With all that the NHL got wrong with their post-lockout schedule matrix, the all-divisional playoff push at the end of the season is genius. Right now we’re seeing incredible match ups and nail-biting points races to round out the season. It’s like a mini-playoffs! Here’s the teams you need to watch for the next couple weeks.

Washington Capitals - Alexander Ovechkin and his Caps are only 2 points out, sitting behind a incredibly inconsistent Boston Bruins and the ever falling Philadelphia Flyers. Their final schedule stretch is Florida-heavy with the Panthers and the Lightning, so expect them to climb if Boston doesn’t show up. But with Toronto only 4 points out and playing incredibly well, the Caps are in a no-lose situatioin.

Colorado Avalanche - This team is an enigma, wrapped in a riddle… blah blah blah. Boston may be inconsistent, but Colorado is downright confusing. Coming off of a 4 game losing streak, the Avs have the Edmonton Oilers all of a sudden hot on their trail. Either this team will be playing hungry against formidable divisional opponents like Calgary and Minnesota, or they’ll be hitting the golf courses early for the second year in a row.

Edmonton Oilers - Speaking of the Oilers, this team just will not go away. A couple weeks ago, the Oilers looked to be out of contention. Couple their sudden resurgence, and losses by Calgary and Colorado, Edmonton is all of a sudden scary again. Look for them to play some dicey, passionate games down the stretch against the Flames and the Avalanche.

Philadelphia Flyers - The Flyers have an interesting schedule ahead of them. Another team like the Oilers, they’re fighting for their playoff lives. Only the Flyers are on the inside looking out, hoping to stop the bleeding after toppling from first place spot in the Atlantic Division. With the Caps and the Sabres trying desperately to gain ground, and Boston not too far behind in 8th, the Flyers and their poor performance as of late could come back to bite them. Thankfully, they have a chance to earn some gravy points against Pittsburgh, a team that’s already top of the division and not moving any time soon.

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So who’s going to make it? What will the match ups be this post season? Here’s my preditctions for the first round seeding.

East

1. Montreal
2. Pittsburgh
3. Carolina
4. New Jersey
5. NY Rangers
6. Ottawa
7. Philadelphia
8. Washington

Things to think about when looking at the East:

• Toronto will put up a fight, but will only get 9th place behind Washington. They lack the needed firepower to get the needed points.
• Philly will fall, but not as far as Boston. The Bruins are done.
• The division’s top seeds are not going to change. They’re too damn good and will make tremendous first round matchups.

West

1. Detroit
2. San Jose
3. Colorado
4. Anaheim
5. Calgary
6. Minnesota
7. Dallas
8. Edmonton

Things to think about when looking at the West:

• Luongo will be gone for the final stretch for Vancouver. They’re done.
• Minnesota has been losing crucial games lately. Expect this to continue.
• Theodore seems to be back on his game for the Avs. Watch the offense follow suit.

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On a final, unrelated, but important note…

In case you haven’t seen it, take a look at this video of Jonathon Roy. Roy is the son of legendary goaltender Patrick Roy. The former is a backup goalie for the Quebec Ramparts , the latter is the coach of the team. What you’ll see is the most classless act I’ve seen in a long time. This rivals some of the atrocious incidents we’ve seen in the NHL, like Bertuzzi/Moore or McSorley/Brashear. Rule number one, don’t hit a guy on the ground. Rule number two, don’t grandstand after a fight. This kid has trampled over every unspoken rule of respect in the game of hockey. I hope his dad teaches him the right way to play, otherwise St. Patrick has a pretty poor legacy ahead of him.