Heading into the postseason over the last 4-5 years the Penguins and
Bruins have been seen as the favorites to represent the East in the Stanley Cup
Finals. While the Penguins have disappointed recently these predictions have
been mostly accurate as both teams have been in and won the Stanley Cup Finals.
This year is different. For the first time in a long time the Eastern
Conference is WIDE open with any of the current top 7 teams having a realistic
hope of winning the conference. And with Boston sitting at 8th,
would anybody be surprised if a team of their pedigree is standing at the end?
Here of the rankings of the teams in the East (that have realistic shot at
making the playoffs) after a crazy trade deadline: (Note: This doesn't mean I would pick the higher ranked team over a lower ranked team in a best of 7 series. Matchups matter come playoff time.)
1. Montreal Canadiens
Why #1: Two words: Carey Price. Not only is he the favorite for the
Vezina Trophy (top goalie) he also has to be considered a top candidate for the
Hart Trophy as the league MVP. While this team lacks a top scoring threat
outside of Max Pacioretty they make up for it by having a well balanced lineup
from the first line to the fourth line. Throw in P. K. Subban and Andrei Markov
on defense this team may be able to take the next step after losing to the New
York Rangers in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals. One thing is certain,
this team is far from sof.
2. New York Rangers
Why #2: Busy last few days for the Rangers. Huge pickup of Keith Yandle
to add to an already deep defensive corp. He’s not considered a shutdown
defenseman but when a team already has Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, and Marc
Staal his offensive capabilities will be a welcome addition. Rick Nash is
having a MVP type season, Martin St. Louis adds massive amounts of postseason
experience and having lost in the Stanley Cup Finals last year will only make
this team hungrier. One more (huge) thing: Henrik Lundqvist most likely will
return before the postseason.
3. Pittsburgh Penguins
Why #3: I know, they've disappointed a number of times now but when a team has Crosby, Malkin, Letang, and a Marc- Andre Fleury that has had a Vezina caliber season, they have to be considered a favorite. The power play has picked up recently and the penalty kill has been one of the best in the league all year. One problem could be the lack of toughness on defense.
4. New York Islanders
Why #4: I was tempted to put them above the Penguins but they are inexperienced and have the 29th ranked penalty kill in the league. John Tavares is one of the best young players in the league and Jaroslav Halak has had a great year. The Kyle Okposo injury is one to watch though.
5. Tampa Bay Lightning
Why #5: Great offensive team. Steven Stamkos is one of the best scorers in the league. Tyler Johnson is having a great year. Defense is an issue but the addition of Braydon Coburn will help the back end. Ben
Bishop has to pick up his game but still is one of the top goalies in the league.
6. Detroit Red Wings
Why #6: Was tempted to put Detroit above Tampa after the additions of Erik Cole and and Marek Zidlicky but Jimmy Howard in net backed me off. When he's on he can be one of the top goalies in the league but he has been too inconsistent.
7. Washington Capitals
Why #7: Alex Ovechkin is the best pure goal scorer in the league and Nicklas Backstrom is one of the most underrated players in the league. Brooks Orpik, Matt Niskanen and Head Coach Barry Trotz has helped this team develop more of a defensive mind. The addition of Curtis Glengross will add depth to an already deep winger group. Braden Holtby is having a great year.
8. Boston Bruins
Why #8: Too inconsistent to have higher. A team with a boat load of playoff experience may finally have hit a snag. They have played a lot of hockey over the last 5 years and may have hit the wall. Still, they have talent and I would be a fool to count them out.
9. Florida Panthers
10. Philadelphia Flyers
11. Ottawa Senators
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