The NHL Trade Deadline is always a crazy time of year and this year is no different. The Eastern Conference is especially unique because for the first time in years it appears that the top 8 playoff positions have been locked since approximately January. In the Eastern Conference the Washington Capitals hold the final Wild Card spot and are 13 points clear of the 9th place Columbus Blue Jackets. Compare that to the Western Conference where the 8th place team is only 5 points clear of 13th place Anaheim Ducks.