🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 160 (from laksa162)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa160.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://dobberhockey.com/2026/03/23/the-wild-west-playoff-races/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://dobberhockey.com/2026/03/23/the-wild-west-playoff-races/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/03\/23\/the-wild-west-playoff-races\/","crawl_time":1776161271,"first_indexed_time":1774289028,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,dobberhockey!\/2026\/03\/23\/the-wild-west-playoff-races\/ s443","src_root_hash":"8305844214141527960","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"The Wild West: Playoff Races – DobberHockey","meta_descriptions":["Happy Monday y’all! I hope you advanced in your playoffs or if your postseason starts this week, good luck to all! I have two leagues that start this week so please keep me in your thoughts as well. I know a lot of us want the NHL to switch up the playoff format"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Skip to content\nShop\nDobberProspects\nDobberNomics\nForum\nFrozen Tools\nGoaliePost\nFantasy Geek\nDFS\/Betting\nHappy Monday y'all! I hope you advanced in your playoffs or if your postseason starts this week, good luck to all! I have two leagues that start this week so please keep me in your thoughts as well. I know a lot of us want the NHL to switch up the playoff format to see the teams with the most points advance, kind of like how our fantasy leagues do it. Unfortunately, that is what our league formats are for, fantasy. \nThe league contains so much parity in today's salary cap world that things fluctuate on a yearly basis. It was not that long ago that the Western Conference was the power house and teams in the Eastern Conference were struggling to make the playoffs. If the road to the Stanley Cup were to start today, HALF of the teams in this year's dance would be different than last season. Think about that, 50% of the playoff field did not adventure on the trip to Lord Stanley. We want new and exciting things in our life and that is why teams play the game and play the\nschedule\nthat has been assigned to them. \nAt the end of the day, there will be 31 losers and only one Stanley Cup Champion. It won't matter how many points you gathered in the regular season, you will be judged on winning 16 games through April, May, and June. \nI do like the divisional playoff format. I wish they would go back to playing teams in their division seven, eight times a season and limiting matchups against the other conference to one game (play one division on the road and the other at home and vice versa, would save on travel costs, etc). And that would really bring the bad blood back against close proximity rivals.\nAnd an idea to spark new rivalries and maybe help with this playoff format could be the remaining four wild card spots go to the teams with the most points. Doesn't matter if three are from the East and one from the West or all four from one and none from the other, but in this instance, the last four teams are the \"best\" ones in terms of points. Let me know what you think of this idea on\nTwitter\n, @LAM1926.\n—\nLast week I wrote about how the Vegas Golden Knights were looking like an organization who was starting to hit their stride. They are an experienced group and know when to turn it on, but I turned it into a complete mush. Vegas only scored one goal during a three-game losing skid, but they got out of their funk with a 3-2 over the Dallas Stars yesterday. The amount of extra hockey their top players played at the Olympics has had an impact so staying fresh and rested down the stretch is going to be key. It is still too early to start scratching players for rest, but we may see a lot of limited practices and morning skates in the near future.\n—\nThe Pacific Division is pretty much the reason we're having this debate and they did not do themselves any favors last week. Counting the teams still in the playoff chase (so the top six, ending with San Jose), those teams went 5-12-3. What makes that record look even worse is that only one of those games was in division; the Edmonton Oilers defeated the San Jose Sharks.\nAgain, we live in the moment of now and instant gratification, so this week wasn't one to write home about, but that's why they play all 82 contests. That number will change for the final three and a half weeks and the perception will be different.\n—-\nDon't look now, but since some of these teams won't take the reins and take control of the wild card, teams like the Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, and even the St. Louis Blues have crawled back into the race. \nThe Preds have been led by a resurgent\nSteven Stamkos\nwho has 28 goals and 47 points in 45 games  since the start of December. As it stands on Monday March 23rd, Nashville does have the final wild card spot. Who would have thought this in the middle of December?\nThere is a reason why\nConnor Hellebuyck\nwill be a first ballot hall of famer and it was shown when he was hurt earlier this season. The Jets dug themselves a pretty big hole while he was out of the lineup, but he has led the charge in making this surprising come back. Winnipeg currently sits at NHL .500 and only five points out of a playoff spot.\nMuch like Hellebuyck,\nRobert Thomas\nhas missed a lot of time for the Blues this season, but when he was inserted back into the lineup, the almost traded Blue has injected new life into this squad and has them in the single digit territory now for that wildcard spot with a 7-1-2 record in their last 10. \nIt could be too little too late for these franchises, but it makes more games matter, which leads to better intensity for our viewing pleasure.\nI hope y'all have a great week and good luck in your matchups if you are still alive!\nStarting Goalies\nTop Skater Views\n \nPlayers\nTeam\nNICK\nSUZUKI\nMTL\nPORTER\nMARTONE\nPHI\nLANE\nHUTSON\nMTL\nMATVEI\nMICHKOV\nPHI\nILYA\nPROTAS\nWSH\nTop Goalie Profile Views\n \nPlayers\nTeam\nCARTER\nHART\nVGK\nNIKKE\nKOKKO\nSEA\nARTUR\nAKHTYAMOV\nTOR\nVITEK\nVANECEK\nUTA\nJAKUB\nDOBES\nMTL\nLINE COMBOS\n \nFrequency\nS.J\nPlayers\n25.3\nALEXANDER WENNBERG\nKIEFER SHERWOOD\nWILLIAM EKLUND\n23.6\nWILL SMITH\nIGOR CHERNYSHOV\nMACKLIN CELEBRINI\n17.3\nZACK OSTAPCHUK\nBARCLAY GOODROW\nADAM GAUDETTE\nDobberHockey Podcasts\nFIND US ON FACEBOOK\nPage load link\nGo to Top","attrs_markdown":"Please support us by disabling ad blocker for this site.\n\n[Skip to content](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/03\/23\/the-wild-west-playoff-races\/#content)\n\n- [Shop](https:\/\/dobbersports.com\/)\n- [DobberProspects](https:\/\/dobberprospects.com\/)\n- [DobberNomics](https:\/\/dobbernomics.com\/)\n- [Forum](https:\/\/forums.dobbersports.com\/forum.php)\n- [Frozen Tools](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/)\n- [GoaliePost](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/)\n- [Fantasy Geek](https:\/\/www.fantasyhockeygeek.com\/)\n- [DFS\/Betting](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/dfs-home\/)\n\n[![DobberHockey Logo](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/dh_20y.png) ![DobberHockey Logo](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/dobbs-logo-2018-highres_cut_h40.png) ![DobberHockey Logo](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/dobbs-logo-2018-highres_cut_h40.png)](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/)\n\n- [SHOP](http:\/\/dobbersports.com\/)\n  - 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[Carolina Hurricanes](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_lastgamelines.php?team=CAR)\n    - [Columbus Blue Jackets](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_lastgamelines.php?team=CBJ)\n    - [New Jersey Devils](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_lastgamelines.php?team=N.J)\n    - [New York Islanders](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_lastgamelines.php?team=NYI)\n    - [New York Rangers](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_lastgamelines.php?team=NYR)\n    - [Philadelphia Flyers](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_lastgamelines.php?team=PHI)\n    - [Pittsburgh Penguins](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_lastgamelines.php?team=PIT)\n    - [Washington Capitals](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_lastgamelines.php?team=WSH)\n  - [Central Division](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_lastgamelines.php)\n    - [Chicago Blackhawks](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_lastgamelines.php?team=CHI)\n    - 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[Keeping Karlsson](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/category\/hockey-home\/keeping-karlsson\/)\n- [Downloads](https:\/\/dobbersports.com\/my-account\/downloads\/)\n- [DFS\/Betting](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/dfs-home\/)\n  - [DFS Subscription](https:\/\/dobbersports.com\/product\/frozen-tools-2024-25-dfs-subscription\/)\n\n# The Wild West: Playoff Races\n## Lucas Main\n### 2026-03-23\n\nHappy Monday y'all! I hope you advanced in your playoffs or if your postseason starts this week, good luck to all! I have two leagues that start this week so please keep me in your thoughts as well. I know a lot of us want the NHL to switch up the playoff format to see the teams with the most points advance, kind of like how our fantasy leagues do it. Unfortunately, that is what our league formats are for, fantasy.\n\nThe league contains so much parity in today's salary cap world that things fluctuate on a yearly basis. It was not that long ago that the Western Conference was the power house and teams in the Eastern Conference were struggling to make the playoffs. If the road to the Stanley Cup were to start today, HALF of the teams in this year's dance would be different than last season. Think about that, 50% of the playoff field did not adventure on the trip to Lord Stanley. We want new and exciting things in our life and that is why teams play the game and play the [schedule](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_planner.php) that has been assigned to them.