Final Standings For The Eastern Conference Rounding Into Form

It seems that the teams that everyone thought would be there and who will have a chance to raise the Cup from the East are establishing themselves now.

Though we have just passed the halfway mark of the season, certain teams have separated themselves and barring a serious stint of horrible play have already solidified a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

1. New Jersey — With a well rounded lineup, spread out scoring, the emergence of some youth, along with great goal tending you can bet the Devils will be in the playoffs. Leading the East in points after 44 games with 65 and third overall, two behind Presidents' Trophy candidate San Jose and one behind the front running favorites for the Cup, the Chicago Blackhawks.

2. Buffalo  — Another team with great goal tending, emergence of youth, and spread out scoring, the Sabres sit second in the East with 61 points and will be there when the playoffs start. They are leading the Northeast and are 10 points up on Boston.

3. Washington — Goal scoring has been the steady diet this team feeds to anyone they play and having the Rocket Richard Trophy winner from the past few years doesn’t hurt. Goal tending is still a question for this team but they are pretty much assured to win the weak Southeast Division and claim a playoff spot.

4. Pittsburgh — This team has had its difficulties on and off the ice as of late, going 3-7 in their last 10 games. But the defending Stanley Cup champions will be there and have too much talent not to make the playoffs. They will pull it together and may still give New Jersey a run for their money for the tops in the Atlantic Division.

This is where things get interesting but right now, aside from the final spot (8th) I think the right teams are in. The jockeying for position is all that is left to deal with.

5. Boston — This team has had to deal with adversity all season long and hasn’t been completely healthy, yet are still in the hunt. If they can get their full roster on the ice by the time the playoffs come around they will be dangerous. Despite all the injuries they should still slide into the playoffs.

6. New York — The Rangers, of course, had a good start to the season and though they have one of the top goal scorers in the NHL, have had trouble putting the puck in the net. The play between the pipes has been good for most of the season and with a 0-0 game against New Jersey Tuesday night, somewhat an Olympic preview, it seems to be in top form. The Rangers were expected to be there and with consistent play should hang around.

7. Philadelphia — A team that many had picked as a Presidents' Trophy candidate has seemingly righted the ship and fixed the internal problems that has surrounded the team all season. The goal tending issues may have been solved by a rookie and with their No. 1 starter coming back from injury this team is primed to make a run. They will make the playoffs and finish higher than they sit right now.

This last spot, the eighth and final playoff spot in my mind is really the only one up for grabs and many teams have a shot at it.

8. Ottawa — The Senators hold this spot for now but won’t be there when the playoffs start, though they are getting healthier and should see the return of their captain shortly.

Teams battling for this final playoff spot include the aforementioned Ottawa, Montreal, New York (Islanders), Atlanta and lastly Florida as Toronto and Carolina seem destined to be bottom dwellers.

Montreal seems to be too small and will fall by the wayside, as will Atlanta, Florida and Ottawa.

I think this Islanders, who have been one of the better teams as of late, will take the 8th and final spot and make the playoffs with a mix of gritty veteran play, some timely goal tending, and fire power from their youth.

Carolina and Toronto are just too far behind barring some miracle run!

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