As we dive into the latest NHL Playoff Report, the landscape of the league has shown significant shifts. Every month, we analyze each team's playoff prospects—who’s soaring, who’s plummeting, and what’s really going on behind the scenes.

The competitive race to the playoffs is heating up as teams battle for a coveted spot; intriguing changes in playoff projections have shaken up expectations across both the Eastern and Western Conferences. Currently, only a couple of playoff spots remain in the East, while in the West, the top eight seems almost locked in.

Teams on the Rise

Los Angeles Kings

The Kings may have had a lukewarm month with a record of 7-5-0, yet they’ve seen their playoff odds surge by an astonishing 17.5%. Why? The Kings boast a stellar defense that has thrived even in the absence of key player Drew Doughty, leading the league in expected goals while only allowing 1.83 expected goals against per 60 minutes of play. Mikey Anderson is stepping up as an elite shutdown defenseman, currently leading the league in projected Defensive Rating.

New Jersey Devils

Once plagued with defensive issues, the Devils have made an incredible turnaround and now rank among the top 10 teams defensively. With Jack Hughes emerging as a rising star in both offensive and defensive play, the Devils posted a stellar 57% xG rate, ranking third in the league. Their improved defense has made them a notable contender heading into the second half of the season.

Toronto Maple Leafs

After a sluggish start, the Leafs have bounced back, posting an impressive 8-2-0 record and soaring close to the predicted 108 points. Their Defensive Rating has significantly improved, with incredible goaltending leading the league with just 1.27 goals against per 60 minutes. With a star player like Auston Matthews returning to the lineup, the Leafs are ready to make a serious playoff push.

Washington Capitals

The Capitals are riding high, with their playoff odds shooting up from 68% to 93%. Their 9-3-1 record has silenced any doubts about their standing, showcasing dominating performances even without Alex Ovechkin for several games. The analytics might not fully capture the team's resurgence, but they are not to be underestimated.

Philadelphia Flyers

Rounding out the rising teams, the Flyers started the month as potential tankers but have flipped the script with a strong 8-3-2 record. Travis Konecny has emerged as a standout performer, making them a team to watch as they seek to maintain their upward trend.

Teams Falling Off

New York Rangers

The Rangers have seen a rapid decline, going from near playoff certainty at 94% to struggling at 66%. Despite a surface-level winning streak, the underlying metrics indicate troubling signs as they ranked 30th in xG over the past month. The team desperately needs their star players to return to form if they hope to avoid the playoff bubble.

Ottawa Senators

The Senators are in freefall, plummeting from even playoff odds to just 18%. Their 4-7-2 record was marred by a disappointing goals percentage, and with their top players failing to deliver, they’re facing another tough season. Goaltending issues loom large, with new recruit Linus Ullmark not performing as expected.

Nashville Predators

The Predators have not improved since last month, with a dismal 3-5-5 record. They remain one of the league's lowest performers in generating offense and converting scoring chances. Despite having potential, they appear far from their previous playoff-contending self.

Colorado Avalanche

Though still a playoff contender, the Avalanche's offense has stalled. With a mere 2.21 goals per 60 minutes, they are not the scoring powerhouse they once were. Their stellar goaltending has kept them afloat, but if their scoring issue continues, the Avalanche may face serious challenges ahead.

Boston Bruins

Despite a recent coaching change that has seen a slight improvement, the Bruins are still struggling to dig themselves out of the early-season hole. They carry below-average ratings and will need better performances from their star players if they wish to remain in the playoff conversation.

Summary

As we head deeper into the NHL season, the battle for playoff spots intensifies. Teams like the Kings, Devils, and Leafs are riding momentum, while the Rangers, Senators, and Predators face critical junctures ahead. Stay tuned as the landscape continues to evolve with each game! Who will rise, and who will fall? Only time will tell!