The teams currently in the playoffs for the NHL (National Hockey League) are:
1. Colorado Avalanche: The Avalanche finished the regular season with the best record in the league and clinched the top seed in the West Division.
2. Minnesota Wild: The Wild secured the third seed in the West Division and have been playing exceptional hockey this season.
3. Vegas Golden Knights: Vegas finished second in the West Division and are considered strong contenders for the Stanley Cup.
4. St. Louis Blues: The Blues secured the fourth seed in the West Division and will be competing in the playoffs this year.
5. Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricanes clinched the top seed in the Central Division and are among the favorites to make a deep playoff run this season.
FAQs:
1. What is the NHL playoffs?
– The NHL playoffs is a tournament held at the end of the regular season where teams compete for the Stanley Cup, the ultimate prize in professional ice hockey.
2. How many teams make it to the playoffs in the NHL?
– In a normal season, 16 teams qualify for the NHL playoffs. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the format has temporarily changed, with 24 teams participating in the 2021 playoffs.
3. How are the playoff teams determined in the NHL?
– Teams that finish within the top four in each of the four divisions automatically qualify for the playoffs. The remaining spots are awarded based on win percentage to teams in each conference.
4. Can teams from different divisions face each other in the playoffs?
– No, in the current playoff format, teams from the same division are pitted against each other. It allows for divisional rivalries and intensifies the competition within each division.
5. When do the NHL playoffs start and how long do they last?
– The NHL playoffs typically begin in April and can last for several weeks. The duration depends on the number of games required in each round, leading up to the Stanley Cup Finals.
6. Which team won the Stanley Cup in the previous season?
– The Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup in the 2019-2020 NHL season.
7. What happens if a playoff series is tied after the designated number of games?
– If a playoff series is tied after the designated number of games, additional games, called overtime or sudden-death games, are played until a winner is determined.
BOTTOM LINE: The NHL playoffs are in full swing, with teams like the Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, St. Louis Blues, and Carolina Hurricanes among those competing for the Stanley Cup. The playoffs involve 24 teams this season, with a modified format to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fans can expect intense competition and thrilling hockey as these teams battle it out on the ice.