While a regulation NHL regular season schedule would normally consist of an 82-game slate, the lockout-shortened 2013 season was reduced to 48 intra-conference contests. The shortened season has resulted in an action-packed schedule of games, and started off with an unforgettable streak to bring one of NHL’s most recognizable clubs back to the forefront: the Chicago Blackhawks. The Hawks captured the attention of sports fans everywhere by earning at least one point in each of their first 24 games, bringing an unprecedented amount of popularity to early-season hockey, even after a lengthy lockout. The Blackhawks have continued their winning ways even after the streak was snapped, as they have since gone on to be the first team in the Western Conference to clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Right behind them in the west are the Anaheim Ducks, the one team in the league that has consistently been able to cause problems for the Blackhawks, having won all three of the teams’ regular-season matchups—two of which were played in Chicago. Other top candidates to make noise in the west during the postseason figure to include the Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks.
Over in the Eastern Conference, the Pittsburgh Penguins were the first in the NHL to clinch a division title, wrapping up the Atlantic Division on April 9 with a 5-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. With the season winding down, the top threat to steal home ice away from the Penguins looks to be the Montreal Canadiens, who have also clinched a playoff berth in the east. Regardless of which of the two teams secures home ice advantage during the playoffs, they will have to contend with dangerous Eastern Conference squads like the Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, and Toronto Maple Leafs, among others. With the entire regular season consisting of intra-conference games, the Stanley Cup Finals figure to have an increased intensity, considering it will be the first time the best from each conference will see each other all season. Grab seats near the ice by purchasing NHL Playoff tickets from Vivid Seats to see which team will catch fire and claim the Stanley Cup in 2013.
