I don’t see the Bruins being as much of an issue than in past seasons, they are on the way down, where as Carolina and the Blue Jackets are on their way up. Boston is also banged up , and other teams can take an advantage.
Sabres may have the biggest advantage Here since they don’t have a full 2nd half of a season to fall apart. Lol.
Have to watch out for Washington, Flyers, and the Islanders. They are all threats and can easily take 3 out of 4 of those spots. The last one is going to be a battle.
So um to answer the poll question think they are a little worse off but anything is possible.