Late-Season surges and slumps reshape NHL Playoff race as odds swing dramatically

The NHL playoff race has taken a dramatic turn in recent weeks, with the current picture looking far different from what it did just a month ago. Teams once comfortably in position have stumbled, while others have surged at the perfect time. The latest projections from moneypuck.com reflect just how volatile the race has become.

One of the most striking examples is the Detroit Red Wings. As recently as February 28, Detroit held playoff odds of 83.2 percent. Since then, a difficult 6-9-3 stretch has cut those chances nearly in half, leaving the team with a 39.2 percent chance of making the postseason. Their slide has opened the door for surging competitors to leapfrog them in the standings.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are one of those teams that have taken full advantage. After once sitting at just four to five percent playoff odds in January, they have been one of the hottest teams in the league. A remarkable 16-3-4 run over their last 23 games has vaulted their postseason chances to 77.9 percent, placing them firmly in control of a playoff spot.

The Ottawa Senators are another team rewriting their season story. In mid-January, their playoff hopes sat below 12 percent. A dominant 15-3-3 stretch over their last 21 games has changed everything, pushing their odds up to 66.5 percent and putting them in a fairly strong position as the regular season winds down.

MORE: The Hockey News Big Show: How Legit Are The Ottawa Senators?

Not every team has found late-season momentum, like the San Jose Sharks, who have struggled to stay in the race, especially as they lean heavily on 19-year-old standout Macklin Celebrini. Despite his efforts, San Jose has gone 5-10-4 over their last 19 games. Their playoff odds have plummeted from 43.4 percent in mid-January to just 8.3 percent, leaving them on the brink of elimination.

With most teams having only 11 to 12 games remaining, the playoff picture remains fluid but increasingly defined. If recent trends continue, the sharp rises and falls reflected in the numbers may ultimately reflect the final standings when the regular season comes to a close.

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