Sidney Crosby (center) and the Penguins are hoping for an extended run this spring. (CP Images)
Yes, it's that time of year when everyone has a prediction on who will be in and what teams will be booking tee times once the NHL playoffs begin.
Some have inside knowledge and expert opinion.Others just think they do.
As for me, I have a shiny nickel, one side heads, the other tails. Works for me.
And so, without further ado — mostly because I want you to see how the coin flip turned out — I am giving you the scoop on who I think will be around to play an 83rd game of the year.
Remember, kids, do not try this at home. I have no idea what I am doing, which, for you bettors, is about as close to a disclaimer as you are going to get.
Here is how I feel the East will look on the morning of April 7th:
1. NEW JERSEY DEVILS
As Marty Brodeur goes, so go the Devils and right now #30 is in Hart-calibre form. Will battle the Penguins for top spot right until the final weekend and a home-and-home later this month should decide division and perhaps the conference. Jersey will play six of their final ten at home and should be able to hold on. But it won't be by much.
2. MONTREAL CANADIENS
Like the Devils, the surprising Canadiens are in a dogfight for the division title. Over their final nine games, they play Toronto and Boston twice as well as St. Louis. Party time in La Belle Province. With five home games remaining, it should be enough to give Montreal, at worst, the second seed in the East.
3. CAROLINA HURRICANES
A month after I ridiculed the Southeast Division race, the Hurricanes are shutting me up. Carolina has gone 13-4-1 in their past 18 to open up a five-point lead atop the Southeast least of the East. Seems like 2006 all over again, doesn't it?
4. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Marian Hossa is back, and Sidney Crosby will be in a few more days. The Penguins are going to give New Jersey all they can handle but the Devils won't be rolling over. It's close — so close that the home and home with Jersey should decide the division crown.
5. OTTAWA SENATORS
Yikes. Meltdown in Bytown. In all fairness, the Senators were showing signs of life before getting pounded by the Hurricanes Sunday. A division title is within reach, but, with the Rangers coming on, so is the sixth seed.
6. NEW YORK RANGERS
To most, the Rangers have underachieved this season, at least until recently. Interesting dilemma for the red-hot Blueshirts. Do they gun for fifth and a potential first-round date with the Senators, Penguins, Canadiens or Devils, or do they stay locked in sixth and roll the dice with the Southeast champions? Play dirty and take Door #2, Mr. Sather.
7. BOSTON BRUINS
The bad news? The Bruins are looking like prime first-rounder fodder down the stretch. The good? They have a four-point cushion on a playoff spot and two games left with the Leafs. They'll get at least two home playoff gates - and not much more.
8. BUFFALO SABRES
Tough call here, with the final spot in the East probably not decided until the final weekend. Like the Bruins, the Sabres get the Leafs two more times and play five of their final nine at the Wing Shack. Should be enough to see playoff hockey at Hot Sauce Blue Cheese Arena, or whatever HSBC stands for.
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MISSING OUT:
WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Ovechkin is on fire, the Capitals are 7-3 in their past ten and only two points out, yet I have them missing the playoffs. Am I nuts? Probably. But OV and company are about to head out on a six-game road swing before coming home for three to end the season. In a tight race, that isn't in their favor. Their final charge will come up just short.
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
The faithful are restless in Philly after their boys had it handed to them by the Penguins Sunday. And it isn't about to get any better. Of their final nine, they get the Devils, Penguins and charging Rangers twice each.
FLORIDA PANTHERS
The Cats have reeled off seven straight to come from near the back of the pack but only have eight games to go. It's possible, but I think the Panthers are just going to run out of time.
Tomorrow we'll take a look at the Western Conference race.