By: Chris Nosek

Earlier this week, we looked at the race in the Eastern Conference, so now let’s take a look at the race in the Western Conference.

Central Division

The Avalanche and Stars have clinched their spot in the playoffs. However, Dallas can still catch the Avs for the first spot in the division, which would land them home ice throughout the playoffs and the President’s Trophy. It’s almost a foregone conclusion that Minnesota will be the third team in the division race.

Pacific Division

This has become the Ducks’ division to lose. The Knights and Oilers have several issues working through their lineups right now. The Knights haven’t been defensively sound all season, and their goaltending has left you wanting more on a regular basis. Akira Schmid has been their best option all season, but their desperation for help was shown when they brought in Carter Hart. Injuries cut his season short, while Carl Lindom was a net negative. Hart and Hill are under contract for next season, but it’s clear they have to upgrade in the crease.

The Oilers are built around the duo of McDavid and Draisaitl, and now they don’t have Draisaitl for the rest of the season. Fortunately, for both the Knights and Oilers, the Kings, Kraken, and Sharks can’t win on a regular basis either.

Wild Card Race

The Utah Mammoth have remained consistent, so their playoff spot is pretty well secured overall. While still mathematically possible to catch the Wild, it’s extremely unlikely. They are a solid 5 points ahead in the Wild Card race, with 37 wins. Just recently, the Nashville Predators jumped into the second spot in the Wild Card race. They have two sets of back-to-backs the rest of the way, but some favorable matchups as well. They should be able to play well enough down the stretch to hang onto this position.

Standings Prediction

Based on how teams are currently playing, below is my current projection for how the Western Conference will finish:

Pacific Division

Anaheim Ducks

Edmonton Oilers

Los Angeles Kings

Central Division

Colorado Avalanche

Dallas stars

Minnesota Wild

Wild Card

Utah Mammoth

Vegas Golden Knights

How do you think the race in the Western Conference finishes this season?