NHL predictions and rankings - April 21, 2021
It’s been a little while since the last update. Predictions have not moved all that much in the meantime.
Predictions
More teams have 100% probabilities of making the playoffs. It seems pretty much all set except in the East where it’s very competitive.
North
The model says that the Canucks have an 18% probability of making the playoffs. What the model does not know is that the tight schedule that the Canucks will have to play will make it almost impossible for them. The Flames will play 4 games against the Canucks at the very end of the season and they could very well win all of them. This could help the Flames jump ahead of the Canadiens, who have been playing poorly lately.
Table 1: Predictions for the North division
West
The Kings are not as well positioned as last time and the Coyotes now have the best chance of claiming the last spot.
Table 2: Predictions for the West division
Central
Same comment as last time. The Stars and the Predators will continue to battle for the last playoff spot in the Central division.
Table 3: Predictions for the Central division
East
The top four teams are in a super tight race. The Rangers can still make the playoffs but will likely run out of games before catching up to one of the top four teams.
Table 4: Predictions for the East division