What has to happen for Vancouver Canucks to be officially eliminated from playoff race
The clock is nearing midnight on this Vancouver Canucks season.
The team is close to being mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. As of today, they have a 0.2 per cent chance of making the postseason per MoneyPuck, and that could reach zero as soon as tomorrow.
The Canucks have 83 points through 77 games. That means they can reach a maximum of 93 points if they win all five of their remaining games.
The Edmonton Oilers are in third place in the Pacific Divison with 93 points and own the tiebreaker over the Canucks. The Canucks can’t catch them.
The Canucks are chasing the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. The Wild are already at 91 points and, with 33 regulation wins, will hold the tiebreaker over the Canucks. If the Wild earn two more points, that’ll extinguish the Canucks playoff hopes.
The Blues are even harder to catch. They need just one point from their remaining games before the Canucks won’t be able to reach their total.
NHL.com
It’s been a harsh fall from grace for the Canucks this season. Last year, they won the Pacific Division and were one of the league’s best teams. This year, they’re not going to make the playoffs at all.
The Canucks have fought through countless trials and tribulations, which have resulted in their disappointing season. From locker room drama to the numerous injuries which have plagued this team, it’s been a very difficult year.
This season has left the Canucks with more questions than answers, many of which have yet to be resolved. The team still needs to make decisions on pending free agents like Brock Boeser and Pius Suter, as well as come to an agreement with head coach Rick Tocchet.
The Canucks also need to add plenty of talent to ensure they’re competitive next season. They’re weak down the middle and lack quality scoring wingers, which are both player types they’ll definitely try to acquire this summer.
This season has been one to forget for the Canucks, and now it’s almost over. With Quinn Hughes leading the way, this is a group that can rebound to becoming contenders quickly, and the focus will soon shift completely to making that happen next year.