Three 2013 Playoff Teams That Will Miss In 2014

3.  Minnesota Wild

May 9, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Torrey Mitchell (17) is congratulated by his teammates for scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period in game five of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Spending all that money on Ryan Suter and Zach Parise got them into the playoffs last season, but only by the skin of their teeth.  It will be tough to repeat, especially given the new playoff format and the potential for the crossover as well as the Predators’ expected rebound.

The observant among you will have noticed that I had 2 Western Conference clubs and 1 Eastern Conference team re-joining the playoffs, while 1 Western team and 2 Eastern teams will fall out of the playoffs.  This is because Detroit will keep their playoff status despite moving conferences.