Photo: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The world is full of challenging and tough times right now with the COVID-19 outbreak.  Sports seasons are paused and have uncertain futures, and that holds true in the NHL right now.

If the season was in motion right now, the playoffs would be very close to starting.  The NHL playoffs are very competitive and any of the sixteen teams that get in have a chance to make history.

If the playoffs were right around the corner, which teams would have the best chance to win?  Which teams could slide under the radar in 2020?

BOSTON BRUINS

The Bruins are loaded at every position. David Pastrnak is leading the way in the NHL goal scoring race.  On defense, Charlie McAvoy and Zdeno Chara are a great pairing that can eat a lot of minutes.  Tuukka Rask is having a stellar season in goal for the Bruins.  There is no position on the ice that the Bruins are weak in.  Once the season resumes, the Bruins have a strong chance to win the Presidents Trophy as the top team in the regular season.

ST. LOUIS BLUES

Why can the Blues win again?  They are virtually unchanged from a season ago.  The Blues are built from the back end out.  Alex Pietrangelo, Colton Parayko, and Justin Faulk give the Blues a strong blueline presence.

The Blues have a strong core group with plenty of experience.  The Blues play in a close-race Central Division, as Colorado is right behind them in the standings.

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

The Philadelphia Flyers have been one of the biggest surprises in the NHL this season.  The Flyers are in a strong position to win the Metropolitan Division.

The Flyers have a strong young speedy forward named Travis Konecny, who is leading the club in points.  Claude Giroux and Jake Voracek round out their forward group, and both provide a strong offensive punch.

The Flyers have not been talked about much and continue to fly under the radar this season.  This is a dangerous matchup for any team they face in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

By: George Foussekis