"Whether it's a team like the Tampa Bay Lightning or Vegas Golden Knights that is looking to clinch a division title, a team like the Buffalo Sabres or Detroit Red Wings that's looking to end a longstanding postseason drought, or a team like the San Jose Sharks or Anaheim Ducks that's simply looking to hold on for dear life and get into the playoffs, most of the teams currently in the NHL playoff picture have the luxury of starting to look towards the postseason itself."
"In early-January, you could make an argument that Colorado was not only bound for its best season since 2021-22, but that they were the undisputed Stanley Cup favourite for the 2025-26 season. And you'd be right to make that argument. On January 12th, they had a record of 33-4-8, 74 points in the standings, and a decent chance of locking up a playoff berth before St Patricks Day. Since that January 12th game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Avalanche have gone 4-5-1."
With the trade deadline on March 6, teams will spend the following month trying to catch up with rivals or secure playoff positioning. Some clubs aim to clinch division titles while others seek to end long postseason droughts or hold on to a playoff spot. Three teams in particular have the potential to change the playoff picture between now and mid-March. The Colorado Avalanche entered January as a dominant Stanley Cup favourite with a 33-4-8 record and 74 points, but have since gone 4-5-1, allowing the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild to close the divisional gap despite Avalanche games in hand.
Read at Puck Prose
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