Looking Towards the '09 NHL Playoffs: Eastern Conference

Mark Jones's Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions

I know it is a little early, but I am going to throw out a few guesses at who will and will not make the 2009 NHL Playoffs. I am also going to mix it up a little an include a few unexpected surprises.

So, let us go ahead and get to the Eastern Conference picks.

1. New Jersey Devils

I told you a few surprises would be mixed in. The Devils are a heck of a team right now, and when Brodeur returns, this team will be a dynasty. They have been red-hot since Christmas, and are just starting to settle into a consistent winning style of play. Watch out, these guys are talented!

2. Boston Bruins

I do not think this team is as good as they currently are playing. They have a solid defense, but I am still not sold on their scoring ability completely. However, this is still quite a team. The Bruins are certainly another major threat in the postseason. But hold on, folks, this could be a bumpy Spring compared to their season so far.

3. Washington Capitals

This is the last of the three Eastern Conference teams that really have a shot at the Cup. They are way overloaded on attack, and you can never count them out of games. Their scoring defense is excellent, too. The Capitals have the second-highest goals scored total in the conference, but are a mediocre eighth in the East in goals against. Their attack may be premier, but this team will have to fix their goaltending before they can become an elite contender.

4. Philadelphia Flyers

They started the season bitterly, but then became one of the hottest teams in late Autumn/early Winter. Now they have been playing at about .500 for the past few weeks, even though they're still 28-16-9. However, like last year, this team amazing experience level (nearly all of their players are 28 or older) could lead this team far into the playoffs.

5. Buffalo Sabres

This is another surprise mixed in. This a good team, and they will finish the season as the most improved team. The offense was extremely impressive in the 6-5 SO win over Boston last night, and Miller has become a top NHL goaltender, despite not making his best effort last night. This team could really be out to win.

6. Montreal Canadiens

I have a feeling that the losing streak the Canadiens are currently running is a bit of a fluke. They are not living up to their talent. If this team can get back to winning, they should be in position to make the playoffs come April.

7. Florida Panthers

With all the hype surrounding Jay Bouwmeester and the Panthers' financial position, few fans are stopping to look at the recent success Florida is having. They have one of the most underrated first lines in the league, and their defense is finding their footing, too. The Panthers are 6-3-1 in last ten games, and I expect that they can possibly keep that up. This team could actually make a mark during the playoffs.

8. Carolina Hurricanes

Not many would take the 'Canes over the Rangers, but I would. Staal has been playing just around average, but if he can catch on, and Whitney keeps up his unexpectedly high level of play, they could surprise everyone and sneak in past the Rangers. However, Cam Ward improve his play because, currently, the defense is quite shaky.

Playoff Results

First Round

(1) Devils defeat (8) Hurricanes, 4 games to 2

(2) Bruins defeat (7) Panthers, 4-2

(3) Capitals defeat (6) Canadiens, 4-3

(5) Sabres defeat (4) Flyers, 4-3

Second Round

(1) Devils defeat (5) Sabres, 4-2

(3) Capitals defeat (2) Bruins, 4-3

Conference Finals

(1) Devils defeat (3) Capitals, 4-1

Stanley Cup

(West #1) Sharks defeat (East #1) Devils, 4-2

Barely Out

9. New York Rangers

Oh, would this not be devastating to the Big Apple and the Rangers team. NYR not making the playoffs?! I expect Ranger fans to be upset at me after they read this, but I have a gut feeling that the Rangers are overrated. They have a lot of depth, but no stars have seemed to emerge recently. Moreover, their recent below-average level of play has made my confidence on this team dip, too. Lundqvist may be able to carry this team into the playoffs anyway, but then again, maybe not.

10. Pittsburgh Penguins

They have talent, but they just can not put wins together. This could turn out to be a very disappointing year in Pittsburgh, at least for their hockey fans.

Looking Towards Next Autumn

11. Ottawa Senators

12. Tampa Bay Lightning

13. Toronto Maple Leafs

14. Atlanta Thrashers

15. New York Islanders

For the Western Conference predictions, you can follow this link:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/124103-looking-towards-the-09-nhl-playoffs-western-conference