Eastern Conference Echoes: The Hunt Starts Early For 6 Teams
I know it’s a little early to discuss play-offs, but there are several teams in the mix right now who may be fighting for a position in the later months. A few teams that are looking pretty secure and playing pretty well include the high-flying Pittsburgh Penguins (ironic right? Flying Penguins?), the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Montreal Canadiens. The Washington Capitals are also typically a shoe-in for the play-offs despite their recent slump, but if I were a betting man, I would put a lot of money on the Capitals being at the top of the conference come play-off time. Finally there is one other team that is surprising, but I’m going to include in the “shoe-in” pile (man, I’m funny today) and that is the Atlanta Thrashers. They’re playing really well and if they can keep up with the pace they’re at then they’ll be in the play-offs.
So after that, who does that leave? We can safely assume that the New Jersey Devils and the embarrassingly bad New York Islanders won’t be making a strong play-off push. In addition to those two teams, history will probably repeat itself and leave the Panthers and the Maple Leafs on the outside looking in. That leaves six teams in the mix: Boston, Buffalo, NY Rangers, Carolina, Ottawa, and Tampa Bay.
NY Rangers- 18-13-1 (37 points/6th in Conference)
Why they’ll make the play-offs:
The biggest reason for the Rangers success thus far is the emergence of Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan. It also doesn’t hurt that team also has the super-sniper Marian Gaborik on the team and let’s be honest, Henrik Lundqvist is no slouch.
Why they could miss the play-offs:
Callahan and Dubinsky are loose cannons in the sense that they can’t be relied on to help the Rangers push for a play-off spot. They’re definitely good players, but they’re new to sucess and without them the team is relatively shallow.
Boston Bruins- 16-8-4 (36 points/7th in Conference)
Why they’ll make the play-offs:
The obviously reason why they’ll make the play-offs is because of the play of Tim Thomas. Thomas has been playing out of his mind. He carries league leading stats in goals against average (1.51), save percentage (.954), and shut outs (5).
Why they could miss the play-offs:
Again the obvious reason is if Tim Thomas gets hurt or realizes he is human. Also, the Bruin’s have found a lot of secondary scoring, but if that begins to slow down, they may have trouble winning games even with the top goalie in the league.
Tampa Bay Lightning- 16-10-4 (36 points/8th in conference)
Why they’ll make the play-offs:
Steve Stamkos and Martin St. Louis. These two players are playing out of their skulls and if they keep it up, they should make the play-offs. We also shouldn’t forget about Vinny Lecavalier. We all know what that guy can do and if and when he gets hot, the Lightning will be scoring at will.
Why they could miss the play-offs:
The biggest concern about this team is their lack of goaltending. Neither Dan Ellis nor Mike Smith have asserted themselves as a solid option for a starter. If scoring ever slows down, the Lightning may struggle with making the play-offs.
Ottawa Senators- 13-16-3 (29 points/9th in conference)
Why they’ll make the play-offs:
It’s hard to say because they’re not getting strong play from any of their players; however, they have four veterans that have the skill to really pour it on: Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, Alex Kovalev, and Sergei Gonchar.
Why they could miss the play-offs:
3 of the 4 veterans are in the twilight of their career and they’re showing it. Unless they return to form, they will miss the play-offs.
Carolina Hurricanes- 12-12-4 (28 points/10th in conference)
Why they’ll make the play-offs:
Eric Staal is a great player and definitely can carry this team on his shoulders if he wants to and he may have to if he wants to get the Hurricanes into the play-offs. Also, the super rookie Jeff Skinner isn’t all too bad either.
Why they could miss the play-offs:
Hurricanes will have to hope Eric Staal stays healthy and really carry the team. After Staal there is no real other help in the goal scoring department. They’ll need to find an insurance policy if Staal can’t do it all himself.
Buffalo Sabres- 12-14-4 (28 points/ 11th in conference)
Why they’ll make the play-offs:
Ryan Miller is finally finding his form again, which is good news for the Sabres’ anemic offense. And although Derek Roy is playing the best hockey he has ever had and Thomas Vanek is finally scoring again, they are still struggling to find secondary scoring.
Why they could miss the play-offs:
In sum, it’s up to the Sabres’ role players to start scoring. It also would be nice if Jason Pominville, Tim Connolly and Jochen Hecht started adding to the offense.
Now, obviously these times might not be in the hunt at the end of the season, but there is a pretty good chance that they will be. Thanks for reading this week and make sure to check out Sabrenoise.com. As always, all pictures are courtesy of yardbarker.com.