The Eastern Conference Playoff Contenders Are Set, But Not the Seeds...

[RGM81]

We now know the eight teams that will be representing the Eastern Conference in the playoffs. As of today, those teams (in order) are....

Boston
Pittsburgh
Montreal
Tampa Bay
New York Rangers
Philadelphia
Columbus
Detroit

There's a lot of room for movement over the final four days of the regular season. Montreal vs. Tampa Bay is the only matchup that is 100% set. Boston could end up playing any one of Detroit, Columbus, Philadelphia, or the Rangers. Same goes for Pittsburgh. The wild card teams and the 2-3 spots in the Metropolitan Division are that close. Philly has the advantage right now with a game in hand on all three teams but the Rangers do have more regulation wins than the Flyers. Columbus appears to be heating up at just the right time. Detroit is most likely to end up in that #2 wild card spot, as any ties go to the other team based on regulation wins.

Here's what's left for each team:

Boston (clinched #1 seed): WPG, BUF, NJ
Pittsburgh (clinched #2 seed): PHI, OTT
Montreal (still battling Tampa for #2 in Atlantic): NYI, NYR
Tampa Bay (still battling Montreal for #3 in Atlantic): PHI, CBJ, WAS
New York: BUF, MTL
Philadelphia: TB, PIT, CAR
Columbus: TB, FLA
Detroit: CAR, STL

Looking at those schedules, how do you guys think it plays out? And how do you want it to play out? LOL

I think this is what we will see....

Montreal will hold down 2nd, giving them home ice against Tampa
Rangers will take a divisional spot by virtue of knocking off Buffalo
Columbus moves up into a divisional spot by winning their last two games
Philly stumbles down and faces Pittsburgh in round one
Detroit splits their last two and faces Boston

What I'd love to see? Philly really stumbles and falls down to the #8 spot and has to engage in a war with Boston in round one.

[mooneyes]

If I had to bet, I would say Philly will play Boston, in the East Finals.

[Wickabee]

I may put $20 down on Boston to win the Cup again. Look at the team goals for, then the Jennings race, then the top end of the individual +/- ratings and tell me whose Cup it is to lose.

If you're still not convinced, Rask is near the top in save % as well.

[RGM81]

But the Habs own him - be prepared for round two. ;)

Should be mighty interesting to see how it all plays out this weekend.

[mooneyes]

But the Habs own him - be prepared for round two. ;)

Should be mighty interesting to see how it all plays out this weekend.

Bah yah....they have had success against Rask..this year, the Hab's do worry me the most, but thankfully it is not in the first round if they meet, and over 7 games with home ice....and a big Power play advantage...The B's finally have one (20%)
Time will tell...

[RGM81]

Oh believe me....I don't want to be accused of looking past the first round and a good Tampa team, but I'm practically frothing at the mouth already for a Habs-Bruins series in round two.

[mooneyes]

Oh believe me....I don't want to be accused of looking past the first round and a good Tampa team, but I'm practically frothing at the mouth already for a Habs-Bruins series in round two.

oh yeah, seems a right of every spring that these 2 teams meet, no team I would rather they beat...no team I can stand to lose to more, That is what makes it so Exciting...I imagine the same for you!

[RGM81]

OK so here's what we know...

Boston vs Detroit
Pittsburgh vs Columbus
Montreal vs Tampa Bay (home ice TBD)
New York Rangers vs Philadelphia

Should be some great hockey in round one! And look for some great SCF contests coming soon!

[RGM81]

oh yeah, seems a right of every spring that these 2 teams meet, no team I would rather they beat...no team I can stand to lose to more, That is what makes it so Exciting...I imagine the same for you!

You know it! Some amazing highs but also great lows over the years due to this rivalry....

Coming back from down 3-1 in 2004.
Patrick Roy getting beat by a floater by Cam Neely.
Carey getting two shutouts in his first playoff series.
The Centennial sweep and beatdown of Komisarek.
2011. Game 7 OT.
The huge upset in 2002.

So much more. Gets the blood pumping for sure!