\n\nAt the end of the day, there will be 31 losers and only one Stanley Cup Champion. It won't matter how many points you gathered in the regular season, you will be judged on winning 16 games through April, May, and June.\n\nI do like the divisional playoff format. I wish they would go back to playing teams in their division seven, eight times a season and limiting matchups against the other conference to one game (play one division on the road and the other at home and vice versa, would save on travel costs, etc). And that would really bring the bad blood back against close proximity rivals.\n\nAnd an idea to spark new rivalries and maybe help with this playoff format could be the remaining four wild card spots go to the teams with the most points. Doesn't matter if three are from the East and one from the West or all four from one and none from the other, but in this instance, the last four teams are the \"best\" ones in terms of points. Let me know what you think of this idea on [Twitter](https:\/\/www.twitter.com\/dobberhockey), @LAM1926.\n\n—\n\nLast week I wrote about how the Vegas Golden Knights were looking like an organization who was starting to hit their stride. They are an experienced group and know when to turn it on, but I turned it into a complete mush. Vegas only scored one goal during a three-game losing skid, but they got out of their funk with a 3-2 over the Dallas Stars yesterday. The amount of extra hockey their top players played at the Olympics has had an impact so staying fresh and rested down the stretch is going to be key. It is still too early to start scratching players for rest, but we may see a lot of limited practices and morning skates in the near future.\n\n—\n\nThe Pacific Division is pretty much the reason we're having this debate and they did not do themselves any favors last week. Counting the teams still in the playoff chase (so the top six, ending with San Jose), those teams went 5-12-3. What makes that record look even worse is that only one of those games was in division; the Edmonton Oilers defeated the San Jose Sharks.\n\nAgain, we live in the moment of now and instant gratification, so this week wasn't one to write home about, but that's why they play all 82 contests. That number will change for the final three and a half weeks and the perception will be different.\n\n—-\n\nDon't look now, but since some of these teams won't take the reins and take control of the wild card, teams like the Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, and even the St. Louis Blues have crawled back into the race.\n\nThe Preds have been led by a resurgent [Steven Stamkos](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/Steven-Stamkos) who has 28 goals and 47 points in 45 games since the start of December. As it stands on Monday March 23rd, Nashville does have the final wild card spot. Who would have thought this in the middle of December?\n\nThere is a reason why [Connor Hellebuyck](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/connor-hellebuyck) will be a first ballot hall of famer and it was shown when he was hurt earlier this season. The Jets dug themselves a pretty big hole while he was out of the lineup, but he has led the charge in making this surprising come back. Winnipeg currently sits at NHL .500 and only five points out of a playoff spot.\n\nMuch like Hellebuyck, [Robert Thomas](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/robert-thomas) has missed a lot of time for the Blues this season, but when he was inserted back into the lineup, the almost traded Blue has injected new life into this squad and has them in the single digit territory now for that wildcard spot with a 7-1-2 record in their last 10.\n\n📢 advertisement:\n\nIt could be too little too late for these franchises, but it makes more games matter, which leads to better intensity for our viewing pleasure.\n\nI hope y'all have a great week and good luck in your matchups if you are still alive\\!\n\n[Previous](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/03\/23\/top-10-late-season-rookies\/)\n\n[Next](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/03\/24\/ramblings-mammoth-sign-desnoyers-updates-on-kaprizov-eriksson-ek-and-askarov-improvements-for-perfetti-ostlund-willander-and-more-march-24\/)\n\n## Leave A Comment [Cancel reply](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/03\/23\/the-wild-west-playoff-races\/#respond)\nYou must be [logged in](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fdobberhockey.com%2F2026%2F03%2F23%2Fthe-wild-west-playoff-races%2F) to post a comment.\n\n### Related Posts\n![The Wild West – Playoff Picture Almost Set, Celebrini, Blues](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Anze-Kopitar-scaled-500x383.jpg)\n\n[Gallery](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Anze-Kopitar-scaled.jpg)\n#### [The Wild West – Playoff Picture Almost Set, Celebrini, Blues](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/04\/13\/the-wild-west-playoff-picture-almost-set-celebrini-blues\/ \"The Wild West – Playoff Picture Almost Set, Celebrini, Blues\")\nApril 13th, 2026\\|[0 Comments](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/04\/13\/the-wild-west-playoff-picture-almost-set-celebrini-blues\/#respond)\n\n![The Wild West: Scheduling, Wild Card Teams, and More](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/San-Jose-Sharks-scaled-500x383.jpg)\n\n[Gallery](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/San-Jose-Sharks-scaled.jpg)\n#### [The Wild West: Scheduling, Wild Card Teams, and More](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/04\/06\/the-wild-west-scheduling-wild-card-teams-and-more\/ \"The Wild West: Scheduling, Wild Card Teams, and More\")\nApril 6th, 2026\\|[0 Comments](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/04\/06\/the-wild-west-scheduling-wild-card-teams-and-more\/#respond)\n\n![The Wild West: Torts in Vegas, Surging Blues, and Playoff Races](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Mitch-Marner-Jack-Eichel-scaled-500x383.jpg)\n\n[Gallery](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Mitch-Marner-Jack-Eichel-scaled.jpg)\n#### [The Wild West: Torts in Vegas, Surging Blues, and Playoff Races](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/03\/30\/the-wild-west-torts-in-vegas-surging-blues-and-playoff-races\/ \"The Wild West: Torts in Vegas, Surging Blues, and Playoff Races\")\nMarch 30th, 2026\\|[0 Comments](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/03\/30\/the-wild-west-torts-in-vegas-surging-blues-and-playoff-races\/#respond)\n\n![The Wild West: The Wild Pacific](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Anaheim-Ducks-scaled-500x383.jpg)\n\n[Gallery](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Anaheim-Ducks-scaled.jpg)\n#### [The Wild West: The Wild Pacific](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/03\/16\/the-wild-west-the-wild-pacific\/ \"The Wild West: The Wild Pacific\")\nMarch 16th, 2026\\|[0 Comments](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/03\/16\/the-wild-west-the-wild-pacific\/#respond)\n\n# Starting Goalies\n[![GoaliePost Logo](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/icons\/Icon-192.png)](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/)\n\n[![Download on the App Store](https:\/\/developer.apple.com\/assets\/elements\/badges\/download-on-the-app-store.svg)](https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/dobbers-goalie-post\/id1632801668)   [![Get it on Google Play](https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/7\/78\/Google_Play_Store_badge_EN.svg)](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=works.xen.ds.gp)\n\n[![NJD](https:\/\/public-ds.static.dobbersports.com\/team-logo\/light\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4379.png) NJD](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-teams\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4379)\n\n@\n\n[BOS ![BOS](https:\/\/public-ds.static.dobbersports.com\/team-logo\/light\/62417df2085cc72e532ebfbd.png)](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-teams\/62417df2085cc72e532ebfbd)\n\n[Jake Allen](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-players\/61c1caa38a12aa09df3d4450)\n\n[Jeremy Swayman](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-players\/61c1caa38a12aa09df3d4426)\n\nPROBABLE\n\nPROBABLE\n\nTD Garden \\| Loading local time...\n\n[![CAR](https:\/\/public-ds.static.dobbersports.com\/team-logo\/light\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4383.png) CAR](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-teams\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4383)\n\n@\n\n[NYI ![NYI](https:\/\/public-ds.static.dobbersports.com\/team-logo\/light\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d437a.png)](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-teams\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d437a)\n\n[Frederik Andersen](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-players\/61c1caa38a12aa09df3d449b)\n\n[Ilya Sorokin](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-players\/61c1caa38a12aa09df3d43c2)\n\nLIKELY\n\nPROBABLE\n\nUBS Arena \\| Loading local time...\n\n[![MTL](https:\/\/public-ds.static.dobbersports.com\/team-logo\/light\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4380.png) MTL](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-teams\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4380)\n\n@\n\n[PHI ![PHI](https:\/\/public-ds.static.dobbersports.com\/team-logo\/light\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d437c.png)](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-teams\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d437c)\n\n[Jakub Dobes](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-players\/62863966dcf126538a141c56)\n\n[Samuel Ersson](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-players\/6286385cdcf126538a1418e0)\n\nPROBABLE\n\nLIKELY\n\nXfinity Mobile Arena \\| Loading local time...