NHL teams
Matthew Coller, Special to ESPN 9y

Top flaws of 10 playoff contenders

NHL, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, Calgary Flames

The difference between a ninth-place team and a playoff team can be a single player who shores up the club's one glaring weakness at the trade deadline. The same goes for the gap between a first-round loss and Stanley Cup run. For example, the Los Angeles Kings could not have won the Stanley Cup in 2014 without offensive dynamo Marian Gaborik, acquired in a deadline deal.

At this point in the season, NHL teams are beginning to assess their playoff chances, including whether they should be buyers at the deadline. Can they fill holes by trading for upcoming free agents? Would they sacrifice taking on a bad contract from another team to take a shot at the Cup? As we begin the unofficial second half of the season, we look at the 10 teams contending for four wild-card spots. What are their weaknesses? How can they solve them?


Eastern Conference

New York Rangers

Weakness: Lack of goal scoring up the middle
Trade fix: Third-line center
Key stat: 18 total 5-on-5 goals from Derek Stepan, Derick Brassard, Kevin Hayes and Dominic Moore

^ Back to Top ^