If one is able to look past the top two spots, which are on absolute lockdown, in the NHL’s Eastern Conference standings, they should quickly come to realize that there is still a lot to play out when it comes down to Stanley Cup playoff seeding. Between the third and sixth spot are four teams that will surely trade places a number of times before the final games of the regular season take place on April 13th.
It’s amazing to think about just how even many of the teams in the Eastern Conference really are. With playoff hockey staples such as the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils and the Washington Capitals currently on the outside looking in, it’s no surprise that there is somewhat of a logjam when it comes down to the teams that are currently vying for a solid playoff seeding.
After the top two teams in the Eastern Conference, it’s a crapshoot in regards to who rounds out the best of the best within the Atlantic and Metropolitan divisions. Here is an a attempt at handicapping the top six teams in the NHL’s Eastern Conference at this very moment.
6. New York Rangers
The Rangers may very well have been higher on the list before their blockbuster deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning that saw them acquire Martin St. Louis. Although he is both a Stanley Cup and Olympic champion, it’s not quite clear of whether or not he can lead a brand new team to the promised land. If anything, the Rangers are going to go as far as Henrik Lundqvist is going to take them, and even he has looked somewhat shaky as of yet.
5. Montreal Canadiens
Although the Canadiens currently hold the third spot in the East, don’t expect them to stay there too much longer. The Habs don’t have the toughness to stay competitive down the stretch. They will make the playoffs, however Thomas Vanek’s name is bigger than the play he will show on the ice in La Belle Province. Bringing Vanek to Montreal was done for no other reason than to quiet the loud mouth fans that reside in Quebec. For this, they don’t deserve to be any higher than a number five in a list of the top six.
4. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning is perhaps the biggest dark horse when it comes down to teams who could challenge the top two hockey clubs on the list. With the return of Steven Stamkos anything is possible. The native of Markham, Ontario is arguably the best player in the NHL, when healthy, and he has a passion for the game that is second to none. Tampa could prove to be very dangerous down the stretch.
3. Toronto Maple Leafs
It may seem like a reach to rank the Buds as high as number three, but one thing is for sure, this team finds a way to win. Whether they are trying to worsen the stress that is already felt by their diehard fan base on a nightly basis or not, their late game heroics as of late has been very impressive. Couple that with great goaltending from Jonathan Bernier and continued solid play from Phil Kessel, this time isn’t going to make the same mistake as they did in last year’s edition of the playoffs.
2. Pittsburgh Penguins
Although Sidney Crosby and his teammates have shown some vulnerability against other top teams such as the Chicago Blackhawks as of late, they still rank amongst the league’s best. The Penguins are an unbelievably talented club that has the ability to win somewhat quietly. Earning two points is exactly what’s expected of them on a nightly basis, however until they are able to beat teams such as the Blackhawks, they can’t be regarded as anything higher than number two in the conference.
1. Boston Bruins
The Bruins have now won five games in a row and show no signs of slowing down. They are getting unreal production out of Jarome Iginla, a player that many thought would have hung up his skates after last season. The Bruins’ roster has the perfect balance of toughness and finesse, two characteristics that will prove to be tough to beat down the stretch and deep into the playoffs. For that reason, they are the current beasts of the east.