I have Philadelphia competing with Columbus, Ottawa, Boston & Florida for the final playoff spot. I have all teams returning except possibly Ottawa being replaced by Pittsburgh. I think Columbus takes a spot possibly pushing Detroit to the 8th & final spot.

If & it's a big if, Mason can stay healthy & play 60 to 65 games, I think Philadelphia could possibly sneak in but when all is said & done, with the exception of Carolina & NJ, teams 8 thru 14 will finish very tightly & only 8 points may separate all of them.

I know, call me crazy but I just don't see Toronto being brutal, although they may finish 13th. Babcock will chop off 30 to 40 goals against next season having them competitive. I laid a $100.00 wager at 40 to 1 they make the playoffs.

I think the final 2 playoff spots in the East may come down to which teams don't sustain serious injuries. It's very tight now in both conferences & with the new lottery weighting there is no benefit to being Buffalo bad like last season, although NJ sure looks like that's there plan but with Schneider he can even make NJ look semi respectable finishing in the bottom 2 with Arizona.

- DDM-Coga

Nut up or shut up

Nut up or shut up
- mixturebill

I believe the same 4 teams will make the playoffs from the metro this season

- eichiefs9

Hoisting the Stanley Cup
- mdw7413

Isn't that bad luck, if you didnt win it?

Philly will be picking top 10.

They'll finish ahead of Carolina, Toronto and NJ in the east. 15 to 20 out of the playoffs.

Rosehill will be recalled at some point in the season and put them over the top to #17.

They just need to play the Pens 82 times a season.

6th in Metro
11th in East
21st Overall

Flyerbuzz

6th in Metro
11th in East
21st Overall
- Quetzalcoatl

I think that's a very good estimate.

If they can get some of that young defense they have some playing time, at least it won't be a waste. Their farm system looks bright as far as the D is concerned. They should focus on jettisoning a few of those outdated pieces on the blue line that currently dress every night and act as pilons. Streit, at least, has been very serviceable.
As for the offense, the pieces are there, but it has been a rudderless ship for awhile.

As a team that lost many of it's games in overtime. 18 games lost to either shootouts or OT, 3 more loses than any other team in the NHL. I think the Flyers have just as much of a chance to make the playoffs as any bubble team. Which is really any team that's not Tampa Bay.
We make our team play decisions based on what teams did Last year. Which is made of both skill and luck. With all of the close games the Flyers had, couple bounces the other way and they are in and someone else is out. Closing out against bottom teams like Carolina and Jersey would help too. All of these games are close enough that anyone in the middle pack could make or miss the playoffs and nothing is guaranteed, and luck is now a huge factor.
For the Flyers to be successful, aside from staying healthy, they need a secondary scoring line. Meaning one of their Centers who aren't Giroux has to score 20 goals or 50 points. B. Schenn, Coots, Vinnie, Umby, Laughton, Cousins, Gagner, doesn't matter, but they need a second scoring line. Everyone says D is their issue, but the real key is that Second line Scoring is non-existent.

HB has turned into amateur hour, lol Very few of the writers even know their hockey! After Meltzner and JJ not a lot of great writing, Carol is doing a fine job on the Canucks as well.

6th in the Metro
12th in the East
23rd overall

80-85 points

they will not make the playoffs...
East teams will be

Tampa
Montreal
Washington
Pittsburgh
Islanders
Blue Jackets
Detroit
Florida

The Flyers have a lot of pieces that I like, but when I look at the standings, I just don't see them in the playoff picture. They could surprise if everything falls into place, but you can say the same about any team... except the Leafs of course.

HB has turned into amateur hour, lol Very few of the writers even know their hockey! After Meltzner and JJ not a lot of great writing, Carol is doing a fine job on the Canucks as well.
- flyerdude17

Perhaps a little harsh, Michael Stuart is quality a a few more are okay.

The Flyers have a lot of pieces that I like, but when I look at the standings, I just don't see them in the playoff picture. They could surprise if everything falls into place, but you can say the same about any team... except the Leafs of course.
- Vanoxy

Sounds like a closet Leaf fan....Leafs have better chances to make playoffs then Canucks..

Philly will be picking top 10.
- LordHumungous

I'll take one more crap year. This would be the year to do it. Get a LW worth a damn to go along with all the D prospects. We're building for 2-3 years from now anyway.

goaltending is an issue for the flyers.

HB has turned into amateur hour, lol Very few of the writers even know their hockey! After Meltzner and JJ not a lot of great writing, Carol is doing a fine job on the Canucks as well.
- flyerdude17

Thank you. She is doing a good job.

Sounds like a closet Leaf fan....Leafs have better chances to make playoffs then Canucks..
- nyrsucks

Sorry...I almost fell out of my chair...

wow

they will not make the playoffs...
East teams will be

Tampa
Montreal
Washington
Pittsburgh
Islanders
Blue Jackets
Detroit
Florida
- nyrsucks

Noticed the Rangers are absent from your list. Strong work.