from Elliotte Friedman of CBC,
As you read this blog, the deadline is 16 days away. One year ago, at this same point, five Eastern Conference teams were at least seven points out of a playoff berth. But that was during an 82-game season, not the lockout-compressed 48. This year, there are just two that far back -- Buffalo and Florida.
But who else in the East is giving up on the season? Tampa's struggled, for sure. Rangers and Flyers? No way. Washington? Not until it's impossible. Islanders? They're two points out.
The West was very tight at this time in 2012, with only three teams more than two points out of the picture. Today, there is just one club that couldn't be in eighth place with a two-game winning streak. That is Colorado, which is six out.
The Avalanche? "Who knows what they'll do?" one GM laughed, knowing how quiet that organization tends to be.
What that does is create a scarcity of available players. There appears to be no clarity on Jarome Iginla's situation as of yet. Some teams will wait to see if he becomes a rental possibility.
read on plus 30 Thoughts...
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