The playoff spots in the NHL are still up for grabs thus far, with only 2 or 3 teams really showing that they are going to be in the playoffs. I will offer up my opinion as to who I think will make the playoffs, and with only 14ish (it varies per team) games left. Many spots are still up for grabs, but here is who I think will make the playoffs, and where they will finish.
EAST:
1-Pittsburgh Penguins: Currently holding the lead in the Eastern Conference, firing on all cylinders.
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8-New Jersey Devils: Without their leading scorer right now, the Devils may just hang in there to capture the 8th spot.
Prediction: Pens are too deep, too fast, and too good. Pens in 5.
2-Boston Bruins: The B's lost in a shootout tonight, but I still think they have what it takes to get the division lead and finish 2nd. It would help if they could get their hands on Jerome Iginla
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7-New York Rangers: Struggling with consistency right now, they will still make the playoffs and with their fire power they're never a team that should be counted out.
Prediction: Although the Rangers have some all-stars, they don't have the grit that they had last year. Bruins in 6.
3-Winnipeg Jets: I truthfully didn't pick my hometown Jets to make the playoffs this year, but they've won some big games in the last stretch (despite the god-awful pair against Washingtion) they rebounded by beating the Bolts, and hammering Carolina on the road. Only one team from the Southeast will make the playoffs this year, and the Jets have set themselves up well.
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6-Toronto Maple Leafs: This would be an unreal series. And the Leafs are rolling, they now have depth at forward with the emergence of Kadri, and have played well all year.
Prediction: Neither team is exactly popping with playoff experience. But I'd have to give the edge to the Jets, they have the advantage in net, and if they can shut down Kadri they can do it. Oh, and home ice advantage would help. It'll be close to call though. Jets in 7.
4-Montreal Canadiens: Although they took the division lead back from Boston tonight, I think the B's will come back strong down the stretch. Still an unreal bounce back year for the Canadiens.
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5-Ottawa Senators: Despite all the injuries this team still finds ways to win. Which is what ultimately gets them into the playoffs. If they can get Spezza, Cowen, and Anderson back they can do good things come playoff time.
Prediction: This one is tough to call. Both teams are finding ways to win this year, and both teams boast great goaltenders. Without Karlsson (and possibly Spezza) the Sens will be in tough. Canadiens in 6.
WEST:
1-Chicago Blackhawks: The Pens of the West, the only team I could see giving them a real run for their money is the Ducks.
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8-San Jose Sharks: Their deep at forward, but they don't want to play the Hawks in the first round. Wouldn't end well for them.
Prediction: The Sharks won't roll over and die, but they won't stand much of a chance. Blackhawks in 5.
2-Anaheim Ducks: They very well could come out of the West this year. Their secondary players have been great all year, and Perry and Getzlaf are looking like the players they were a few years ago.
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7-Detroit RedWings: They've won 4 in a row, and the consistency seems to be coming along. They seem to have the Ducks number this year, but their d-core is still inconsistent.
Prediction: Like I said before, the Wings have had the Ducks number as of late, but the Ducks are too good this year. Ducks in 7.
3-Vancouver Canucks: Fighting tooth and nail with the Wild for the division lead. They'll eventually overtake it. And sneak into the 3rd slot. Doesn't seem like Luongo is going anywhere so they'll have two great goaltenders come playoff time.
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6-St. Louis Blues: This one I could see going either way, especially if Kesler doesn't return to the Nucks lineup. The Blues have good d, gritty forwards, and a good goaltender in Halak.
Prediction: Tough one to call, the Blues are stingy, and could give them a run for their money. But I'd say the Nucks got this one. Canucks in 6.
4-Minnesota Wild: The Wild have been very good this year. Parise and Suter are looking like their well worth the money. I could see them making a long playoff run, especially if Backstrom can steal a game or two.
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5-LA Kings: Last year's Stanley Cup champs are seeming to find their form again. There's no telling what this team can do if they decide to play like they did last year.
Prediction: Another tough one to call, on the one hand, Minnesota looks like the stronger team, maybe not on paper but they've been consistent all year so far. LA is LA though, the 8 seed that ran the table last season. I can't make a judgment for sure, so I will take my best guess. Kings in 7.
STANLEY CUP FINAL PREDICTION:
I have to go with Pittsburgh coming out of the East. They're the team to beat. With Sid and Malkin in their lineup this is a pretty unstoppable team.
For the West, I gotta go with the powerhouse Chicago Blackhawks. They have the defense, and the forwards, it's just a matter of their goaltending holding up, which it has thus far.
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