\n\n[![WSH](https:\/\/public-ds.static.dobbersports.com\/team-logo\/light\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4386.png) WSH](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-teams\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4386)\n\n@\n\n[CBJ ![CBJ](https:\/\/public-ds.static.dobbersports.com\/team-logo\/light\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4393.png)](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-teams\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4393)\n\n[Logan Thompson](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-players\/6242efd0ec434c152e8d737e)\n\n[Jet Greaves](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-players\/628639c5dcf126538a141dc6)\n\nPROBABLE\n\nPROBABLE\n\nNationwide Arena \\| Loading local time...\n\n[![ANA](https:\/\/public-ds.static.dobbersports.com\/team-logo\/light\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d438f.png) ANA](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-teams\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d438f)\n\n@\n\n[MIN ![MIN](https:\/\/public-ds.static.dobbersports.com\/team-logo\/light\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4394.png)](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-teams\/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4394)\n\n[Lukas Dostal](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-players\/6242fa15a2d7720910f0fbeb)\n\n[Jesper Wallstedt](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/nhl-players\/62863986dcf126538a141caf)\n\nPROBABLE\n\nLIKELY\n\nGrand Casino Arena \\| Loading local time...\n\n[View More...](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/probable-goalies)\n# Top Skater Views\n|   | Players | Team |\n|---|---|---|\n|   | [NICK SUZUKI](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/nick-suzuki) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/MTL_logo.svgz?3)MTL](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=MTL \"MONTREAL CANADIENS | Depth Chart\")** |\n|   | [PORTER MARTONE](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/porter-martone) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/PHI_logo.svgz?3)PHI](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=PHI \"PHILADELPHIA FLYERS | Depth Chart\")** |\n|   | [LANE HUTSON](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/lane-hutson) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/MTL_logo.svgz?3)MTL](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=MTL \"MONTREAL CANADIENS | Depth Chart\")** |\n|   | [MATVEI MICHKOV](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/matvei-michkov) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/PHI_logo.svgz?3)PHI](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=PHI \"PHILADELPHIA FLYERS | Depth Chart\")** |\n|   | [ILYA PROTAS](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/ilya-protas) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/WSH_logo.svgz?3)WSH](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=WSH \"WASHINGTON CAPITALS | Depth Chart\")** |\n\n[View More...](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_profile.php)\n# Top Goalie Profile Views\n|   | Players | Team |\n|---|---|---|\n|   | [CARTER HART](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/carter-hart) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/VGK_logo.svgz?3)VGK](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=VGK \"VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS | Depth Chart\")** |\n|   | [NIKKE KOKKO](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/nikke-kokko) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/SEA_logo.svgz?3)SEA](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=SEA \"SEATTLE KRAKEN | Depth Chart\")** |\n|   | [ARTUR AKHTYAMOV](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/artur-akhtyamov) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/TOR_logo.svgz?3)TOR](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=TOR \"TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS | Depth Chart\")** |\n|   | [VITEK VANECEK](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/vitek-vanecek) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/UTA_logo.svgz?3)UTA](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=UTA \"UTAH MAMMOTH | Depth Chart\")** |\n|   | [JAKUB DOBES](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/jakub-dobes) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/MTL_logo.svgz?3)MTL](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=MTL \"MONTREAL CANADIENS | Depth Chart\")** |\n\n[View More...](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_profile.php)\n# LINE COMBOS\n|   | Frequency | [![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/S.J_logo.svgz?3)S.J](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=S.J \"S.J | Depth Chart\") Players |\n|---|---|---|\n|   | 25\\.3 | [ALEXANDER WENNBERG](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/alexander-wennberg)   [KIEFER SHERWOOD](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/kiefer-sherwood)   [WILLIAM EKLUND](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/william-eklund) |\n|   | 23\\.6 | [WILL SMITH](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/will-smith)   [IGOR CHERNYSHOV](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/igor-chernyshov)   [MACKLIN CELEBRINI](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/macklin-celebrini) |\n|   | 17\\.3 | [ZACK OSTAPCHUK](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/zack-ostapchuk)   [BARCLAY GOODROW](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/barclay-goodrow)   [ADAM GAUDETTE](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/adam-gaudette) |\n\n[View More...](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_lastgamelines.php)\n\n# DobberHockey Podcasts\n[![](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/KKeepingKarlsson3.png) Keeping Karlsson: Mats Domino 2026-04-13](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/podcast\/keeping-karlsson-mats-domino\/ \"Listen to Podcast - Keeping Karlsson: Mats Domino\")\n\n<https:\/\/afp-961247-injected.calisto.simplecastaudio.com\/18fc8bff-ac01-4275-81b6-f1eb16a0aa4b\/episodes\/b521b608-32ba-4134-98c0-d3eeee82ee64\/audio\/128\/default.mp3>\n\nElan and Brian do a mix of reflecting and projecting on players across all 32 NHL teams as the regular season and fantasy hockey league postseason draw to a close.\n\n[![](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/fantasyhockeylife.jpg) Fantasy Hockey Life: Tidy Roundtable 2026-04-12](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/podcast\/fantasy-hockey-life-tidy-roundtable\/ \"Listen to Podcast - Fantasy Hockey Life: Tidy Roundtable\")\n\n<https:\/\/api.spreaker.com\/v2\/episodes\/71241472\/download.mp3>\n\nRyan and Victor interview four TIDY division champs: Willie, Mason, Marcus, and Shane. How did they approach their dynasty victories? Have a listen! Our show is part of the Dobber Podcast Network and sponsored by Fantrax.com. Email [\\[email protected\\]](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection) and ask to join our free discord. Join our Patreon at Patreon.com\/fantasyhockeylife for rankings, bonus podcasts, in-depth \\[…\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/fantasyhockeylife.jpg) Fantasy Hockey Life: Scout’s Tout 2026-04-05](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/podcast\/fantasy-hockey-life-scouts-tout-5\/ \"Listen to Podcast - Fantasy Hockey Life: Scout’s Tout\")\n\n<https:\/\/api.spreaker.com\/v2\/episodes\/71107035\/download.mp3>\n\nScout’s Tout returns with reports on young players and draft-eligibles. Hear reports from FHL Scouts Patrick, Grant, Nate, Mike, and Tony with analysis from Victor and Jesse. Players covered include Ivan Miroshnichenko, Denver Barkey, Sacha Boisvert, Viggo Bjorck, Oscar Hemming, Matvei Korotky, Kurban Limatov, Blake Zielinski, and Rudolfs Berzkains. Have a listen! Our show is \\[…\\]\n\n[![](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/KKeepingKarlsson3.png) Keeping Karlsson: Play It Again, Sam 2026-04-03](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/podcast\/keeping-karlsson-play-it-again-sam\/ \"Listen to Podcast - Keeping Karlsson: Play It Again, Sam\")\n\n<https:\/\/afp-961247-injected.calisto.simplecastaudio.com\/18fc8bff-ac01-4275-81b6-f1eb16a0aa4b\/episodes\/26eaf6bf-deb2-4956-b1b0-492ee5f9ad95\/audio\/128\/default.mp3>\n\nElan and Brian adopt championship mindset to bring you through to the finals in your fantasy hockey league postseasons.\n\n[![](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/KKeepingKarlsson3.png) Keeping Karlsson: Short Shifts – Watch Your Mar-tone! 2026-04-01](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/podcast\/keeping-karlsson-short-shifts-watch-your-mar-tone\/ \"Listen to Podcast - Keeping Karlsson: Short Shifts – Watch Your Mar-tone!\")\n\n<https:\/\/afp-961247-injected.calisto.simplecastaudio.com\/18fc8bff-ac01-4275-81b6-f1eb16a0aa4b\/episodes\/67e24f14-0144-4b7e-9801-a11a813f0147\/audio\/128\/default.mp3>\n\nNick is back for more, helping you through the frantic finish of the fantasy finals! We take you through news, high-profile rookie debuts, injuries, and the NHL 3 stars of the week, before wrapping up with some hot and cold streaks that could help tip you over the top for the ultimate fantasy matchup of the year\\!