Video: The Star Tribune’s Michael Russo & CineSport’€™s Chad Cutler discuss the mistakes the Wild made in their 3-2 loss to the Rangers that ended their five-game winning streak.
Michigan native Zach Trotman picked the perfect time to score his first NHL goal. With Boston and Detroit tied 2-2 in the waning minutes of the third period at the Joe Louis Arena, Trotman was able slide the puck just past Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek. A soft goal? Probably. But an unforgettable one for Trotman. The Bruins would go on to win 3-2 and are now in a virtual tie in the NHL Playoff Standings with Detroit (Detroit has played one less game and technically sit ahead of Boston in the playoff standings).
Here’s how the first round of the NHL playoffs would look if the season ended today:
NHL EASTERN CONFERENCE
Montreal (103 points) vs. Pittsburgh (95 points)
Tampa Bay (102 points) vs. Detroit (93 points)
New York Rangers (105 points) vs. Boston (93 points)
New York Islanders  (96 points) vs. Washington (96 points)
Montreal, Tampa Bay and the New York Rangers have clinched. Ottawa has won two straight and remain in the hunt with 90 points.Â
NHL WESTERN CONFERENCE
Nashville (103 points) vs. Minnesota (95 points)
St. Louis  (101 points) vs. Chicago (100 points)
Anaheim (107 points) vs. Los Angeles (90 points)
Vancouver (95 points) vs. Calgary (91 points)
Nashville, St. Louis, Chicago and Anaheim have clinched. Winnipeg remains in the hunt with 90 points while San Jose has an outside shot with 85 points.Â
