In this edition of the hotstove we pick a team currently in the playoffs that we think will miss it when all is said and done.
Todd Cordell I have to go with Ottawa. They've been caved in at even-strength all season long and, barring the addition of a top-4 blue liner, I doubt that'll change anytime soon.
For my money Erik Karlsson is the best defenseman in hockey and the Sens have a plethora of highly skilled forwards but their blue line is bad and I just can't see it holding up over an 82-game season.
I think Tampa Bay will right the ship at some point and I expect they'll take Ottawa's spot when they do just that.
James Tanner In the East, I don't like the chances of Ottawa, Boston or Detroit.
The Atlantic is weak, but Tampa will for sure make it and so at least one of those teams will get pushed out.
If you look at the Metro, NYR, Wash, PGH and the Islanders all should make the Playoffs. As bad as they've been, the Flyers will eventually score tons more goals and aren't as bad as they seem. They're only 2 wins out now, so they should be able to make that up when Voracek starts to score.
Carolina could be a dark horse team that makes a run and if they were in the Atlantic they probably would make it....So five teams from the Metro will make it (NY,NYI,PHI,PGH,WSH) and so will TB and MTL...so one random team from the Atlantic will make it, and it could be anyone..
In the West I think San Jose and Vancouver likely miss out. Five teams from the Central - Chi, St.L, Nash, MN and Dallas....then LA and ANA for sure in the Pacific....which is going to end up being Edmonton.
They have 60 games to make up 9 points on the Canucks and I have no doubt they will.
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