\n# FIND US ON FACEBOOK\n\n![](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/dh_20y-2-400x514.png)\n\nDobberHockey and Goalie Post launched in 2005, becoming the first independent fantasy hockey and starting goalie websites on the Internet. Frozen Tools and DobberProspects launched in 2008, helping to form the nucleus of the Dobber Sports Network: dedicated to helping you win your fantasy hockey leagues.\n\n#### Guides, Draft Lists\n- [Fantasy Hockey Guide (PDF)](https:\/\/dobbersports.com\/#products)\n- [Player Draft List (Spreadsheet)](https:\/\/dobbersports.com\/#products)\n\n#### Players\n- [Quick Line Combos](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_lastgamelines.php)\n- [Full Line Combos](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_linecombo.php)\n\n#### Games\n- [NHL Schedule Planning Tool](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_planner.php)\n- [Starting Goalies](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/)\n- [Dobbernomics – where fantasy hockey meets the stock market](https:\/\/dobbernomics.com\/)\n- [Free Daily Fantasy Cap League](https:\/\/dobbernomics.com\/)\n- [Prospects 2 Pros Super League – Join Here!\\!](http:\/\/playp2p.ca\/)\n\n#### Community\n- [Kick-ass Fantasy Hockey Forum](https:\/\/forums.dobbersports.com\/)\n- [Latest Posts](http:\/\/forums.dobbersports.com\/search.php?do=getnew&contenttype=vBForum_Post)\n\n#### Contact\n- [Contact](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/contact\/)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/about-us\/)\n- [Join the Team](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/01\/24\/dobber-sports-network-join-the-team\/)\n\nPrivacy Manager\n\n© Copyright 2012 - \\| DobberSports Network \\| All Rights Reserved\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DobberSports\/ \"Facebook\")[X](https:\/\/twitter.com\/DobberHockey \"X\")\n\n[Page load link](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/03\/23\/the-wild-west-playoff-races\/)\n\n[Go to Top](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/03\/23\/the-wild-west-playoff-races\/)","attrs_readable_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/03\/23\/the-wild-west-playoff-races\/#content)\n\n- [Shop](https:\/\/dobbersports.com\/)\n- [DobberProspects](https:\/\/dobberprospects.com\/)\n- [DobberNomics](https:\/\/dobbernomics.com\/)\n- [Forum](https:\/\/forums.dobbersports.com\/forum.php)\n- [Frozen Tools](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/)\n- [GoaliePost](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/)\n- [Fantasy Geek](https:\/\/www.fantasyhockeygeek.com\/)\n- [DFS\/Betting](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/dfs-home\/)\n\nHappy Monday y'all! I hope you advanced in your playoffs or if your postseason starts this week, good luck to all! I have two leagues that start this week so please keep me in your thoughts as well. I know a lot of us want the NHL to switch up the playoff format to see the teams with the most points advance, kind of like how our fantasy leagues do it. Unfortunately, that is what our league formats are for, fantasy.\n\nThe league contains so much parity in today's salary cap world that things fluctuate on a yearly basis. It was not that long ago that the Western Conference was the power house and teams in the Eastern Conference were struggling to make the playoffs. If the road to the Stanley Cup were to start today, HALF of the teams in this year's dance would be different than last season. Think about that, 50% of the playoff field did not adventure on the trip to Lord Stanley. We want new and exciting things in our life and that is why teams play the game and play the [schedule](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_planner.php) that has been assigned to them.\n\nAt the end of the day, there will be 31 losers and only one Stanley Cup Champion. It won't matter how many points you gathered in the regular season, you will be judged on winning 16 games through April, May, and June.\n\nI do like the divisional playoff format. I wish they would go back to playing teams in their division seven, eight times a season and limiting matchups against the other conference to one game (play one division on the road and the other at home and vice versa, would save on travel costs, etc). And that would really bring the bad blood back against close proximity rivals.\n\nAnd an idea to spark new rivalries and maybe help with this playoff format could be the remaining four wild card spots go to the teams with the most points. Doesn't matter if three are from the East and one from the West or all four from one and none from the other, but in this instance, the last four teams are the \"best\" ones in terms of points. Let me know what you think of this idea on [Twitter](https:\/\/www.twitter.com\/dobberhockey), @LAM1926.\n\n—\n\nLast week I wrote about how the Vegas Golden Knights were looking like an organization who was starting to hit their stride. They are an experienced group and know when to turn it on, but I turned it into a complete mush. Vegas only scored one goal during a three-game losing skid, but they got out of their funk with a 3-2 over the Dallas Stars yesterday. The amount of extra hockey their top players played at the Olympics has had an impact so staying fresh and rested down the stretch is going to be key. It is still too early to start scratching players for rest, but we may see a lot of limited practices and morning skates in the near future.\n\n—\n\nThe Pacific Division is pretty much the reason we're having this debate and they did not do themselves any favors last week. Counting the teams still in the playoff chase (so the top six, ending with San Jose), those teams went 5-12-3. What makes that record look even worse is that only one of those games was in division; the Edmonton Oilers defeated the San Jose Sharks.\n\nAgain, we live in the moment of now and instant gratification, so this week wasn't one to write home about, but that's why they play all 82 contests. That number will change for the final three and a half weeks and the perception will be different.\n\n—-\n\nDon't look now, but since some of these teams won't take the reins and take control of the wild card, teams like the Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, and even the St. Louis Blues have crawled back into the race.\n\nThe Preds have been led by a resurgent [Steven Stamkos](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/Steven-Stamkos) who has 28 goals and 47 points in 45 games since the start of December. As it stands on Monday March 23rd, Nashville does have the final wild card spot. Who would have thought this in the middle of December?\n\nThere is a reason why [Connor Hellebuyck](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/connor-hellebuyck) will be a first ballot hall of famer and it was shown when he was hurt earlier this season. The Jets dug themselves a pretty big hole while he was out of the lineup, but he has led the charge in making this surprising come back. Winnipeg currently sits at NHL .500 and only five points out of a playoff spot.\n\nMuch like Hellebuyck, [Robert Thomas](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/robert-thomas) has missed a lot of time for the Blues this season, but when he was inserted back into the lineup, the almost traded Blue has injected new life into this squad and has them in the single digit territory now for that wildcard spot with a 7-1-2 record in their last 10.\n\nIt could be too little too late for these franchises, but it makes more games matter, which leads to better intensity for our viewing pleasure.\n\nI hope y'all have a great week and good luck in your matchups if you are still alive\\!\n\n## Starting Goalies\n[![GoaliePost Logo](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/icons\/Icon-192.png)](https:\/\/goaliepost.com\/)\n\n## Top Skater Views\n|   | Players | Team |\n|---|---|---|\n|   | [NICK SUZUKI](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/nick-suzuki) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/MTL_logo.svgz?3)MTL](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=MTL \"MONTREAL CANADIENS | Depth Chart\")** |\n|   | [PORTER MARTONE](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/porter-martone) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/PHI_logo.svgz?3)PHI](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=PHI \"PHILADELPHIA FLYERS | Depth Chart\")** |\n|   | [LANE HUTSON](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/lane-hutson) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/MTL_logo.svgz?3)MTL](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=MTL \"MONTREAL CANADIENS | Depth Chart\")** |\n|   | [MATVEI MICHKOV](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/matvei-michkov) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/PHI_logo.svgz?3)PHI](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=PHI \"PHILADELPHIA FLYERS | Depth Chart\")** |\n|   | [ILYA PROTAS](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/ilya-protas) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/WSH_logo.svgz?3)WSH](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=WSH \"WASHINGTON CAPITALS | Depth Chart\")** |\n## Top Goalie Profile Views\n|   | Players | Team |\n|---|---|---|\n|   | [CARTER HART](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/carter-hart) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/VGK_logo.svgz?3)VGK](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=VGK \"VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS | Depth Chart\")** |\n|   | [NIKKE KOKKO](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/nikke-kokko) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/SEA_logo.svgz?3)SEA](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=SEA \"SEATTLE KRAKEN | Depth Chart\")** |\n|   | [ARTUR AKHTYAMOV](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/artur-akhtyamov) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/TOR_logo.svgz?3)TOR](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=TOR \"TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS | Depth Chart\")** |\n|   | [VITEK VANECEK](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/vitek-vanecek) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/UTA_logo.svgz?3)UTA](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=UTA \"UTAH MAMMOTH | Depth Chart\")** |\n|   | [JAKUB DOBES](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/jakub-dobes) | **[![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/MTL_logo.svgz?3)MTL](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=MTL \"MONTREAL CANADIENS | Depth Chart\")** |\n## LINE COMBOS\n|   | Frequency | [![](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/images\/logos\/S.J_logo.svgz?3)S.J](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=S.J \"S.J | Depth Chart\") Players |\n|---|---|---|\n|   | 25\\.3 | [ALEXANDER WENNBERG](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/alexander-wennberg)   [KIEFER SHERWOOD](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/kiefer-sherwood)   [WILLIAM EKLUND](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/william-eklund) |\n|   | 23\\.6 | [WILL SMITH](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/will-smith)   [IGOR CHERNYSHOV](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/igor-chernyshov)   [MACKLIN CELEBRINI](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/macklin-celebrini) |\n|   | 17\\.3 | [ZACK OSTAPCHUK](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/zack-ostapchuk)   [BARCLAY GOODROW](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/barclay-goodrow)   [ADAM GAUDETTE](https:\/\/frozenpool.dobbersports.com\/players\/adam-gaudette) |\n\n## DobberHockey Podcasts\n## FIND US ON FACEBOOK\n\n[Page load link](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/03\/23\/the-wild-west-playoff-races\/)\n\n[Go to Top](https:\/\/dobberhockey.com\/2026\/03\/23\/the-wild-west-playoff-races\/)","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	The Wild West: Playoff Races – DobberHockey
Meta Description	Happy Monday y’all! I hope you advanced in your playoffs or if your postseason starts this week, good luck to all! I have two leagues that start this week so please keep me in your thoughts as well. I know a lot of us want the NHL to switch up the playoff format
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Boilerpipe Text	Skip to content Shop DobberProspects DobberNomics Forum Frozen Tools GoaliePost Fantasy Geek DFS/Betting Happy Monday y'all! I hope you advanced in your playoffs or if your postseason starts this week, good luck to all! I have two leagues that start this week so please keep me in your thoughts as well. I know a lot of us want the NHL to switch up the playoff format to see the teams with the most points advance, kind of like how our fantasy leagues do it. Unfortunately, that is what our league formats are for, fantasy. The league contains so much parity in today's salary cap world that things fluctuate on a yearly basis. It was not that long ago that the Western Conference was the power house and teams in the Eastern Conference were struggling to make the playoffs. If the road to the Stanley Cup were to start today, HALF of the teams in this year's dance would be different than last season. Think about that, 50% of the playoff field did not adventure on the trip to Lord Stanley. We want new and exciting things in our life and that is why teams play the game and play the schedule that has been assigned to them. At the end of the day, there will be 31 losers and only one Stanley Cup Champion. It won't matter how many points you gathered in the regular season, you will be judged on winning 16 games through April, May, and June. I do like the divisional playoff format. I wish they would go back to playing teams in their division seven, eight times a season and limiting matchups against the other conference to one game (play one division on the road and the other at home and vice versa, would save on travel costs, etc). And that would really bring the bad blood back against close proximity rivals. And an idea to spark new rivalries and maybe help with this playoff format could be the remaining four wild card spots go to the teams with the most points. Doesn't matter if three are from the East and one from the West or all four from one and none from the other, but in this instance, the last four teams are the "best" ones in terms of points. Let me know what you think of this idea on Twitter , @LAM1926. — Last week I wrote about how the Vegas Golden Knights were looking like an organization who was starting to hit their stride. They are an experienced group and know when to turn it on, but I turned it into a complete mush. Vegas only scored one goal during a three-game losing skid, but they got out of their funk with a 3-2 over the Dallas Stars yesterday. The amount of extra hockey their top players played at the Olympics has had an impact so staying fresh and rested down the stretch is going to be key. It is still too early to start scratching players for rest, but we may see a lot of limited practices and morning skates in the near future. — The Pacific Division is pretty much the reason we're having this debate and they did not do themselves any favors last week. Counting the teams still in the playoff chase (so the top six, ending with San Jose), those teams went 5-12-3. What makes that record look even worse is that only one of those games was in division; the Edmonton Oilers defeated the San Jose Sharks. Again, we live in the moment of now and instant gratification, so this week wasn't one to write home about, but that's why they play all 82 contests. That number will change for the final three and a half weeks and the perception will be different. —- Don't look now, but since some of these teams won't take the reins and take control of the wild card, teams like the Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, and even the St. Louis Blues have crawled back into the race. The Preds have been led by a resurgent Steven Stamkos who has 28 goals and 47 points in 45 games since the start of December. As it stands on Monday March 23rd, Nashville does have the final wild card spot. Who would have thought this in the middle of December? There is a reason why Connor Hellebuyck will be a first ballot hall of famer and it was shown when he was hurt earlier this season. The Jets dug themselves a pretty big hole while he was out of the lineup, but he has led the charge in making this surprising come back. Winnipeg currently sits at NHL .500 and only five points out of a playoff spot. Much like Hellebuyck, Robert Thomas has missed a lot of time for the Blues this season, but when he was inserted back into the lineup, the almost traded Blue has injected new life into this squad and has them in the single digit territory now for that wildcard spot with a 7-1-2 record in their last 10. It could be too little too late for these franchises, but it makes more games matter, which leads to better intensity for our viewing pleasure. I hope y'all have a great week and good luck in your matchups if you are still alive! Starting Goalies Top Skater Views Players Team NICK SUZUKI MTL PORTER MARTONE PHI LANE HUTSON MTL MATVEI MICHKOV PHI ILYA PROTAS WSH Top Goalie Profile Views Players Team CARTER HART VGK NIKKE KOKKO SEA ARTUR AKHTYAMOV TOR VITEK VANECEK UTA JAKUB DOBES MTL LINE COMBOS Frequency S.J Players 25.3 ALEXANDER WENNBERG KIEFER SHERWOOD WILLIAM EKLUND 23.6 WILL SMITH IGOR CHERNYSHOV MACKLIN CELEBRINI 17.3 ZACK OSTAPCHUK BARCLAY GOODROW ADAM GAUDETTE DobberHockey Podcasts FIND US ON FACEBOOK Page load link Go to Top
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I hope you advanced in your playoffs or if your postseason starts this week, good luck to all! I have two leagues that start this week so please keep me in your thoughts as well. I know a lot of us want the NHL to switch up the playoff format to see the teams with the most points advance, kind of like how our fantasy leagues do it. Unfortunately, that is what our league formats are for, fantasy. The league contains so much parity in today's salary cap world that things fluctuate on a yearly basis. It was not that long ago that the Western Conference was the power house and teams in the Eastern Conference were struggling to make the playoffs. If the road to the Stanley Cup were to start today, HALF of the teams in this year's dance would be different than last season. Think about that, 50% of the playoff field did not adventure on the trip to Lord Stanley. We want new and exciting things in our life and that is why teams play the game and play the [schedule](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_planner.php) that has been assigned to them. At the end of the day, there will be 31 losers and only one Stanley Cup Champion. It won't matter how many points you gathered in the regular season, you will be judged on winning 16 games through April, May, and June. I do like the divisional playoff format. I wish they would go back to playing teams in their division seven, eight times a season and limiting matchups against the other conference to one game (play one division on the road and the other at home and vice versa, would save on travel costs, etc). And that would really bring the bad blood back against close proximity rivals. And an idea to spark new rivalries and maybe help with this playoff format could be the remaining four wild card spots go to the teams with the most points. Doesn't matter if three are from the East and one from the West or all four from one and none from the other, but in this instance, the last four teams are the "best" ones in terms of points. Let me know what you think of this idea on [Twitter](https://www.twitter.com/dobberhockey), @LAM1926. — Last week I wrote about how the Vegas Golden Knights were looking like an