NHL's 6 Biggest Disappointments Down the Stretch

The NHL has seen its share of successful teams this season. It has also seen a good share of teams that have been downright disappointing.

Some of the teams have been bad for the entire season, but other teams looked like they had a chance at the playoffs before falling out of the race. The fans got excited, thinking that their team was heading for the postseason, but were left with their jaws dropped when the team failed.

Who are the six biggest disappointments in the stretch run? Let's find out.

6. Winnipeg Jets

Total Record: 36-34-9

Record Since All-Star Break: 14-12-3

The Winnipeg Jets made their return to the NHL this season to much fanfare. As the Atlanta Thrashers, they only made the playoffs once and were swept in that series. Even with that knowledge, Jets fans were excited when their team was contending for a playoff spot up until last week.

That being said, the Jets did make progress this year and should carry it forward into next season. They just have to fix their road record.

5. San Jose Sharks

Total Record: 40-29-10

Record Since All-Star Break: 13-15-4

The San Jose Sharks have traditionally been one of the powerhouse teams in the regular season. This year it has been very different. Barely hanging onto a playoff spot, the Sharks have relied upon their good start to keep themselves in postseason contention.

It's going to take until the last game of the season to determine if the Sharks make it or not.

4. Calgary Flames

Total Record: 35-29-16

Record Since All-Star Break: 12-8-10

The Calgary Flames are in the exact same position that they were in a year ago: Fighting for a playoff spot but destined to fail. It's definitely a sign that the Flames need to rebuild. If they don't, they might be in the very same position next season.

3. Montreal Canadiens

Total Record: 29-35-15

Record Since All-Star Break: 10-14-6

The Montreal Canadiens have been a complete mess this season. From trading coaches on game days to trading Mike Cammalleri in the middle of a game to creating a huge fuss about hiring a coach that doesn't speak French, everything that could have gone wrong has in Montreal.

2. Minnesota Wild

Total Record: 34-35-10

Record Since All-Star Break: 10-17-3

It's amazing that the top two teams on this list actually spent time at the top of the NHL standings at different times during the season.

Minnesota might have been the surprise of the season before 2012 hit, but they have struggled to win ever since then. Perhaps the most disappointing thing is that Minnesota will more than likely end the season without getting a lottery pick.

1. Toronto Maple Leafs

Total Record: 34-36-9

Record Since All-Star Break: 9-17-4

For the first time in seven years, it looked like the Toronto Maple Leafs were going to make the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Leafs have struggled to win since February hit, and set a franchise-record losing streak at home.

The Leafs are without question the most disappointing team of this stretch run.