2010-11 NHL Eastern Conference: Predicting Who Will Make the Postseason

Last season the Eastern Conference may have found itself pushed aside by the more skilled Western Conference, but make no mistake, the East is where it's at when it comes to raw power.

Here's my take on which Eastern Conference teams will make the post season (based on total points) come the end of the 2010-11 regular season.

GN

Just Too Good

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 28: Alex Ovechkin #8 and Alexander Semin #28 of the Washington Capitals warm up before the game against the Boston Bruins at Verizon Center on September 28, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Look, nobody but a homer loves the best team in the league. We all find reasons to hate them. But this team, like 'em or not, is going to cut through the East like a well-honed scythe through sun-dried wheat.

The Caps will secure the Presidents' Trophy en route to another run at the Stanley Cup.

Remember Us?

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

UNIONDALE, NY - APRIL 11: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins congratulates Evgeni Malkin #71 on his second period goal against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on April 11, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty

If Washington is the Beast, Pittsburgh is the White Knight.

Expect to see the more well-rested and eager Penguins reassert themselves as legitimate Cup contenders.

The addition of Mike Comrie on the wing makes for the most potent offense to date, and though the loss of Sergei Gonchar will sting on the PP, Paul Martin will be the balm, and Zbynek Michalek will help tighten up the defense.

Renewed Offense

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

UNIONDALE, NY - OCTOBER 02: Ilya Kovalchuk #17 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on October 2, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Devils 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Benn

This is Ilya Kovalchuk's chance to prove he's a game-breaker, and with a new coach looking to make a mark, he's going to get the room to play.

NJ will not be able to outrun and outgun the Caps or Penguins, but the combination of offensive skill and sound team play will make them one of the best in the East.

The Kids Are All Right

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - JANUARY 12: Peter Regin #43, Nick Foligno #71 and Erik Karlsson #65 of the Ottawa Senators against the Atlanta Thrashers at Philips Arena on January 12, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

I believe the Sens are on the cusp of a breakout season. With young talent like Erik Karlsson, Nick Foligno, and Peter Regin emerging as impact players, combined them with stabilizing veterans like Daniel Alfredsson, Chris Phillips, and Sergei Gonchar, you have the makings of a strong roster.

Look to see the Sens grab third in the East by winning their division.

Flyers on the Radar

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - SEPTEMBER 28: Mike Richards #18 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on September 28, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Yes, they went to the EC Finals, but they still haven't landed a goaltender of note. The Flyers will get wins by sheer will but once again suffer for another season of second-rate goaltending.

On Tenterhooks

Dave Sandford/Getty Images

BUFFALO - OCTOBER 3: Ryan Miller #30 of the Buffalo Sabres adjusts his equipment during stop in play against the Philadelphia Flyers during their NHL game at HSBC Arena October 3, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres won 9-3. (Photo By Dave Sandford/Get

It's all Ryan Miller. 

Yes, the Sabres have solid skating talent, but Miller will be the difference maker in most wins. It won't be enough to be one of the best in the EC, but it will get them into the postseason pack.

A Sleeper in the City That Never Sleeps

Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images

KANATA, ON - OCTOBER 02: Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers skates in warmup before a game against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place on October 2, 2010 in Kanata, Ontario, Canada. The Ottawa Senators defeated the New York Rangers 8-5. (

With an energized offense, an improving defense, and a pest extraordinaire, NY will make the postseason and could even shock some teams thereafter.

Trouble Bruin

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 07: Marc Savard #91 of the Boston Bruins is taken off the ice by medical staff after being injured in the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Mellon Arena on March 7, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Penguins defe

No top centre.

No clear goaltender.

No predictability.

I believe the Bruins could rally through the turmoil, but at the end of the day, they won't be able to fly to the heights they reached two seasons ago.