NHL Predictions: Final Standings of the Central Division

The All-Star break marks the beginning of the end of the NHL's regular season.

With most teams having already played 50 games, the remaining schedule becomes even more important for every club with hopes of making the postseason. With so many teams having a statistical possibility of making the playoffs, this point in the season is the most competitive of the year.

No one has clinched, no one has been eliminated, and yet every team is running out of race track.

This is true within each division, and as far as competition is concerned, the Central Division might be a cut above the rest of the league.

Despite the inclusion of the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets, every team in the Central Division is currently in playoff contention. In fact, four of the top six spots in the Western Conference are held by one of these teams. Leading the way are the Detroit Red Wings, who boast71 points and the best record in the league.

How can we expect such a competitive division to play out?

Here are predictions for what the end of the season will look like for all five central division teams, top to bottom.

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Detroit Red Wings: 1st Place

The Red Wings have won nine of their last ten games and are once again putting themselves in position to break the 100 point barrier. If Detroit were to slow down, even by 50 percent, they would still win 2/3 of their final 30 games, landing another 40 points to add to their total.

We'll factor in a few slip ups in overtime, despite the fact they have only lost in overtime once.

Points: 107

Record: 51-26-5

Chicago Blackhawks: 2nd Place

Since second place in the central division is a log jam, the Chicago Blackhawks currently find themselves in fourth place after getting handled by Edmonton last night, in an 8-4 defeat.

However, they are still the most talented team the division has to offer behind Detroit, and will certainly be competing with the Red Wings for both the central division and the conference crown. Also, with 30 games remaining on the schedule, Chicago will see an improvement over only winning five of their last ten.

Look for the Hawks to win 60 percent of their games down the stretch and take a few "feel-good losses" on the way.

Points: 104

St. Louis Blues: 3rd Place

The Blues are surging as of late winning seven of their last ten games, and they not looking to slow down anytime soon.

Whether or not they give Chicago and Detroit a run for their money will depend on how they fare on the road. The Blues have a terrific record at home (21-3-4) but are only (8-10-3) outside of Missouri.

With only 13 of their remaining 33 games at home, the Blue will have to pick up their game away from Scottrade Center, if they hope to have any shot at winning the central division.

Look for St. Louis to pick up seven wins in their last 13 home games, and probably the same number on the road.

Points: 97

Record: 43-28-11

Nashville Predators: 4th Place

Nashville isn't far behind St. Louis and has better road record. The only reason they come in behind them is because they currently have four more regulation losses (17).

The Predators will likely keep pace with both the Blues and the Blackhawks, though don't expect them to compete with the Red Wings for the top spot. However, the team is fairly consistent and will certainly eclipse the 95 point mark.

Points: 97

Record: 42-27-13

Columbus Blue Jackets: 5th Place

There is simply nothing good happening with the Columbus Blue Jackets this year.

They are far and away the poorest performers of the league, 13 points behind the next lowest point total, they are the only team who doesn't have at least some hope of making the playoffs.

The Jackets have lost four in a row and have only won two of their last ten, winning only three games dating back to December 31st.

Giving this team the benefit of the doubt would be to say that they'll pick up three wins per month during the remainder of the season.

Points: 52

Record: 20-50-12