I used to check the Zorak magic number site at this time of year, but it seems to be down. However, something vastly more sophisticated has appeared:
http://www.playoffstatus.com/nhl/nhl.html
They run simulations of all remaining games (based on strength of opposition, although I don't know if they take "hot streaks" or injuries into account) to compute probabilities for each team and each spot (1st through 8th or no playoffs). It's very impressive.
Nobody has clinched/been eliminated yet, but according to them, the top 8 in the West are pretty likely: the Blue Jackets have an 81% chance of missing and everyone else is worse. The Canucks have a 3% chance of missing the playoffs, the Wings 33%. In the East, the Caps, Jets, and Islanders are duking it out for two spots, and everyone else is likely in or out. Alas, the Leaves have only a 4% chance of missing the playoffs.
An interesting "playoff magic number" site for stats nerds
Moderator: Referees
Re: An interesting "playoff magic number" site for stats ner
Over the Internet, you can pretend to be anyone or anything.
I'm amazed that so many people choose to be complete twats.
I'm amazed that so many people choose to be complete twats.