NHL fans question leagues 'parity' as Eastern Conference sets a new NHL record
On Sunday when the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Washington Capitals, 4-3 in an overtime shootout, history was made in the NHL. The Capitals were the eighth and final team to clinch a playoff spot, but that is not all.
The Eastern Conference is made up of the Atlantic and Metropolitan Divison, often considered the NHL's toughest, given the Division is made up of playoff contenders such as the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Carolina Hurricanes.
In the Atlantic Division, it's no easy feat contending, as you have the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, and the Tampa Bay Lightning who are looking for a three-peat.
Florida who renewed their rivalry with the Lightning this weekend, are #1 in the Division and NHL, are looking eerily similar to the Lightning in 2019, who could score at will.
Fortunately for us, no playoff matchups have been decided as of yet, but they will begin on May 2nd.
In Metropolitan Division news, the Gallant-led New York Rangers have clinched home-ice advantage, and with Igor Shesterkin in net will no doubt dominate the playoffs.
Rod Brind'Amour will lead the Hurricanes with a home-ice advantage as well, a consistent playoff team, since taking over in 2017.
In 2006-07, the seven teams were the Detroit Red Wings (113 points), Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators (110), Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks (107), and Vancouver Canucks (105), and Minnesota Wild (104). The Calgary Flames were the next closest with 96 points.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 26 | 222 ANSWERS NHL fans question leagues 'parity' as Eastern Conference sets a new NHL record Who will win the Eastern Conference? | ||
| Carolina Hurricanes | 21 | 9.5 % |
| Florida Panthers | 100 | 45 % |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 57 | 25.7 % |
| Other | 44 | 19.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
![Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel (38) controls the puck during the third period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/529746.webp "Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel (38) controls the puck during the third period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images")
![Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada defenseman Drew Doughty (89) looks on against Team Sweden in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/529645.webp "Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada defenseman Drew Doughty (89) looks on against Team Sweden in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
