**Ranking NHL Teams’ Playoff Odds: From Strong to Weak**
Neil Paine writes about sports using data and analytics. Previously, he was Sports Editor at FiveThirtyEight. Hard as it might be to believe, the 2024-25 NHL season is already more than halfway over: The average team has played 53% (or 43.1 out of 82 games) of the regular-season schedule by now. That means struggling squads are quickly running out of time to turn things around — a feeling of urgency made even more acute by the looming March 7 trade deadline, just 52 days from today.
### The Playoff Push: Which NHL Teams Are in Panic Mode?
As the NHL season progresses, some teams find themselves in a precarious position with playoff odds hovering around 50% or lower. Let’s delve into the current state of 12 teams that had playoff aspirations at the start of the season, but now face uncertainty in their postseason journey.
Can Fix This
The teams in this category have playoff odds near 50-50, indicating they still have a fighting chance to secure a postseason spot. However, they must put in extra effort and string together wins to improve their standings over the coming months.
Hanging On
On the brink of desperation, teams in this group are barely clinging to their playoff hopes. One such example is the Pittsburgh Penguins, who understand the importance of a winning streak while keeping a close eye on their competitors in the standings.
Resigned to Fate
For some teams like the Buffalo Sabres, the reality is harsh – a playoff berth seems like a distant dream. They face the tough decision of whether to continue striving for a miracle or shift focus towards future seasons.
As we analyze the playoff odds of NHL teams, it’s evident that the race to secure a postseason spot is heating up. With each game carrying significant weight, the pressure is mounting on teams to deliver standout performances and defy the odds. The remaining games will undoubtedly be filled with excitement, drama, and unexpected twists as teams battle for playoff contention.
In a league where every point matters, which team will defy expectations and secure a coveted playoff berth? Stay tuned as the NHL season unfolds, revealing the fate of teams striving for postseason glory.