We interrupt the playoff races to give some equal time to the less fortunate. Those bottom feeders looking up in the standings and already looking to next season.
The playoffs are either out of the question or a next-to-impossible long shot, so motivation comes from personal pride or a need to prove you belong in a team's plans next season.
In the past five days some brutal matchups have darkened the NHL schedule. If fans weren't excited about games such as the Rangers at Capitals, Hurricanes at Blackhawks, Penguins at Capitals, Mighty Ducks at Coyotes or the Wild at Blue Jackets, just think how the players must feel playing before dwindling and disinterested crowds. Some players have the World Championships to look forward to in the spring while others surely just want the season to end.
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