Is Tampa for real or just a matter of a weak division?

[Rob Brown]

Uh, how is it a weak division? Tampa has to compete against the leafs who already have the next 20 cups in the bag.

Bad attempt at humour.

 

[haveandare]

Definitely not related to their division. They’re very good.

In terms of “for real” I’d say I don't have the faith in their winning that I would expect to for a team with their record.

 

[New User Name]

As a Leafs fan I would say that the two best teams in the league will meet in round 2 of the eastern conference.

Sorry fellow Leafs fans, but that's Tampa and Boston.

Sorry also to fans of hockey that the NHL has such a ridiculous playoff format.

 

[Rschmitz]

Is water wet or is everything else just dry?

 

[These Are The Days]

Atantic has 2 of the other top 5 teams.....must be a weak division

 

[These Are The Days]

Naw but seriously it's our tax advantage causing our success

 

[Aoko]

First round knock out.

 

[KingsFan7824]

As a Leafs fan I would say that the two best teams in the league will meet in round 2 of the eastern conference.

Sorry fellow Leafs fans, but that's Tampa and Boston.

Sorry also to fans of hockey that the NHL has such a ridiculous playoff format.

It's not like it's exponentially better if it happens in the 3rd round either. Should happen in the Final, but good luck getting a single eastern team agreeing to anything like that.

 

[Video Nasty]

Maybe if we repeat this mantra enough, it’ll stick.

Whether or not Tampa Bay actually wins the Cup, they’ve been to at least the Conference Finals 3 of the past 4 seasons (2 losses in ECF and 1 in SCF). Combine that with likely becoming just the third team ever with 60+ wins and 130+ points (I’m aware the shootout inflates their totals a little).

How can it even be asked if they are for real?

 

[MasterDecoy]

Had to check the date, was this posted two years ago?

The division is anything but weak.

 

[pegcity]

Average Points
Atlantic = 85.875
Metro = 85.875
Central = 85.714
Pacific = 81.875

Despite being top heavy, the Pacific still looks to be the worst division.

 

[Todd from Leduc]

I think it’s a convo of a good team in a weak division. I’ve been watching Tampa lately and I honestly feel if the Oilers faced them we would win in 6 or 7, Tampa doesn’t seem to have the ability to elevate to playoff mode.

 

[shtorm2005]

If 5 teams from Metro will make playoffs then, Atlantic is indeed a weak division.

 

[gtrower]

As far as divisions go:

Atlantic: 311-302 (.507) 1.121 ppg
Metro: 310-303 (.506) 1.121 ppg
Central: 272-264 (.507) 1.119 ppg
Pacific: 295-319 (.480) 1.067 ppg

So the Pacific blows and everybody else is pretty even on the whole.

 

[Krewe]

I think it’s a convo of a good team in a weak division. I’ve been watching Tampa lately and I honestly feel if the Oilers faced them we would win in 6 or 7, Tampa doesn’t seem to have the ability to elevate to playoff mode.

This is probabaly a troll, but 5 game series would be a success for the oilers. I think you guys have the pieces with RNH Drai and Mcdavid to be really good if you get depth forwards (Boston has one crazy good line and then just good/above average for the rest, and it works well for them) and some good defense. You guys are really only 3-4 years of good drafts and trades from contending if things go well. But a forward can only steal 1 game (MAYBE 2) in a playoff series, versus a goalie who is on ice the whole time and can steal a whole series.

 

[dechire]

I think it’s a convo of a good team in a weak division. I’ve been watching Tampa lately and I honestly feel if the Oilers faced them we would win in 6 or 7, Tampa doesn’t seem to have the ability to elevate to playoff mode.

Did you by chance watch them on either November 6th or December 22nd ?

 

[NeverForget06]

What does it take if they aren't "for real" ??

 

[Julien LG]

If 5 teams from Metro will make playoffs then, Atlantic is indeed a weak division.

If its 5 from the Metro it will be because Mtl couldnt beat the stronger top 3 in the Atlantic.

They are 2-6-2 against them with 2 games coming up (TB and Toronto, 0 win against them in 6 games)

TB is a top team. No doubt

 

[angusyoung]

Title says it all. Thoughts?

r u 4 real? watch them play,the can dissect any team.

 

[NeverForget06]

I think it’s a convo of a good team in a weak division. I’ve been watching Tampa lately and I honestly feel if the Oilers faced them we would win in 6 or 7, Tampa doesn’t seem to have the ability to elevate to playoff mode.

 

[Midnight Judges]

They are a legit great team.

That said, the Capitals were very clearly the superior team in the playoff series last year and not all that much has changed.

 

[kingsholygrail]

They have a positive record against every division and the Western Conference. That's a negative, ghostrider.

 

[shtorm2005]

If its 5 from the Metro it will be because Mtl couldnt beat the stronger top 3 in the Atlantic.

They are 2-6-2 against them with 2 games coming up (TB and Toronto, 0 win against them in 6 games)

TB is a top team. No doubt

By weak, I don't say Atlantic teams are weak. I just say Atlantic have more easy games than Metro.

 

[Eisen]

As a Leafs fan I would say that the two best teams in the league will meet in round 2 of the eastern conference.

Sorry fellow Leafs fans, but that's Tampa and Boston.

Sorry also to fans of hockey that the NHL has such a ridiculous playoff format.

I really don't care if the strongest opponent is in the first, the semi or the final. It makes no difference.

 

[BigBadBruins7708]

By weak, I don't say Atlantic teams are weak. I just say Atlantic have more easy games than Metro.

and has the tougher games as well. it all average out