organization who was starting to hit their stride. They are an experienced group and know when to turn it on, but I turned it into a complete mush. Vegas only scored one goal during a three-game losing skid, but they got out of their funk with a 3-2 over the Dallas Stars yesterday. The amount of extra hockey their top players played at the Olympics has had an impact so staying fresh and rested down the stretch is going to be key. It is still too early to start scratching players for rest, but we may see a lot of limited practices and morning skates in the near future. — The Pacific Division is pretty much the reason we're having this debate and they did not do themselves any favors last week. Counting the teams still in the playoff chase (so the top six, ending with San Jose), those teams went 5-12-3. What makes that record look even worse is that only one of those games was in division; the Edmonton Oilers defeated the San Jose Sharks. Again, we live in the moment of now and instant gratification, so this week wasn't one to write home about, but that's why they play all 82 contests. That number will change for the final three and a half weeks and the perception will be different. —- Don't look now, but since some of these teams won't take the reins and take control of the wild card, teams like the Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, and even the St. Louis Blues have crawled back into the race. The Preds have been led by a resurgent [Steven Stamkos](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/Steven-Stamkos) who has 28 goals and 47 points in 45 games since the start of December. As it stands on Monday March 23rd, Nashville does have the final wild card spot. Who would have thought this in the middle of December? There is a reason why [Connor Hellebuyck](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/connor-hellebuyck) will be a first ballot hall of famer and it was shown when he was hurt earlier this season. The Jets dug themselves a pretty big hole while he was out of the lineup, but he has led the charge in making this surprising come back. Winnipeg currently sits at NHL .500 and only five points out of a playoff spot. Much like Hellebuyck, [Robert Thomas](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/robert-thomas) has missed a lot of time for the Blues this season, but when he was inserted back into the lineup, the almost traded Blue has injected new life into this squad and has them in the single digit territory now for that wildcard spot with a 7-1-2 record in their last 10. 📢 advertisement: It could be too little too late for these franchises, but it makes more games matter, which leads to better intensity for our viewing pleasure. I hope y'all have a great week and good luck in your matchups if you are still alive\! [Previous](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/03/23/top-10-late-season-rookies/) [Next](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/03/24/ramblings-mammoth-sign-desnoyers-updates-on-kaprizov-eriksson-ek-and-askarov-improvements-for-perfetti-ostlund-willander-and-more-march-24/) ## Leave A Comment [Cancel reply](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/03/23/the-wild-west-playoff-races/#respond) You must be [logged in](https://dobberhockey.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fdobberhockey.com%2F2026%2F03%2F23%2Fthe-wild-west-playoff-races%2F) to post a comment. ### Related Posts ![The Wild West – Playoff Picture Almost Set, Celebrini, Blues](https://dobberhockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Anze-Kopitar-scaled-500x383.jpg) [Gallery](https://dobberhockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Anze-Kopitar-scaled.jpg) #### [The Wild West – Playoff Picture Almost Set, Celebrini, Blues](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/04/13/the-wild-west-playoff-picture-almost-set-celebrini-blues/ "The Wild West – Playoff Picture Almost Set, Celebrini, Blues") April 13th, 2026\\|[0 Comments](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/04/13/the-wild-west-playoff-picture-almost-set-celebrini-blues/#respond) ![The Wild West: Scheduling, Wild Card Teams, and More](https://dobberhockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/San-Jose-Sharks-scaled-500x383.jpg) [Gallery](https://dobberhockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/San-Jose-Sharks-scaled.jpg) #### [The Wild West: Scheduling, Wild Card Teams, and More](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/04/06/the-wild-west-scheduling-wild-card-teams-and-more/ "The Wild West: Scheduling, Wild Card Teams, and More") April 6th, 2026\\|[0 Comments](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/04/06/the-wild-west-scheduling-wild-card-teams-and-more/#respond) ![The Wild West: Torts in Vegas, Surging Blues, and Playoff Races](https://dobberhockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mitch-Marner-Jack-Eichel-scaled-500x383.jpg) [Gallery](https://dobberhockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mitch-Marner-Jack-Eichel-scaled.jpg) #### [The Wild West: Torts in Vegas, Surging Blues, and Playoff Races](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/03/30/the-wild-west-torts-in-vegas-surging-blues-and-playoff-races/ "The Wild West: Torts in Vegas, Surging Blues, and Playoff Races") March 30th, 2026\\|[0 Comments](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/03/30/the-wild-west-torts-in-vegas-surging-blues-and-playoff-races/#respond) ![The Wild West: The Wild Pacific](https://dobberhockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Anaheim-Ducks-scaled-500x383.jpg) [Gallery](https://dobberhockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Anaheim-Ducks-scaled.jpg) #### [The Wild West: The Wild Pacific](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/03/16/the-wild-west-the-wild-pacific/ "The Wild West: The Wild Pacific") March 16th, 2026\\|[0 Comments](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/03/16/the-wild-west-the-wild-pacific/#respond) # Starting Goalies [![GoaliePost Logo](https://goaliepost.com/icons/Icon-192.png)](https://goaliepost.com/) [![Download on the App Store](https://developer.apple.com/assets/elements/badges/download-on-the-app-store.svg)](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dobbers-goalie-post/id1632801668) [![Get it on Google Play](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/Google_Play_Store_badge_EN.svg)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=works.xen.ds.gp) [![NJD](https://public-ds.static.dobbersports.com/team-logo/light/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4379.png) NJD](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-teams/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4379) @ [BOS ![BOS](https://public-ds.static.dobbersports.com/team-logo/light/62417df2085cc72e532ebfbd.png)](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-teams/62417df2085cc72e532ebfbd) [Jake Allen](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-players/61c1caa38a12aa09df3d4450) [Jeremy Swayman](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-players/61c1caa38a12aa09df3d4426) PROBABLE PROBABLE TD Garden \\| Loading local time... [![CAR](https://public-ds.static.dobbersports.com/team-logo/light/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4383.png) CAR](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-teams/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4383) @ [NYI ![NYI](https://public-ds.static.dobbersports.com/team-logo/light/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d437a.png)](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-teams/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d437a) [Frederik Andersen](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-players/61c1caa38a12aa09df3d449b) [Ilya Sorokin](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-players/61c1caa38a12aa09df3d43c2) LIKELY PROBABLE UBS Arena \\| Loading local time... [![MTL](https://public-ds.static.dobbersports.com/team-logo/light/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4380.png) MTL](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-teams/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4380) @ [PHI ![PHI](https://public-ds.static.dobbersports.com/team-logo/light/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d437c.png)](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-teams/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d437c) [Jakub Dobes](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-players/62863966dcf126538a141c56) [Samuel Ersson](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-players/6286385cdcf126538a1418e0) PROBABLE LIKELY Xfinity Mobile Arena \\| Loading local time... [![WSH](https://public-ds.static.dobbersports.com/team-logo/light/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4386.png) WSH](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-teams/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4386) @ [CBJ ![CBJ](https://public-ds.static.dobbersports.com/team-logo/light/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4393.png)](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-teams/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4393) [Logan Thompson](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-players/6242efd0ec434c152e8d737e) [Jet Greaves](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-players/628639c5dcf126538a141dc6) PROBABLE PROBABLE Nationwide Arena \\| Loading local time... [![ANA](https://public-ds.static.dobbersports.com/team-logo/light/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d438f.png) ANA](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-teams/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d438f) @ [MIN ![MIN](https://public-ds.static.dobbersports.com/team-logo/light/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4394.png)](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-teams/61c1c8fe8a12aa09df3d4394) [Lukas