Post #1: The Half-Way Point

Around this time of year, the NHL usually takes a four or five day break for the NHL All-Star Game.  This is usually considered the half way point of the season.  But this year, the NHL took a three week break while 140-plus NHL players compete at the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

With the league on break for the Games, teams have a chance to take a small break from competition and examine where they are at the halfway point of the NHL season.

In the East, there remains a tight race for second place in both divisions.  In the Atlantic Division, the Boston Bruins hold a seven point lead over Tampa Bay in the first seed in the division.  Tampa is closely trailed by Montreal and Toronto, both tied for third with 70 points.  1 point separates these three teams from second place in the division.  Expect them to leap frog each other the rest of the season.

In the Metropolitan Divsion, Pittsburgh holds a commanding lead of the first seed, with a 16 point differential between themselves and the second place New York Rangers.  2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th place are all separated by four points, with the Rangers holding 67 points, Philadelphia holding 66 points, and Columbus and Washington both with 63 points.

Out West, the Central Division has a tie for first place, with St Louis and Chicago both having 84 points.  Colorado sits in 3rd place with 79 points.  They are trailed by Minnesota, who are 10 points back in 4th.  Expect the division to come down to those top 3 teams.

In the Pacific, the Ducks hold a commanding lead of the division.  Their stellar play lead by veteran Teemu Selanne has them in first with 87 points.  Behind them is San Jose with 80 points.  LA sits behind them with 68 points.  Expect the Ducks to continue to play solid hockey the rest of the way, and easily win the division title in April.

The Men's Hockey competition of the Olympic Games ended on the final day of the Olympics, February 23rd.  Canada captured their second gold medal in a row, and their third in four Olympic Games.  Sweden took home silver, and Finland managed to win bronze, defeating the US.  The US came out on the disappointing end of the Games this year after a great start, but was shutout in their final two games, coming home with no medal.