Quote:
Originally Posted by PlayfulGenius
In the 30-team era, has a team ever been dead last overall this late in the season, and gone on to make the playoffs??
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In 2007, the Capitals were 30th overall on December 7, 10 points out of a playoff spot. They ended up winning the SE Division (because it sucked) and were tied for the 12th-best record in the NHL.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache
Has a team ever been dead last and 5 measly points out of a playoff spot at this point of the season?
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In 2008, Tampa was 30th overall on December 7, and they were 9 points out of a playoff spot. They finished the season 29th overall.
Here are all the seasons of the 30-team era, with the 30th overall team on December 7, (number of points back on December 7), and their final ranking at the end of that season...
- 2014 - EDM (15) - 28
- 2013 - BUF (19) - 30
- 2012 - N/A
- 2011 - CBJ (11) - 30
- 2010 - NYI (16) - 27
- 2009 - CAR (13) - 24
- 2008 - TBL (9) - 29
- 2007 - WAS (10) - 12
- 2006 - CBJ/STL (11) - 24/22
- 2005 - STL (19) - 30
- 2004 - N/A
- 2003 - PIT (11) - 30
- 2002 - ATL (10) - 24
- 2001 - ATL (12) - 30
- 2000 - CBJ (15) - 23
Although not last overall, last season, the Rangers were outside a playoff spot on December 7, and 13 points back of first overall. They ended up winning the President's Trophy by 3 points.