Non-Playoff Hockey is still Hockey

At this point in the season we all look at the schedule and see who's battling for that final playoff spot or the important playoff seed that could determine home ice advantage for your favorite team. That is what makes this time of year as a hockey fan so great. One thing we sometimes underestimate are the teams that are not in the playoffs.
There isn't much build up or fan fare, and no major implications to these games, but when you have a team that underachieved all season, there are jobs at stake. It is also a time when coaches will give young guys a chance to throw the jersey on. Maybe these guys aren't vying for the Stanley Cup, but they are vying for a job next season or a contract extension. It is there chance to prove themselves. This includes young players, but maybe more importantly some veteran's that underachieved and may find themselves on the outside of franchise plans for the future. These players and teams throw it all on line, for a chance at a job or better salary at contract time. They have nothing to lose and sometimes put forth a better effort than they have all season.
So when you look at the match-ups for the next few nights, don't just discard the teams out of the playoffs, you may miss an exciting hockey game, and maybe a couple of playoff spoilers.

Z