Sunday Thoughts: A chalky year in the NHL

Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty ImagesThe Rangers, Stars and Panthers have all clinched their respective tickets to appear in the conference finals of the NHL playoffs. What do these three teams have in common besides winning eight playoff games this spring?

All three teams won their division in the regular season.

The NHL playoffs typically has upsets and unpredictability as a calling card, but so far it’s been the year of chalk. To a potentially historic level.

Fun tidbit via NHL Stats: If Vancouver eliminates Edmonton tonight or Monday, it would mark the 1st time in NHL history that the conference finals featured 4 division winners.

In 2018, there were 3 (Tampa, Washington, Vegas).

The…