The regular season ends Sunday and regrets begin Monday as non-playoff teams start in earnest to evaluate what went wrong. For some teams, it is a short climb back into contention. For others, it will be like trying to conquer Everest. Here is a ranking of the non-playoff teams' chances of competing for the playoffs in 2016-17:
1. Montreal Canadiens: As long as goalie Carey Price returns healthy, there is no reason to believe this team won't compete for the top spot in the Atlantic Division next season. The Canadiens started this season 12-2-1, but Price has played in only 12 games and that simply overwhelmed the team. That's not to say the Canadiens don't need changes. They need to upgrade their scoring depth and the defense needs a tweak. But Alex Galchenyuk continues to improve, and P.K. Subban, Max Pacioretty and Brendan Gallagher are strong foundation blocks.
2. Boston Bruins: It's not a certainty yet that the Bruins will miss the playoffs. If they fall short, they are are probably only a couple of trades or signings away from being a contender. The Bruins were the fifth-best offensive team in the NHL this season. Tuukka Rask can be a difference-maker in net. The work to be done is on the blue line and probably finding a replacement for pending free agent Loui Eriksson.
3. Ottawa Senators: No other team has an offensive weapon like Erik Karlsson. His presence is enough to be optimistic about the Senators' future. This team will score goals, and their goalkeeping is strong enough. They need to revamp their defensive approach. That may require Karlsson take a few less chances, a change in defensive personnel and a change in system.
4. Buffalo Sabres: Not much attention has been paid to the Sabres being among the NHL's most improved teams this season. Through 80 games, they have 28 points more than they did a season ago. In 2014-15, the Sabres ranked 30th in goals per game and 29th in defense. This season, the Sabres are 25th in goals per game and 15th in goals-against average. With Jack Eichel, Ryan O'Reilly, Sam Reinhart and Rasmus Ristolainen leading the way, the Sabres are a team on the rise.
5. Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricanes were far more competitive than anticipated in 2015-16. Bill Peters has done a solid job preparing this team to play every night. They were a top-10 team in Corsi rating, which is an indicator of puck possession. Justin Faulk and Noah Hanifin are the building blocks of a quality defense. Look for GM Ron Francis to add scoring help in the summer.
6. New Jersey Devils: Cory Schneider has proven that he is among the league's top goalies, and coach John Hynes has been able to maintain the New Jersey tradition of stout defense. Prospect Pavel Zacha should give the team an offensive spark next season, but there will still be concerns about scoring unless moves are made.
7. Arizona Coyotes: Top prospects Dylan Strome and Christian Dvorak will join Arizona's mix next season. This team already has a quality collection of youngsters, highlighted by Max Domi. They will add another prize prospect in this year's draft. They also have a superstar in Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Another veteran defenseman would help their chances next season. At 39, Shane Doan (27 goals this season) can still play.
8. Colorado Avalanche: Even though the relationship between coach Patrick Roy and his players seems dysfunctional at times, the Avalanche boast highly skilled players, including forwards Matt Duchene, Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog. If the Avs clean up their defense, cutting their goals-against by 20-25 next season, they would be a playoff team.
9. Winnipeg Jets: There is enough talent in Winnipeg, but the Jets lacked urgency this season. If everyone plays to their ability, and Nikolaj Ehlers takes another step in his development, the Jets should be competing for a wild card spot next season.
10. Toronto Maple Leafs: The rebuild is still in progress, but general manager Lou Lamoriello and coach Mike Babcock are clearly ahead of schedule. They have some quality prospects, led by William Nylander. If they win the Auston Matthews sweepstakes, the process is expedited further. For the first time in years, Toronto fans have reason to trust what's happening with the Maple Leafs.
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