Dostal](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-players/6242fa15a2d7720910f0fbeb) [Jesper Wallstedt](https://goaliepost.com/nhl-players/62863986dcf126538a141caf) PROBABLE LIKELY Grand Casino Arena \\| Loading local time... [View More...](https://goaliepost.com/probable-goalies) # Top Skater Views \| \| Players \| Team \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| \| [NICK SUZUKI](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/nick-suzuki) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/MTL_logo.svgz?3)MTL](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=MTL "MONTREAL CANADIENS \| Depth Chart") \| \| \| [PORTER MARTONE](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/porter-martone) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/PHI_logo.svgz?3)PHI](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=PHI "PHILADELPHIA FLYERS \| Depth Chart") \| \| \| [LANE HUTSON](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/lane-hutson) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/MTL_logo.svgz?3)MTL](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=MTL "MONTREAL CANADIENS \| Depth Chart") \| \| \| [MATVEI MICHKOV](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/matvei-michkov) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/PHI_logo.svgz?3)PHI](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=PHI "PHILADELPHIA FLYERS \| Depth Chart") \| \| \| [ILYA PROTAS](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/ilya-protas) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/WSH_logo.svgz?3)WSH](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=WSH "WASHINGTON CAPITALS \| Depth Chart") \| [View More...](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_profile.php) # Top Goalie Profile Views \| \| Players \| Team \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| \| [CARTER HART](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/carter-hart) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/VGK_logo.svgz?3)VGK](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=VGK "VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS \| Depth Chart") \| \| \| [NIKKE KOKKO](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/nikke-kokko) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/SEA_logo.svgz?3)SEA](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=SEA "SEATTLE KRAKEN \| Depth Chart") \| \| \| [ARTUR AKHTYAMOV](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/artur-akhtyamov) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/TOR_logo.svgz?3)TOR](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=TOR "TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS \| Depth Chart") \| \| \| [VITEK VANECEK](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/vitek-vanecek) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/UTA_logo.svgz?3)UTA](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=UTA "UTAH MAMMOTH \| Depth Chart") \| \| \| [JAKUB DOBES](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/jakub-dobes) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/MTL_logo.svgz?3)MTL](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=MTL "MONTREAL CANADIENS \| Depth Chart") \| [View More...](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_profile.php) # LINE COMBOS \| \| Frequency \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/S.J_logo.svgz?3)S.J](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=S.J "S.J \| Depth Chart") Players \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| \| 25\.3 \| [ALEXANDER WENNBERG](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/alexander-wennberg) [KIEFER SHERWOOD](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/kiefer-sherwood) [WILLIAM EKLUND](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/william-eklund) \| \| \| 23\.6 \| [WILL SMITH](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/will-smith) [IGOR CHERNYSHOV](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/igor-chernyshov) [MACKLIN CELEBRINI](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/macklin-celebrini) \| \| \| 17\.3 \| [ZACK OSTAPCHUK](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/zack-ostapchuk) [BARCLAY GOODROW](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/barclay-goodrow) [ADAM GAUDETTE](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/adam-gaudette) \| [View More...](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_lastgamelines.php) # DobberHockey Podcasts [![](https://dobberhockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/KKeepingKarlsson3.png) Keeping Karlsson: Mats Domino 2026-04-13](https://dobberhockey.com/podcast/keeping-karlsson-mats-domino/ "Listen to Podcast - Keeping Karlsson: Mats Domino") <https://afp-961247-injected.calisto.simplecastaudio.com/18fc8bff-ac01-4275-81b6-f1eb16a0aa4b/episodes/b521b608-32ba-4134-98c0-d3eeee82ee64/audio/128/default.mp3> Elan and Brian do a mix of reflecting and projecting on players across all 32 NHL teams as the regular season and fantasy hockey league postseason draw to a close. [![](https://dobberhockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/fantasyhockeylife.jpg) Fantasy Hockey Life: Tidy Roundtable 2026-04-12](https://dobberhockey.com/podcast/fantasy-hockey-life-tidy-roundtable/ "Listen to Podcast - Fantasy Hockey Life: Tidy Roundtable") <https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/71241472/download.mp3> Ryan and Victor interview four TIDY division champs: Willie, Mason, Marcus, and Shane. How did they approach their dynasty victories? Have a listen! Our show is part of the Dobber Podcast Network and sponsored by Fantrax.com. Email [\[email protected\]](https://dobberhockey.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection) and ask to join our free discord. Join our Patreon at Patreon.com/fantasyhockeylife for rankings, bonus podcasts, in-depth \[…\] [![](https://dobberhockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/fantasyhockeylife.jpg) Fantasy Hockey Life: Scout’s Tout 2026-04-05](https://dobberhockey.com/podcast/fantasy-hockey-life-scouts-tout-5/ "Listen to Podcast - Fantasy Hockey Life: Scout’s Tout") <https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/71107035/download.mp3> Scout’s Tout returns with reports on young players and draft-eligibles. Hear reports from FHL Scouts Patrick, Grant, Nate, Mike, and Tony with analysis from Victor and Jesse. Players covered include Ivan Miroshnichenko, Denver Barkey, Sacha Boisvert, Viggo Bjorck, Oscar Hemming, Matvei Korotky, Kurban Limatov, Blake Zielinski, and Rudolfs Berzkains. Have a listen! Our show is \[…\] [![](https://dobberhockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/KKeepingKarlsson3.png) Keeping Karlsson: Play It Again, Sam 2026-04-03](https://dobberhockey.com/podcast/keeping-karlsson-play-it-again-sam/ "Listen to Podcast - Keeping Karlsson: Play It Again, Sam") <https://afp-961247-injected.calisto.simplecastaudio.com/18fc8bff-ac01-4275-81b6-f1eb16a0aa4b/episodes/26eaf6bf-deb2-4956-b1b0-492ee5f9ad95/audio/128/default.mp3> Elan and Brian adopt championship mindset to bring you through to the finals in your fantasy hockey league postseasons. [![](https://dobberhockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/KKeepingKarlsson3.png) Keeping Karlsson: Short Shifts – Watch Your Mar-tone! 2026-04-01](https://dobberhockey.com/podcast/keeping-karlsson-short-shifts-watch-your-mar-tone/ "Listen to Podcast - Keeping Karlsson: Short Shifts – Watch Your Mar-tone!") <https://afp-961247-injected.calisto.simplecastaudio.com/18fc8bff-ac01-4275-81b6-f1eb16a0aa4b/episodes/67e24f14-0144-4b7e-9801-a11a813f0147/audio/128/default.mp3> Nick is back for more, helping you through the frantic finish of the fantasy finals! We take you through news, high-profile rookie debuts, injuries, and the NHL 3 stars of the week, before wrapping up with some hot and cold streaks that could help tip you over the top for the ultimate fantasy matchup of the year\! # FIND US ON FACEBOOK ![](https://dobberhockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/dh_20y-2-400x514.png) DobberHockey and Goalie Post launched in 2005, becoming the first independent fantasy hockey and starting goalie websites on the Internet. Frozen Tools and DobberProspects launched in 2008, helping to form the nucleus of the Dobber Sports Network: dedicated to helping you win your fantasy hockey leagues. #### Guides, Draft Lists - [Fantasy Hockey Guide (PDF)](https://dobbersports.com/#products) - [Player Draft List (Spreadsheet)](https://dobbersports.com/#products) #### Players - [Quick Line Combos](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_lastgamelines.php) - [Full Line Combos](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_linecombo.php) #### Games - [NHL Schedule Planning Tool](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_planner.php) - [Starting Goalies](https://goaliepost.com/) - [Dobbernomics – where fantasy hockey meets the stock market](https://dobbernomics.com/) - [Free Daily Fantasy Cap League](https://dobbernomics.com/) - [Prospects 2 Pros Super League – Join Here!\!](http://playp2p.ca/) #### Community - [Kick-ass Fantasy Hockey Forum](https://forums.dobbersports.com/) - [Latest Posts](http://forums.dobbersports.com/search.php?do=getnew&contenttype=vBForum_Post) #### Contact - [Contact](https://dobberhockey.com/contact/) - [About Us](https://dobberhockey.com/about-us/) - [Join the Team](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/01/24/dobber-sports-network-join-the-team/) Privacy Manager © Copyright 2012 - \\| DobberSports Network \\| All Rights Reserved [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/DobberSports/ "Facebook")[X](https://twitter.com/DobberHockey "X") [Page load link](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/03/23/the-wild-west-playoff-races/) [Go to Top](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/03/23/the-wild-west-playoff-races/)
