In this edition of the hotstove we predict which team will claim the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference when all is said and done.
Todd Cordell
The Toronto Maple Leafs.
They've hit a bit of a rough patch of late but they have the best goal differential among all of the bubble teams and, if it weren't for their shootout woes (1-8), this wouldn't even be a conversation. They have a ton of star power up front and I think that'll be enough to power through this slump and get into the playoffs.
My runner up is Philadelphia. I feel like they've been playing well and deserve better results than what they've been getting.
James Tanner I don't know who will take the Final Wild Card spot, probably Ottawa or the Panthers. The Leafs and Bruins will be in the 2/3 spots of the Atlantic, so don't worry about that.
The Senators have no business being in a playoff spot and with nearly 20% of a season left, they likely won't be.
Adam French The Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Lightning aren't the usual powerhouse they have been for the past few years and injuries certainly don't help. However, I still think they have it in them to squeak into the playoffs.
A lot of their problems earlier on stemmed from some shoddy goaltending. This includes both Bishop and Vasilevski. Since getting the net full time, Vasilevski has been very good, if not great. He's playing the best of the Wildcard goalies right now and that could be the difference.
I also just have some faith in a team that has forged so far into the playoffs to come through in the clutch. Kucherov has taken his game to the next level. Hedman is playing like a Norris level player. Johnson is finding his stride.
If Killorn and Palat can start producing, this is a solid team with a lot of experience. In crunch time, experience can count for a lot.
Peter Tessier In the pre-season when we talked about surprises to the season or who would make the playoffs I said i would not be surprised if the Leafs squeaked in. They have that chance right now but it's no lock.
I think it's going come down between the Leafs and Islanders and if so I still believe the Leafs get in but it won't be easy, for either team. Neither team has an easy schedule but I think the Islanders' is a bit more favourable. But as a dark horse pick, don't underestimate the Bruins in that last spot either.
Recent posts: Least entertaining teams in the NHL?