NHL fans question leagues 'parity' as Eastern Conference sets a new NHL record

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Joshua Deeds
April 26, 2022 (7:53)

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On Sunday when the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Washington Capitals, 4-3 in an overtime shootout, history was made in the NHL. The Capitals were the eighth and final team to clinch a playoff spot, but that is not all.

The Eastern Conference is made up of the Atlantic and Metropolitan Divison, often considered the NHL's toughest, given the Division is made up of playoff contenders such as the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Carolina Hurricanes.

The Capitals (100 points) joined seven other Eastern Conference teams: the Florida Panthers (120), Carolina Hurricanes (112), Maple Leafs (111), New York Rangers (108), Tampa Bay Lightning (106), Boston Bruins (103), and Pittsburgh Penguins (101).

In the Atlantic Division, it's no easy feat contending, as you have the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, and the Tampa Bay Lightning who are looking for a three-peat.

Florida who renewed their rivalry with the Lightning this weekend, are #1 in the Division and NHL, are looking eerily similar to the Lightning in 2019, who could score at will.

Fortunately for us, no playoff matchups have been decided as of yet, but they will begin on May 2nd.

In Metropolitan Division news, the Gallant-led New York Rangers have clinched home-ice advantage, and with Igor Shesterkin in net will no doubt dominate the playoffs.

Rod Brind'Amour will lead the Hurricanes with a home-ice advantage as well, a consistent playoff team, since taking over in 2017.

Seven teams from a conference had reached 100 points in the same season twice: in the Western Conference in 2006-07 and 2009-10.

In 2006-07, the seven teams were the Detroit Red Wings (113 points), Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators (110), Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks (107), and Vancouver Canucks (105), and Minnesota Wild (104). The Calgary Flames were the next closest with 96 points.