Readable Markdown	[Skip to content](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/03/23/the-wild-west-playoff-races/#content) - [Shop](https://dobbersports.com/) - [DobberProspects](https://dobberprospects.com/) - [DobberNomics](https://dobbernomics.com/) - [Forum](https://forums.dobbersports.com/forum.php) - [Frozen Tools](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/) - [GoaliePost](https://goaliepost.com/) - [Fantasy Geek](https://www.fantasyhockeygeek.com/) - [DFS/Betting](https://dobberhockey.com/dfs-home/) Happy Monday y'all! I hope you advanced in your playoffs or if your postseason starts this week, good luck to all! I have two leagues that start this week so please keep me in your thoughts as well. I know a lot of us want the NHL to switch up the playoff format to see the teams with the most points advance, kind of like how our fantasy leagues do it. Unfortunately, that is what our league formats are for, fantasy. The league contains so much parity in today's salary cap world that things fluctuate on a yearly basis. It was not that long ago that the Western Conference was the power house and teams in the Eastern Conference were struggling to make the playoffs. If the road to the Stanley Cup were to start today, HALF of the teams in this year's dance would be different than last season. Think about that, 50% of the playoff field did not adventure on the trip to Lord Stanley. We want new and exciting things in our life and that is why teams play the game and play the [schedule](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_planner.php) that has been assigned to them. At the end of the day, there will be 31 losers and only one Stanley Cup Champion. It won't matter how many points you gathered in the regular season, you will be judged on winning 16 games through April, May, and June. I do like the divisional playoff format. I wish they would go back to playing teams in their division seven, eight times a season and limiting matchups against the other conference to one game (play one division on the road and the other at home and vice versa, would save on travel costs, etc). And that would really bring the bad blood back against close proximity rivals. And an idea to spark new rivalries and maybe help with this playoff format could be the remaining four wild card spots go to the teams with the most points. Doesn't matter if three are from the East and one from the West or all four from one and none from the other, but in this instance, the last four teams are the "best" ones in terms of points. Let me know what you think of this idea on [Twitter](https://www.twitter.com/dobberhockey), @LAM1926. — Last week I wrote about how the Vegas Golden Knights were looking like an organization who was starting to hit their stride. They are an experienced group and know when to turn it on, but I turned it into a complete mush. Vegas only scored one goal during a three-game losing skid, but they got out of their funk with a 3-2 over the Dallas Stars yesterday. The amount of extra hockey their top players played at the Olympics has had an impact so staying fresh and rested down the stretch is going to be key. It is still too early to start scratching players for rest, but we may see a lot of limited practices and morning skates in the near future. — The Pacific Division is pretty much the reason we're having this debate and they did not do themselves any favors last week. Counting the teams still in the playoff chase (so the top six, ending with San Jose), those teams went 5-12-3. What makes that record look even worse is that only one of those games was in division; the Edmonton Oilers defeated the San Jose Sharks. Again, we live in the moment of now and instant gratification, so this week wasn't one to write home about, but that's why they play all 82 contests. That number will change for the final three and a half weeks and the perception will be different. —- Don't look now, but since some of these teams won't take the reins and take control of the wild card, teams like the Nashville Predators, Winnipeg Jets, and even the St. Louis Blues have crawled back into the race. The Preds have been led by a resurgent [Steven Stamkos](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/Steven-Stamkos) who has 28 goals and 47 points in 45 games since the start of December. As it stands on Monday March 23rd, Nashville does have the final wild card spot. Who would have thought this in the middle of December? There is a reason why [Connor Hellebuyck](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/connor-hellebuyck) will be a first ballot hall of famer and it was shown when he was hurt earlier this season. The Jets dug themselves a pretty big hole while he was out of the lineup, but he has led the charge in making this surprising come back. Winnipeg currently sits at NHL .500 and only five points out of a playoff spot. Much like Hellebuyck, [Robert Thomas](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/robert-thomas) has missed a lot of time for the Blues this season, but when he was inserted back into the lineup, the almost traded Blue has injected new life into this squad and has them in the single digit territory now for that wildcard spot with a 7-1-2 record in their last 10. It could be too little too late for these franchises, but it makes more games matter, which leads to better intensity for our viewing pleasure. I hope y'all have a great week and good luck in your matchups if you are still alive\! ## Starting Goalies [![GoaliePost Logo](https://goaliepost.com/icons/Icon-192.png)](https://goaliepost.com/) ## Top Skater Views \| \| Players \| Team \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| \| [NICK SUZUKI](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/nick-suzuki) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/MTL_logo.svgz?3)MTL](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=MTL "MONTREAL CANADIENS \| Depth Chart") \| \| \| [PORTER MARTONE](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/porter-martone) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/PHI_logo.svgz?3)PHI](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=PHI "PHILADELPHIA FLYERS \| Depth Chart") \| \| \| [LANE HUTSON](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/lane-hutson) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/MTL_logo.svgz?3)MTL](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=MTL "MONTREAL CANADIENS \| Depth Chart") \| \| \| [MATVEI MICHKOV](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/matvei-michkov) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/PHI_logo.svgz?3)PHI](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=PHI "PHILADELPHIA FLYERS \| Depth Chart") \| \| \| [ILYA PROTAS](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/ilya-protas) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/WSH_logo.svgz?3)WSH](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=WSH "WASHINGTON CAPITALS \| Depth Chart") \| ## Top Goalie Profile Views \| \| Players \| Team \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| \| [CARTER HART](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/carter-hart) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/VGK_logo.svgz?3)VGK](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=VGK "VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS \| Depth Chart") \| \| \| [NIKKE KOKKO](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/nikke-kokko) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/SEA_logo.svgz?3)SEA](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=SEA "SEATTLE KRAKEN \| Depth Chart") \| \| \| [ARTUR AKHTYAMOV](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/artur-akhtyamov) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/TOR_logo.svgz?3)TOR](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=TOR "TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS \| Depth Chart") \| \| \| [VITEK VANECEK](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/vitek-vanecek) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/UTA_logo.svgz?3)UTA](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=UTA "UTAH MAMMOTH \| Depth Chart") \| \| \| [JAKUB DOBES](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/jakub-dobes) \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/MTL_logo.svgz?3)MTL](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=MTL "MONTREAL CANADIENS \| Depth Chart") \| ## LINE COMBOS \| \| Frequency \| [![](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/images/logos/S.J_logo.svgz?3)S.J](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/frozenpool_depthchart.php?team=S.J "S.J \| Depth Chart") Players \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| \| 25\.3 \| [ALEXANDER WENNBERG](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/alexander-wennberg) [KIEFER SHERWOOD](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/kiefer-sherwood) [WILLIAM EKLUND](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/william-eklund) \| \| \| 23\.6 \| [WILL SMITH](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/will-smith) [IGOR CHERNYSHOV](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/igor-chernyshov) [MACKLIN CELEBRINI](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/macklin-celebrini) \| \| \| 17\.3 \| [ZACK OSTAPCHUK](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/zack-ostapchuk) [BARCLAY GOODROW](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/barclay-goodrow) [ADAM GAUDETTE](https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/players/adam-gaudette) \| ## DobberHockey Podcasts ## FIND US ON FACEBOOK [Page load link](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/03/23/the-wild-west-playoff-races/) [Go to Top](https://dobberhockey.com/2026/03/23/the-wild-west-playoff-races/)
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