Pittsburgh is close to a lock, and the rest of the teams should be on the bubble. Anything could happen.
- forbetterorWORSE

Ya it really depends on the chemistry up front and biggest thing is Maata and Pouliot's ability to step in on the back end. I really think they'll have a resurgence.

The division has two teams that are above the others, montreal and tampa, who should be locks for the playoffs

After that there's Ottawa Detroit Boston and Florida who should fight it out for the last 1-3 playoff spots.

Each team has their question marks, florida and ottawa if their youth can build on momentum from last year.

Detroit if they can keep on keeping on as always, eventually someone will correctly predict them missing the playoffs, not sure I'm confident doing that though.

ANd Boston well, who knows what will happen to them next year.
- david22

correction there is ONE team above the others and thats tampa. montreal doesnt even come close. if it wasnt for price they wouldnt even be in the playoffs. bolts should easily run away with the division this year.

The Sens very likely can make the playoffs. Not much reason to think they can't. Though to be honest, it's mostly because I think the East is very weak and unpredictable right now, with alot of teams in rebuild mode and being far from contenders, let alone serious playoff competitors. Though the Panthers and Sabres might not take much longer.

Fact is, when you're in a division of 8 teams and 5 of them either are or should be rebuilding, it makes your job easier, but doesn't make your team a legit threat.
- systemtool

Well said. This is a team good enough to fight for third in its division every year but in no way be able to challenge for a cup

Playoff Teams:

Locks: TB, NYR, MTL, WAS, NYI
Teams that should make it: PIT, OTT, CBJ
-------------- On the Border: BOS, BUF, FLA
Non-Playoff Team Locks: TOR, CAR, PHI, NJ
- AlfieisKing

Well done

Pitt is probably a lock as well

I really like what the Sens have done and hopefully there won't be any sophomore slumps. Outside of that what do the Sens fans think they need to take it up a notch? Another top 4 D?

Well done

Pitt is probably a lock as well
- Yikes726

Buffalo are you people joking? Maybe in a year or two to being a bubble team.

Buffalo are you people joking? Maybe in a year or two to being a bubble team.
- tpd11

Their Defense is the worst in the league.

The only team that is remotely close to even be considered a lock is Tampa. Every other team has bigger question marks. Pittsburgh potentially have the best offense, but their defense is up in the air. Both their top defensemen are coming back or have dealt with serious health problems, that isn't a joke. Montreal is one goalie injury away from completely falling apart. Detroit has a decent core and very good young players, but their veterans are starting to show wear and tear. The Islanders need a solid year from Halak, if he fumbles they'll find it hard to recover, even if they have an amazing core of young players. Washington is far from a lock. They added some great pieces, but those are mostly cosmetic. Oshie and Williams are big name FA signings, but I suspect they won't live up to their hype. Florida has a very strong chance of making it in, as long as their young leaders take the next step.

http://www.tampabay.com/b...s.com&utm_medium=facebook

Well, it's official. Stamkos just said (frank) You Toronto

http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/stamkos-may-bring-rays-party-to-lightning/2237830?utm_source=StevenStamkos.com&utm_medium=facebook

Well, it's official. Stamkos just said (frank) You Toronto
- rangerdanger94

Could just be a ploy?

Well done

Pitt is probably a lock as well
- Yikes726

thanks

Their Defense is the worst in the league.
- TheCalSen

good point... Altho might not be worst.

We can't forget the Cameron effect. Also the Sens didn't get high marks for their draft choices because Dorion took some of their key pieces from the QMJHL. For whatever reason the media guys have no respect for the Q Junior league.

Their Defense is the worst in the league.
- TheCalSen

They do have Lehner

Could just be a ploy?
- Artyukhin76

Of course it's just a ploy. He is toying with the world before he bolts the Bolts for the Leafs

Next one up late tonight.