A look at the standing 18 games in

[JCarson 701]

Eighteen games into the season there seems to be a divide occurring within the standing in both the European and North American conferences. Twenty five percent complete and things already look like they are shaping up, settling out, defining the Season 89 playoff race. 

 

In the European conference the divide is forming between fifth and sixth place. Currently a six-point difference has been created and unless something happens quickly that division may expand and solidify the playoff contenders in the European conference early on. The question will be how those five teams place, who will be first, and which two teams will have to compete for the fourth playoff spot. 

 

In the North American Conference, the divide is forming between second and third. A nine-point difference almost solidifies the top two teams vying for the first overall spot from the rest of the pack. Seattle and Calgary like usual have been dominant with the rest of the pack trailing behind looking to position themselves for the last three playoff spots. At this point those critical positions in the standings could be the prize of any of the teams, as eighth and third are only separated by 4 points. 

 

We will see if the teams who are currently below the line can right the ship, take back some ground and prove that the start of the season has no bearing on how it ends, or we may be already defining who the buyers and who the sellers will be at the trade deadline. We will only know at season end.