With the BRHL season approaching its final stretch, the playoff picture is beginning to take shape, but the battle for postseason spots remains fiercely competitive. In both conferences, teams are clawing for position, making every game crucial in determining who will extend their season and who will fall short. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the standings, another intriguing race is unfolding—the contest for last place, which could have significant implications for the draft lottery.

Western Conference

The Pacific Division is dominated by the Edmonton Oilers (99 points), who have a firm grasp on the top seed with an impressive 45 wins. Behind them, the Calgary Flames (91 points) hold second place, with the Seattle Kraken (76 points) sitting comfortably in third, though they lack the cushion the top two enjoy.

In the Central Division, the Chicago Blackhawks (85 points) and Nashville Predators (81 points) are battling for supremacy, with the Colorado Avalanche (79 points) not far behind. These three teams seem likely to make the playoffs barring a late-season collapse.

The wildcard race is where the true drama unfolds. The Hockey Club (77 points) and the Dallas Stars (75 points) currently hold the two wildcard spots, but the Vancouver Canucks (71 points) and Los Angeles Kings (69 points) are closing in fast. The Canucks, riding a six-game winning streak, are peaking at the right time and could be a major disruptor in the race. Meanwhile, the Kings, just two points behind Vancouver, need to maintain their pace to stay in contention.

Further down, the Minnesota Wild (55 points) and St. Louis Blues (55 points) are long shots for the wildcard spots, but with a handful of games left, they still have a mathematical chance if they can put together an incredible run.

Bold prediction, but I believe Junya’s Stars will miss the post season and Tyler’s Canucks will take that last wild card position.

THOT PREDICTION: Edmonton, Calgary, Chicago, Nashville, Colorado, Seattle, Utah and Vancouver.

Eastern Conference

The Metropolitan Division is led by the New York Islanders (84 points), followed closely by the Washington Capitals (83 points) and New Jersey Devils (80 points). This trio appears destined for the playoffs unless disaster strikes.

In the Atlantic Division, the Tampa Bay Lightning (89 points) hold the top seed, while the Buffalo Sabres (77 points) and Florida Panthers (76 points) are jockeying for position.

The wildcard race is another nail-biter. The New York Rangers (78 points) and Boston Bruins (75 points) currently occupy the spots, but the Detroit Red Wings (72 points) and Philadelphia Flyers (72 points) are breathing down their necks. With only a few points separating these teams, one losing streak could change everything.

Just behind them, the Montreal Canadiens (70 points) and Ottawa Senators (63 points) are still lurking, though their chances are fading. However, a strong finish could allow them to leapfrog into contention if the teams above them stumble.

Shocker to see Dan’s Red Wings 3 points out of a playoff spot. I believe that Dan will jump into the last wild card spot which will leave Greg on the outside looking in. Terrible franchise. Greg needs to rebuild.

THOT PREDICTION: Tampa Bay, New York Islanders, Washington, New Jersey, Buffalo, Florida, New York Rangers, and Detroit.

The Race for Last Place: The Battle for the Bottom

While the playoff race is heating up, the fight for last place is just as intriguing. At the bottom of the Western Conference, the San Jose Sharks (30 points) and Anaheim Ducks (22 points) are battling for the unwanted title of worst team in the league. The Sharks have at least put together some respectable efforts, while the Ducks, with 47 losses in 60 games, appear destined to finish dead last.

Over in the East, the Toronto Maple Leafs (29 points) and Carolina Hurricanes (36 points) are struggling mightily. The Maple Leafs, with 43 losses, have had a season to forget, and their fanbase is likely already looking ahead to the draft.

With the lottery looming, these teams may not be too upset about finishing last, as it could lead to landing a franchise-altering prospect.

The race to watch is to see where Sumit’s San Jose Sharks finish as Rex acquired his first-round pick assuming it would be top 3. Will the Sharks continue to tank? Or will they finish the season on a 22-game winning streak?

THOT PREDICTION: Anaheim, Toronto, Carolina, San Jose and Winnipeg.

Final Thots: A Race to Remember

With the playoffs rapidly approaching, every game matters more than ever. Teams in the thick of the wildcard hunt must bring their best efforts to secure a postseason berth, while those at the bottom may be quietly hoping for a strong draft position. Whether it's the battle for a Stanley Cup run or the fight for the first-overall pick, the final stretch of the BRHL season promises to be filled with drama, tension, and excitement. Will we see the return of Rodrigo Cordell’s daily playoff articles? Will we see daily wagers in #BRHLBets during the playoffs? Will be lose GMs due to poor playoff performances this year? Time will tell. Lets get to the show first.

In a dramatic turn of events in the BRHL, former Anaheim GM Devon Cordell, who quit the league three months ago, has expressed his desire to reclaim his old team. However, Matthew, who recently joined and took over Anaheim, was reluctant to part with the franchise so easily. Enter Toby Cordell, who facilitated a compromise by offering Matthew control of Pittsburgh, his favorite team, in exchange for relinquishing Anaheim back to Devon. After careful deliberation, Matthew accepted the offer, ensuring a smooth transition. With the move now officially approved by league officials, the switch will be executed in the summer, bringing Devon back to his former team while Matthew secures a new home with the Penguins. Our beloved Toby will be taking over the Minnesota Wild.