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

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.  

7. '09-10 Philadelphia Flyers

Midseason Record: 19-19-3, 41 pts

Finished: 41-35-6, 88 pts, seventh place

The Philadelphia Flyers managed to post a 22-16-3 record in the second half of the season, propelling them into the playoffs.  

Their success continued through the playoffs, as they defeated the New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens on their way to the Stanley Cup finals.  

They went on to lose to the Chicago Blackhawks in six games, but it was definitely a season to remember.  

6. '09-10 Montreal Canadiens

Midseason Record: 19-19-3, 41 pts

Finished: 39-33-10, 88 pts, eighth place

Much like the Philadelphia Flyers, the Montreal Canadiens had a midseason record of .500 and fought their way into the playoffs in '09-10.  

Both teams finished their season with 88 points, and eventually met up in the Eastern Conference finals. Philadelphia took the series in just five games, but the performance by the Montreal Canadiens, backed by goalie Jaroslav Halak, was one of the greatest playoff performances in years.  

They upset the President's Trophy-winning Washington Capitals before also upsetting the Pittsburgh Penguins on their way to the Eastern final with Philly.

5. '10-11 Buffalo Sabres

Midseason Record: 18-18-5, 41 pts

Finished: 43-29-10, 96 pts, seventh place

Last season, the Sabres pulled out an incredible 25-11-5 second half to reach the postseason. Their playoff run was cut short after blowing a 3-2 series lead against the Philadelphia Flyers.  

Their recent play this season would suggest a repeat postseason appearance is unlikely.  

4. '05-06 New Jersey Devils

Midseason Record: 18-18-5, 41 pts

Finished: 46-27-9, 101 pts, third place

In the first season following the lockout, the second half of the New Jersey Devils' season was one of the best to date, as they went 28-9-4.  

They finished the season with 11 straight wins, capturing the Atlantic Division title.  

After sweeping the New York Rangers in the first round, the Devils lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in five games in the conference semis.  

The Hurricanes went on to win the Stanley Cup.

3. '06-07 Tampa Bay Lightning

Midseason Record: 19-20-2, 40 pts

Finished: 44-33-5, 93 pts, seventh place

In the '06-07 season, the Tampa Bay Lightning had a record below .500 through 41 games. After a strong second half, the Lightning found themselves facing the New Jersey Devils in the first round of the playoffs. 

The playoff run lasted just six games, as the Devils handily won the matchup.  

2. '08-09 St. Louis Blues

Midseason Record: 16-22-3, 35 pts

Finished: 41-31-10, 92 pts, sixth place

Despite being well below .500 halfway through the season, the St. Louis Blues battled their way to sixth in the Western Conference.  

With a 9-1-1 record to finish off the regular season, the St. Louis Blues were one of the more dangerous-looking teams going into the playoffs.  

The Vancouver Canucks quickly put an end to the Blues' streak, sweeping them in the first round.  

Given St. Louis' dominant play thus far this season, it's safe to say they won't be relying on a second-half comeback to make the playoffs.  

1. '07-08 Washington Capitals

Midseason Record: 15-21-5, 35 pts

Finished: 43-31-8, 94 pts, third place

Back when Alexander Ovechkin was playing like one of the best players in the world, his 64-goal campaign led the Washington Capitals to an incredible second half, and they finished by winning the Southeast Division.  

Their third-place finish was a bit deceiving, however, as they finished just two points ahead of the ninth-place Carolina Hurricanes.  

Nonetheless, the Capitals earned their postseason appearance with seven straight wins to top off the year.  

Their first-round loss in Game 7 against the Philadelphia Flyers has proven to be first of a now-annual playoff disappointment. 

So What Does This All Mean?

Surprisingly, since the NHL lockout, there have been just three teams to reach the postseason who had a losing record after 41 games. 

The new NHL really has no room for such a long period of underachievement; it's tough to make the playoffs, but it's not impossible.  

Statistically speaking, these numbers tell us that given this year's midseason records, the Columbus Blue Jackets, Anaheim Ducks and Carolina Hurricanes can be ruled out of the playoffs (unless they were to make history).  

Teams like the Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning still have a chance, but it's highly unlikely.  

While Anaheim is now 7-0-1 in its last eight, GM Bob Murray may have to swallow his pride and turn the Ducks into sellers at the trade deadline.