If the season ended today, Toronto and Tampa Bay wouldn’t make the playoffs as Pittsburgh and Florida would grab the wild cards. Although the Capitals would have the top seed in the East, I like Boston.
Well after last night's games the Leafs now would have the wild card. Montreal would be out of the playoffs, which surprises me at this time of the year since from all appearances the habs have been enjoying a successful season.
I agree that right now the Bruins appear like the team to beat in the East. But who knows with the possibility of injuries. Chara could get injured. Bergeron. Pastrnak. Marchand. Rask. It all depends on when the injury bug hits teams, as the Leafs have found out throughout this young season.
Once the likes of John Tavares & Zak Hyman return to the lineup along with recent returnee Travis Dermott who knows. Jake Muzzin may be injured but we'll see if he plays tuesday. Tavares is expected to be back in that game also. Hyman's return is still december.
I'm not worried for Tampa. I still think they're among the top 5 teams in the conference. But i am surprised that the Devils haven't been better. But i'm shocked at how badly the Sharks have performed. Same thing with Chicago. Jonathan Toews looks like a finished player. Where's Patrick Kane? It's a team with old leaders. Same problem as the Sharks.
My picks for the Stanley Cup final are Boston vs Nashville.
