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Eastern Conference NHL Predictions

Today is exactly a month (less a day) till the NHL Playoffs. Yesterday I discussed the Western Conference Playoff predictions; today I’ll talk about the teams that will make the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The Eastern Conference is a much tighter race near the bottom of the with basically seven teams going for one spot. The Islanders, Rangers, Carolina, Toronto, Montreal, Boston and Florida. Currently the Islanders have 76 points while three teams are tied with 73 points.

So without further ado my quick list

1. Buffalo (These guys are good. Seriously. Briere, Drury, Afinogenov, Campbell, Miller, not really “household” names 2 years ago but they are now. If they can stay healthy look for a strong Cup run)
2. New Jersey (Brodeur is so good with the second lowest Goals Against in the league! I’d like to have one of his children but it’s physically not possible)
3. Atlanta
4. Ottawa (They’re finally a rugged group of guys. Could be a strong cup run depending on the who they draw in the playoffs)
5. Pittsburgh (Young, fast, skilled but what about toughness and depth? They added toughness with Gary Roberts and George Laraque but depth is the main question. Can some of the 4th line guys put some key pucks in?)
6. Tampa Bay (The deadly duo of Lacavalier and St.Louis are back what about goaltending?)
7. NY Islanders (The Islanders back in the playoffs for the first time in
8. Toronto (Mats Sundin has been a man on a mission this year. I think they’ll squeak into the playoffs but barely)

9. Carolina (Stanley Cup Champions don’t even make the playoffs, yikes!)

Either way it should make a VERY interesting second season (or playoffs) this year. Last year in the playoffs Brian Campbell had the biggest hit of the entire season. SO as a preparation for this years playoffs take a look at the best hits from 05-06.

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