Skating Towards the Playoffs

February 23, 2022

By: Carlos Alvarez

Good Morning

With the NBA on break and a month of March Madness on the horizon, we take the opportunity to check on the playoff races in the NHL today.

Make sure to use your Team ID to refer three friends to The Sportsletter so you can get in on our Sunday newsletter. We’re opening a new feature this weekend — The Sunday Take. It’s our bi-weekly column, and we have high expectations.

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NHL

Skating Toward the Playoffs

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An Inside Look at the NHL Playoff Race With 30 Games to Go

It’s about time, eh hockey fans? The NHL has taken a back seat through the NFL Playoffs, Winter Olympics and NBA All-Star events, but this is your moment. The NHL season is 2/3 over with roughly 30-or-so games to play. That sets us up for a six-week skate to playoff hockey, and some surprise teams are turning heads. A busy Tuesday night required some highlights, too. Here’s a look at the NHL playoff picture as we race toward the postseason.

NHL Playoff Picture

Eastern Conference

Metropolitan Division

1. Hurricanes (74 points)

2. Penguins (70 points)

3. Rangers (69 points)

Atlanta Division

1. Panthers (75 points)

2. Lightning (70 points)

3. Maple Leafs (68 points)

Wild Card: Capitals (65 points), Bruins (62 points)

In the Hunt: Blue Jackets (53 points), Red Wings (52 points)

Western Conference

Central Division

1. Avalanche (76 points)

2. Blues (66 points)

3. Wild (65 points)

Pacific Division

1. Flames (66 points)

2. Golden Knights (62 points)

3. Oilers (59 points)

Wild Card: Predators (62 points), Kings (59 points)

In the Hunt: Ducks (57 points), Stars (56 points), Canucks (54 points), Jets (52 points), Sharks (49 points)

Full NHL Standings

Last Night’s Highlights

Predators def. Panthers (6-4)

Blue Jackets def. Maple Leafs (4-3, OT)

Senators def. Wild (4-3)

Blues def. Flyers (4-1)

Islanders def. Kraken (5-2)

Ducks def. Sharks (4-3, SO)

Additional Storylines

NHL: Top Storylines Before the Trade Deadline (March 21)

NBC Sports: NHL Power Rankings: Flames Becoming Contenders, Predators Slumping

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NFL

Is Rodgers Packing His Bags?

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Packers QB Aaron Rodgers Posts Cryptic Instagram ‘Thank You’ to Teammates & Coaches

The next development in another offseason of the Aaron Rodgers saga has taken place. The Packers quarterback posted a cryptic instagram message on Monday night where he thanked his Green Bay teammates and coaches, along with his celebrity girlfriend, Shailene Woodley. Rodgers said Tuesday that his post was simply about gratitude during a time of reflection, and that he hasn’t yet made a decision about his plans for the 2022 season.

What Happens Next?

Packers WR Davante Adams is scheduled to become a free agent next month. The team can franchise tag him or sign him to a long-term deal in order to keep Rodgers happy. Early offseason reports have him linked to the Broncos, but the four-time MVP (and back-to-back MVP) is still under contract for one more season.

Speculation is everywhere, but only Rodgers knows his next move.

Additional Storylines

SI: Aaron Rodgers Posts Cryptic Instagram Reflecting on Past Season

The Ringer: How Aaron Rodgers & Russell Wilson Will Shape the Rest of the NFL Offseason

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SOCCER

Pulisic, Blues Ride High in Leg 1

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Champions League Knockouts: Chelsea Shut Out LOSC Lille (2-0), Juventus & Villareal Draw (1-1)

Another double-dose of Champions League drama took the pitch on Tuesday, and the holders walked away with a victory in Leg 1. Chelsea shut out LOSC Lille (2-0) despite the French side firing 15 shots. Kai Havertz (8’) opened the scoring before American star Christian Pulisic (63’) struck the knockout blow at Stamford Bridge. Over in Spain, Juventus jumped on Villareal early thanks to Dusan Vlahovic’s goal (1’) inside of the first minute. That was it for Juve, though. Villareal equalized in the second half before saving the draw. More action on the way this afternoon…

Yesterday’s Highlights

Chelsea def. LOSC Lille (2-0)

Juventus draw Villareal (1-1)

Today’s Schedule

Benfica vs. Ajax (3:00 pm ET)

Atletico Madrid vs. Man. United (3:00 pm ET)

Additional Storylines

Sky Sports: Havertz & Pulisic on Target as UCL Holders Take Control
The Athletic: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson Calls for Russia to be Stripped of Hosting Champions League Final

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THE STORYLINES

$\"⚾️\"$ MLB Negotiation Staredown

Both sides are finally getting some serious face time with each other at the bargaining table, but neither has exhibited much willingness to budge. This week’s daily meetings are a sign of progression, but it’s still a staredown. (Sports Illustrated)

$\"🏅\"$ No Medals for Olympics Viewership

If there were medals for viewership, the year\’s Olympics wouldn\’t get anywhere near the podium. Figures released Monday show NBC\’s Winter Olympics coverage in China drew the smallest audience in its history. (NPR)

$\"🏈\"$ The New Path to a Super Bowl

The last two Lombardi Trophies have been won by teams with veteran quarterbacks in their first seasons with a new franchise. What effect will the 2020 Buccaneers and 2021 Rams have on team-building around the NFL? (The Ringer)

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$\"📰\"$ THE HEADLINES