bobholly39
Registered User
- Mar 10, 2013
- 22,290
- 14,941
We still have one last spot up for grabs in the eastern conference playoffs - it could be any of Washington, Detroit, Pittsburgh, or even Philly. So feel free to include them in the list if you want.
Out of all the teams in the playoffs in the eastern conference - who do you think is the most likely to make it all the way to the finals? How about the least likely? Take everything into consideration, including team strengths, injuries, matchups, etc.
Here's my list:
1. Tampa Bay Lightning. I've learned not to bet against this team in the playoffs. 3 straight finals, including 2 cups. They did lose in round 1 last year, but with all that mileage you have to lose at some point - they are entering playoffs fresh and better rested this year. True that they lost a lot of depth, but their core is still intact and all are healthy, and finished the season strong. I don't see any true juggernauts in the east this year - and therefore, I default to Tampa, as most likely to go all the way.
2. Toronto Maple Leafs. I have a feeling this could be their year, finally. They've been flying under the radar most of the season, and unlike past years nobody (even Leaf fans) seems to really believe in their chances. Whoever they face in round 1, they will be a true underdog without much expectations. I think this could play in their favor, and allow them to do well.
3. Carolina. Very strong team all around, and I really like the Guentzel addition. Technically, even Kuznetsov is a previous smythe winner, and on a new team could do well. Only reason they're not higher is because they always seem to find a way to disappoint come playoffs...
4. Florida. I'm not their biggest fan, but one of my biggest complaints about them usually started in nets, with Bob being inconsistent and unreliable, both in regular season and definitely playoffs. But he's coming off a stellar playoff last year, and a strong season this year. This is a very deep team. If things go their way, they could go all the way again.
5. Rangers. Great playoffs 2 years ago - they did stumble in round 1 last year. Panarin has never been great in playoffs, which is a bit worrisome because he's been such a big part of their success this year.
6. Islanders. This is a sneaky dangerous team. NYI was a killer in playoffs for years not too long ago. With their new coach they seem ready to do damage. I could see them go all the way to the final, but it's probably not the most likely outcome, which is why they're only ranked 6th.
7. Pittsburgh/Detroit/Washington/Philly in that order (depending on who qualifies). I think Pittsburgh has another run in them potentially, and EK in the playoffs could be fun to see. I could also see Detroit do well, maybe, although unlikely. Washington/Philly I doubt would go beyond round 1.
8. Boston. Simply put - Boston sucks and no one likes them, so they're going to lose in round 1.
Out of all the teams in the playoffs in the eastern conference - who do you think is the most likely to make it all the way to the finals? How about the least likely? Take everything into consideration, including team strengths, injuries, matchups, etc.
Here's my list:
1. Tampa Bay Lightning. I've learned not to bet against this team in the playoffs. 3 straight finals, including 2 cups. They did lose in round 1 last year, but with all that mileage you have to lose at some point - they are entering playoffs fresh and better rested this year. True that they lost a lot of depth, but their core is still intact and all are healthy, and finished the season strong. I don't see any true juggernauts in the east this year - and therefore, I default to Tampa, as most likely to go all the way.
2. Toronto Maple Leafs. I have a feeling this could be their year, finally. They've been flying under the radar most of the season, and unlike past years nobody (even Leaf fans) seems to really believe in their chances. Whoever they face in round 1, they will be a true underdog without much expectations. I think this could play in their favor, and allow them to do well.
3. Carolina. Very strong team all around, and I really like the Guentzel addition. Technically, even Kuznetsov is a previous smythe winner, and on a new team could do well. Only reason they're not higher is because they always seem to find a way to disappoint come playoffs...
4. Florida. I'm not their biggest fan, but one of my biggest complaints about them usually started in nets, with Bob being inconsistent and unreliable, both in regular season and definitely playoffs. But he's coming off a stellar playoff last year, and a strong season this year. This is a very deep team. If things go their way, they could go all the way again.
5. Rangers. Great playoffs 2 years ago - they did stumble in round 1 last year. Panarin has never been great in playoffs, which is a bit worrisome because he's been such a big part of their success this year.
6. Islanders. This is a sneaky dangerous team. NYI was a killer in playoffs for years not too long ago. With their new coach they seem ready to do damage. I could see them go all the way to the final, but it's probably not the most likely outcome, which is why they're only ranked 6th.
7. Pittsburgh/Detroit/Washington/Philly in that order (depending on who qualifies). I think Pittsburgh has another run in them potentially, and EK in the playoffs could be fun to see. I could also see Detroit do well, maybe, although unlikely. Washington/Philly I doubt would go beyond round 1.
8. Boston. Simply put - Boston sucks and no one likes them, so they're going to lose in round 1.
