NHL 2009 Playoffs: Teams To Watch

As April comes closer, and both conferences' playoff races heat up, it's time to take a look at who's a contender...and who's not!

In this two-article series, I take a look at teams that could make a run and slip into the playoffs, suddenly surprise everyone, and go to the conference finals, or fall off down the stretch.

For the other part to the series, the possible disappointment teams, follow the link below:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/136061-nhl-2009-playoffs-possible-disappointment-teams

In this article, I examine and bring up several teams that could really make an impression as we head into April and even possibly into early May.

Eastern Conference

New Jersey Devils (87 pts, Second)

This is a fairly popular surprise pick, but the Devils definitely have to be included. Despite yesterday's embarrassing 7-3 loss to the Islanders, this team is certainly one to watch.

They were very hot for most of the time with Clemmenson as goaltender, and now that Brodeur is back, New Jersey is one of the league's elite teams. Experience on both sides of the puck is yet another reason why the Devils have a very good chance of beating the Bruins in the Eastern Conference Championship.

Florida Panthers (76 pts, t-Fifth)

This would have been a very surprising team to mention as a possible playoff contender before this season started, but definitely not anymore. Tomas Vokoun has been astonishingly good in goal for the Panthers, and Craig Anderson is another high-level goaltender who can easily fill in when Vokoun is tired or struggling.

Florida also has one of the most underrated first lines in the NHL. The combination of Horton, Stillman, and Frolik is excellent, and Zednik, Dvorak, and Weiss make a talented second line as well. The defensemen pairing of Bouwmeester and McCabe is excellent, too.

This Florida Panthers team does lack a bit of experience, but they could be an under-the-radar team that makes it far in the playoffs!

Carolina Hurricanes (75 pts, t-Seventh)

Yeah, I know I'm biased, but the Hurricanes could be a pleasant surprise in April.

Even though the offensive stats aren't very good for the Hurricanes, Staal has really caught on recently after a somewhat slow start to the season, and had four goals and two assists against the Lightning last night.

Carolina has also won three straight and eight of their last 11, including three straight dominating wins: 5-2 over Washington, 6-1 over Calgary, and 9-3 over Tampa Bay. If they can keep it up, the Hurricanes might be able to hold on to a playoff spot and make an impression in the playoffs.

Western Conference

Vancouver Canucks (76 pts, Fifth)

After a horrible streak in early February, the Canucks snapped out of it and are now on the top of their game. Vancouver is 8-2 in their L10, and could really make an impression in the playoffs.

Roberto Luongo (pictured) is also another top goaltender who has the experience and talent to lead his team as a real contender. Mats Sundin is also starting to fit in and once again is becoming the star he was in Toronto.

Dallas Stars (70 pts, t-Seventh)

The Stars are a team that have really struggled and been quite inconsistent throughout the season, but they have the players that can get it done.

I have a feeling that Dallas may become the team they were expected to be once the playoffs rolls around. Defense is an especially strong category, at least talent-wise, and Marty Turco has shown flashes of brilliance during his entire career.

However, one difficulty for the Stars may be getting into the playoffs. Dallas currently holds a spot, but the Predators, Ducks, Wild, Blues, and Kings are all within five points of overtaking Dallas's playoff position.

But who knows? Maybe the Stars will finally catch on when the pressure really builds!