Playoffs? Which NHL teams will make push, fall out of contention

A rule of thumb in the NHL is that if your team isn’t in a playoff position by American Thanksgiving, then you aren’t likely to be in one when the postseason begins in April.

In each of the past two seasons, 13 (81.25%) of the 16 teams that were in the playoffs when the turkey was served were also there at the end of the regular season.

Historically, the Thanksgiving Day test has been telling enough that general managers use the holiday as a benchmark from which to draw conclusions on how their team is performing.

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Here are three teams currently out of the playoffs that should still be able to fight their way in at some point:

1. Tampa Bay Lightning: This is a team that has played as if it is still hungover from their charge to the Stanley Cup Final last June. This was the NHL’s highest scoring team last season, and now the Lightning are ranked 22nd in goals per game. This team is far too talented to struggle to that extent.

At some point, the Lightning are going to remember how to be the team it was last season. With Steven Stamkos and Tyler Johnson leading the way, Tampa Bay should be one of the NHL’s most dominant teams. They will make the playoffs.

2. Anaheim Ducks: Before the season, the Ducks were considered among the Stanley Cup favorites.

The Ducks, fifth in the Pacific Division, have a talented group. But you wouldn't know it from their current performance: They are 29th in scoring (1.91 per game) and 17th in goals-against per game. Their division should be more forgiving than the Central, which will help them stick around. You have to believe that the Ducks will awaken in time to sneak into the playoffs.

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3. Arizona Coyotes: Don’t we need a lovable longshot? The Coyotes have managed to stay in the hunt in the early going. With Max Domi and other youngsters giving the team improved offense, they are essentially playing at the same level as the Canucks.

If the Ducks don’t regain their mojo, the Coyotes are poised to make a run.

Here are three teams vulnerable to fall out of a playoff picture.

1. Detroit Red Wings: There will be five teams battling for four spots in the Atlantic Division. The Montreal Canadiens are in a class by themselves, and the Ottawa Senators have impressed.

A week ago, we might have said it was Boston Bruins who were vulnerable. But the Bruins have won five in a row, including wins against the Red Wings, when they played one of their best games of the season, and most recently, the New York Rangers.

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The Bruins have been very sharp on the road, and are finding their rhythm again.

However, the Bruins can’t be too comfortable because Detroit has looked sharper of late. These two teams are comparable in their ability to compete.

2. Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks are a difficult read because they have an older group that is merging with a younger group.

If the young players step up, the Canucks could hold their place. This team scores enough to be dangerous, but gives up too many goals to be consistent.

3. Minnesota Wild: This is a quality hockey team, but it sure feels as if a quality team from the Central Division is going to miss the playoffs.

If Winnipeg gets hot or Arizona and Vancouver both refuse to yield, then the Wild are vulnerable.

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