As of this moment, if I had to rank teams in the East in terms of SC probability, this is my order: (and keep in mind, wherever I put the Rangers is completely bias):
1. Bruins
(they have a very good, balanced team, top to bottom. Very good goaltending and very good D) but their biggest advantage is they've played the right way all year long. They have been clicking in a way that makes them very formidable. This season, they've gotten the best most consistent goaltending in the entire league.
2. Tampa
They are playing pretty mediocre. Their D is not as deep without McDonagh, but they are a damn buzzsaw. They will beat up most teams who have to go through them.
3. Toronto/NYR
I think we're neck and neck with TO. IF Igor can elevate his game and the whole team elevates their D structure and puck management, then maybe we could find a small edge. But it's really close. Both teams added quite a bit at the deadline, so both squads face a bit of a chemistry/mix question. But I really like the O'Reilly addition for them. If they add a goalie, that'll be interesting. I just wonder about adding a goalie at the deadline. Adding a starter at the deadline just seems like a risky proposition. The X factor for us will be Kane's effect on the team. I don't mean on the score sheet necessarily. I mean in the swagger department. That is an intangible that can't be measured ahead of time
4. NJ/Hurricanes
The Devils could surprise. Vanecek has had a very good season. Meier could be a big boost. Tons of skill. Forward lines have done really well all year. They are very similar to us last season. I don't think they're playing with much pressure. Despite all that, I wonder about their D and G in the playoffs. Though, in fairness, we've had D and G issues most of this year -- more than they have. The Canes -- I mean we all know what they can do. They keep adding more of the same kind of player. I just don't know that they have what they need to compete at the highest levels of the conference in the playoffs.
All this to say -- I think we're basically right in the middle here. I think anyone can beat anyone within this group.
It's a blessing for anyone coming out of the Metro that we don't have to play 2 of Boston, Tampa and Toronto. And we can only hope that whatever team survives those first two rounds is doing so on a half a leg.
The West is wide open. It kinda reminds me of 1994, when the Canucks made it to the Finals and were not really that great.