NHL History: The Worst NHL Midseason Records to Make the Playoffs

Posted 01/21/2012 - 18:34 by HockeyPolls

The New York Islanders and Anaheim Ducks are two teams near the bottom of the standings that have significantly picked up their play of late. While they may be playing like playoff teams at the moment, will they be able to make up for their first-half gaffes? 

The NHL changed a lot after the 2004-05 lockout. In addition to lower tolerance regarding penalties and the removal of the two-line pass rule, we also saw the introduction of the shootout at the end of overtime.

Apart from increased entertainment value, the shootout has also resulted in more three-point games.  

With more points being awarded, teams behind in the standings are finding it much harder to gain points to make the playoffs.  

Just because it's hard, doesn't mean it isn't done.  

The following slideshow will identify the worst midseason records to reach the postseason.  

Begin Slideshow