Like most every other year, the time has come for the playoff race, and man, is it closer than ever…
Eighth place and twelfth place are separated by just nine points, and it is even closer in the Western Conference. The race is heating up, and there are numerous teams that no one expected to make the playoffs, and others who would disappoint their fan base greatly if they missed out on the postseason fun.
Standings as of March 25, 2009:
102 points, 46-17-10
Why they will win: Their entire team has been playing unbelievably well for the whole season, backed up by solid goaltending by Tim Thomas. Head Coach Claude Julien has brought this team together with his “defense-first” approach to coaching. It has resulted in a surprise season by the B’s, and what seems like an eventual first seed in the conference.
Why they will lose: They are relying too much on Tim Thomas. He has been arguably the best goaltender in the NHL this season, but as of recent, they are counting on him to win the games for them. Remember, Bruins, he is not Martin Brodeur. He will not win you a Stanley Cup. He will help you get there, but you need to give him some support.
X-Factor: Thomas. He has been the cornerstone of this team. Even when the offense didn’t score, or when the defense didn’t help him out, Thomas was there to back his team to victory, or at least give them a chance.
How they can be beat: Outwork them. The Bruins are the hardest-working team in the league, and you can contribute that to coach Claude Julien and his defense first approach. The hardest-working team will always find a way to win the game.
Prediction: The Bruins will finish in first place.
97 points, 47-23-3
Why they will win: There are so many reasons for this one, you could probably go on for a few paragraphs. For starters, Brodeur is back to his old self, and there is no risk of fatigue this season, having played just over twenty games so far.
The Devils finally have offense this season, with the breaking out of Zach Parise and Travis Zajac, and more.
Finally, their defense is filled with “no-names,” yet it is just as effective as it was when they won the Cup in ’95, ’00, and ’03. Brent Sutter and the rest of the coaching staff has made this team what it should be: a TEAM, as opposed to a group of superstars, a la the Rangers.
Why they will lose:
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