End Of Season Stuff

Meant to recap more, but the playoffs start soon. Predictions later.

Final Division Standings

Because it's the season's end, we are going to double down on the thoughts

Twelve Thoughts

• The only surprise out of the Atlantic Division: Pittsburgh couldn't overtake New York for first.
• As usual, the Islander's are obligated to be the 5th place team.
• The two teams out of place in the Northeast: Montreal and Ottawa.
• And for the necessary: HAHA no playoffs for Leafs.
• Florida wins the division after essentially a one year re-build. How furious are Leaf fans at this notion?
• It's a shame that Tampa Bay didn't make the playoffs after the year Stamkos had.
• What's weirder: Florida in first or Detroit in 3rd?
• Congrats to St. Louis for doing the unthinkable at the beginning of the season and winning the Central Division.
• Only Vancouver made the playoffs in the Northwest. Does anyone remember when this division was good?
• Just like the Islanders, the Oilers are obligated to finish 5th.
• Coyotes in first: Tippett's system or NHL conspiracy?
• If this was Selanne's last season then first off NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! And second it's a shame he couldn't have one last run at the Cup.

Draft Lottery

For the third year in a row the Edmonton Oilers are picking first overall. This is the second time in three years they are picking first because of the draft lottery (New Jersey won last year but couldn't pick higher than 4th). There is no doubt that in 5 years Edmonton will be one of the most entertaining teams in the NHL. For now though, it's embarrassing.

On the other side is Columbus. It's hard not to feel sorry for them. Their top defenseman was suspended for about a tenth of the season, they had to deal with Carter's attitude, rumours around Nash being traded, and horrible goaltending. Now, after almost a 50% chance of picking first, they get kicked even more when they're down. Here's hoping that pick works out for them, it would be a shame if they go the way of Atlanta (ok, maybe a bit hyperbolic).

Links

The one thing good I'll ever say about Bettman: The man knows how to negotiate (Macleans)

It involves Slapshot (so it's definitely hockey related) but this speaks true of almost every sports movie ever. (Deadspin)

Congrats to Boston College for winning the NCAA hockey title (ESPN)

Teams that have better goaltending than the Leafs: Thailand U18 (IIHF)