Most likely to least likely team to reach the finals in the Eastern Conference? Rank them

[bobholly39]

Remember when Boston played Florida in the 2023 playoffs and everyone said Florida had no shot? Yeah, that worked out well for a team who had one of the greatest regular seasons in NHL history. Then you have the 2018-19 season when the Tampa Bay Lightning won it and played the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round.

Not sure Florida is the best comparable.

Florida won president's trophy 2 years ago - last year they just had a shit regular season, but it was still a top team who just couldn't be consistent in the regular season. I don't think they were your usual 8th seed.

Neither NYI/Washington are exactly president's trophy material. Columbus in 2019 is the better comparable.

Regarding NYI specifically - they have had a lot of playoff success in recent years with that core. I think you mostly lean on that.

 

[miscs75]

Not sure Florida is the best comparable.

Florida won president's trophy 2 years ago - last year they just had a shit regular season, but it was still a top team who just couldn't be consistent in the regular season. I don't think they were your usual 8th seed.

Neither NYI/Washington are exactly president's trophy material. Columbus in 2019 is the better comparable.

Regarding NYI specifically - they have had a lot of playoff success in recent years with that core. I think you mostly lean on that.

It’s more so the complete write off of these teams when in recent years we’ve had teams who are 8 seeds go on runs compared to the Presidents Trophy winner.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Hey what's what you play for in the season, ranking high so you get the easier matchups. It doesn't always work out with playoff matchups, but if it did this time, good for them, they deserve it.

Of course - those mega underdogs/nothing to lose are often quite dangerous too...

Remember when Boston played Florida in the 2023 playoffs and everyone said Florida had no shot? Yeah, that worked out well for a team who had one of the greatest regular seasons in NHL history. Then you have the 2018-19 season when the Tampa Bay Lightning won it and played the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round.

I remember how much resistance the '94 Islanders gave the Rags in round 1. Feels like that kind of year. Gulf between the top 6 and the rest of the conference.

Please factor in that I may be trying to emulate Francesa in this particular scenario especially with the Washington series.

 

[miscs75]

I remember how much resistance the '94 Islanders gave the Rags in round 1. Feels like that kind of year. Gulf between the top 6 and the rest of the conference.

Please factor in that I may be trying to emulate Francesa in this particular scenario especially with the Washington series.

All I have to say is that Michael Dowd being excited for the 94 cup win is enough of a reason as an Islanders fan and first responder to never want to see them win again. Honestly, the best thing for the league would be an Isles-Rangers 2nd round with the narratives this year. Both teams would be in Bellevue/NUMC by game 7 but it would be insane for the NHL.

 

[IronCladCane]

I think the finals will be a rematch of Hurricanes v Panthers...
This seasons Canes have a lot more goal scoring though..

 

[McSomnii]

Ehhh, just a list is fine.

1) Florida
2) Carolina
3) NYR
4) Tampa
5) Golden horseshoe team
6) Boston
7) NYI
8) Washington.

 

[5 Minute Major]

1-Florida
2-Boston
3-Carolina
4-NY Rangers
5-Tampa Bay
6-Toronto
7-NY Islanders
8-Washington

 

[miscs75]

Ehhh, just a list is fine.

1) Florida
2) Carolina
3) NYR
4) Tampa
5) Golden horseshoe team
6) Boston
7) NYI
8) Washington.

St Catherines Falcons*

 

[MikeyMike01]

Remember when Boston played Florida in the 2023 playoffs and everyone said Florida had no shot? Yeah, that worked out well for a team who had one of the greatest regular seasons in NHL history. Then you have the 2018-19 season when the Tampa Bay Lightning won it and played the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round.

The playoffs are a bad time to experience your team’s first moments of adversity.

 

[Miro4Norris]

Tiers:

Fla (Better roster than what they had last year, especially the defense. But can individuals get as hot as they did last year, Especially Bobrovsky?)
Car (Will be the best version of this core so far. Last year made the conf. Finals with terrible forward group Because of all injuries.)

Nyr - (Very mid advanced stats but Shesterkin,Fox, Panarin is great mix)
Leafs - (Goalies and depth are big questions, also star performance..)
TBL - (Bad D- cold Vasi and Hed - elite on powerplay -Kuch and Point could carry)

Boston (No centers. Worse team than their regular season indicates.)

NYI (let's see where 0-0 games get them this time.. Or not cuz I'm not watching zZZ )

CapZ (Make-a-wish kid. Their 1st line plays under 40% hockey.)

 

[PolishPrince21]

All I have to say is that Michael Dowd being excited for the 94 cup win is enough of a reason as an Islanders fan and first responder to never want to see them win again. Honestly, the best thing for the league would be an Isles-Rangers 2nd round with the narratives this year. Both teams would be in Bellevue/NUMC by game 7 but it would be insane for the NHL.

dude my demons of 94 have been silent for 30 years, i do not want them to awaken again, especially being married to a rags fan....

 

[eviohh26]

1. Rangers
2. Canes
3. Bolts
4. Bruins
5. Panthers
6. Leafs
8. Islanders
8. Capitals

 

[Grifter3511]

I’m just waiting for you guys to play Rempe vs Washington to try and contain Tom Wilson and watch it backfire royally.

I mean, yes, that will be more entertaining than anything the Islanders do these playoffs.

 

[Zerotonine]

Canes
Bruins
Rags
Florida
Tampa
Leafs
Isles
Caps.......

 

[Ezpz]

Least likely Leafs.

 

[BB79]

1. Carolina - Think they've been in their own tier since acquiring Guentzel and the Panthers slipping since the trade deadline
2. Florida
3. Rangers
4. Leafs
5. Bruins
6. Tampa Bay
7. Islanders
8. Whoever makes it

Swap Bruins and Leafs and then swap Rangers with Panthers and I think you've nailed it

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

I remember how much resistance the '94 Islanders gave the Rags in round 1. Feels like that kind of year. Gulf between the top 6 and the rest of the conference.

Please factor in that I may be trying to emulate Francesa in this particular scenario especially with the Washington series.

does Francesa even watch hockey?

 

[Jetcetera]

Panthers
Lightning
Rangers
Hurricanes
Bruins
Leafs
Islanders
Capitals

 

[BoJet]

Final tally (average out of 0-7 points):

Carolina 5.8
Florida 5.6
NY Rangers 4.7
Tampa 4.3
Boston 3.4
Toronto 2.4
NY Islanders 1.5
Washington 0.3