates, some of the best hockey this league has ever seen is being played night in and night out.
Down the stretch, every single game has weight, and the NHL is much better for it.
Reach the reporter at zcavanag@asu.edu
