Breaking down the East in the NHL
We’ve hit the run in, just over 10 games left and the playoff scrap is in full swing. Setting myself up for a major fall by ruling some teams in and out but I’m taking the risk that a team like Toronto doesn’t get red hot and charge up the standings.
Eastern Conference:
The East should be much easier to have a go at predicting than the West as there looks to be only 2 spots still up for grabs between 4 clubs.
Teams that should make it: New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators.
Currently in qualification spots:
Florida Panthers (79 Points, 13 Games Remaining)
Why they’ll make it: Offseason revolution paying major dividends, guys like Kris Versteeg, Tomas Fleischmann and Brian Campbell have proved huge additions. Have led the Southeast for most of the season, which is probably the League’s worst division this year so a great opportunity.
Why they won’t: Haven’t qualified for the playoffs since 2000 which could mean something (but probably won’t). They possess the second worst offense in the East which hasn’t been an issue so far but could prove vital in the clutch games. Were better in the first half of the season and their high number of losses in overtime could be a saving grace or their undoing.
Washington Capitals (78 P, 12 GR)
Why they’ll make it: The most talented team in the mix, plenty of scoring prowess and solid goaltending as well. They’ve had to come back from a poor start that saw Bruce Boudreau replaced with Dale Hunter as head coach and have looked a better team since then.
Why they won’t: Most members of that offense are to an extent still underperforming, including Ovechkin and Semin; they are also missing Nicklas Backstrom who hasn’t played since early January. Also playing the majority of their remaining games on the road where they have struggled.
Currently outside:
Buffalo Sabres (74 P, 12 GR)
Why they’ll make it: 7-2-1 in their last 10, so picking up their game at the right time. Have the potential to restrict opposition scoring with hard working forwards, solid defensive core and good goaltending. Captain Jason Pominville continues to have an excellent season.
Why they won’t: Ryan Miller has been a slight disappointment this season and hasn’t been stealing as many games as usual. Not a particularly high powered offense so often involved in close games. Also short on regulation and overtime wins should it come down to a tiebreaker.
Winnipeg Jets (72 P, 13 GR)
Why they’ll make it: Winnipeg fans have lifted a team in its first season in Manitoba and the team are a match for anyone on home ice. An exciting group of young forwards including Evander Kane have led the way for them this season backed up by big-but-skilled defenseman like Dustin Byfuglien and Zach Bogosian.
Why they won’t: Inexperienced team, in the worst form of these four. Goalie Ondrej Pavelec put up superb numbers early in the season, but his performances have declined over the course of the year due to the burden of starting most games. They are another team with a poor away record that could hurt them.
Tampa Bay Lightning (71 P, 13 GR)
Why they’ll make it: Explosive offense with the potential for blowouts, led by Steven Stamkos, who tallied twice last night to make it to the 50 goal marker.
Why they won’t: Worst defence in the league, more goals against than Columbus, have called up rookie Dustin Tokarski in an attempt to resolve goaltending problem. They’ve also been in desperation mode to claw their way back into the race for a while now.
Teams out of contention: Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens.
Thoughts: I can’t see either Buffalo, Winnipeg or Tampa closing the gap and jumping into the top 8, the Caps are the best team involved and the Panthers have a big enough cushion with points and additional games that they both should be able to see it out.
Final Standings Prediction:
- New York Rangers (Atlantic Division Winner)
- Boston (Northeast Division Winner)
- Washington (Southeast Division Winner)
- Pittsburgh
- New Jersey
- Philadelphia
- Ottawa
- Florida
- Buffalo
- Tampa Bay
- Winnipeg
- Toronto
- Montreal
- Carolina
- New York Islanders
