The NHL season is winding down and that means it is the one last playoff push for some teams. For those already settled in, it is all about the seeding. This is post #1 of 2, and we will start with the East. Here is how I think things will end up.1. Boston Bruins
This is an easy one. They have been the beasts of the East since the very beginning. They hit a rough patch, but are slowly getting things together. This team has a great mix of veterans and youngsters and a great netminder i! n Tim Thomas. The B's will have home ice throughout the playoffs.
2. Washington Capitals
Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin are two of the best in the business. They have lead the Caps to within 7 points of Boston. But, unfortunately for them, there is just not enough time left for this team to catch the Bruins. Instead they must watch their backs because New Jersey is right there.
3. New Jersey Devils
The! Devils are on a tough slide, 3-6-1 in their last 10. Martin B! rodeur i s back between the pipes, but NJ is still slumping. I still like this team a lot, and I think they have just enough to hold off Philly for the last few weeks of the regular season. Bottom line, NJ has to get it together now or they will be bounced in round one of the playoffs.
4. Philadelphia Flyers
Philly and Pittsburgh are locked up at 92 points a piece, and look poised for a first round matchup. Philly is only 5-5 in their last 10, but goalie ! Martin Biron has been phenomenal as of late. I think Philly is a very scary team in the East and they'll get it together and lock down the #4 seed.
5. Pittsburgh Penguins
I said the Flyers were dangerous, but there may be no more scarier team for a higher seed to play than the Penguins. The Chris Kunitz deal has worked wonders for this club. Crosby and Malkin are still there and Fleury still sits between the pipes. Pitt will clinch soon and once again will be ready for another Stanley Cup run.
6. Montreal Canadiens
Montreal was the #1 seed in the East last season. Not much has changed, except their seeding since. Yet another scary team for a first round matchup (yes Boston I'm looking at you). Montreal has a soft schedule down the stretch and should jump the Hurricanes and Rangers into sixth.
7. Carolina Hurricanes
Right now Carolina is in the sixth slot and have won 6 games in a row. Three of their five remaining games are against playoff teams however. I like Carolina, but I think they drop a spot in their final 5 games after going 3-2.
8. Florida Panthers
Florida over New York? That's right fellas, all I have to say is look at the schedule! The Rangers have a brutal stretch...@ Carolina and Boston, then home versus Montreal and Philly, then @ Philly. They could lose all 5 games. The Panthers have two of their five games against Atlanta. It will be tight, but I think the Panthers get it slightly. Sorry Buffalo, you guys are very close to elimination already.
