Wasn't Tampa Bay on a similar tear last year around this time and everyone had them pegged for the Cup? I think they ended up slowing down after the trade deadline (likely chemistry issues with the trades they made and not having McDonagh as he was injured). But it just goes to show, absolutely nothing is guaranteed. I'm actually surprised at how often people just assume Team A and Team B will be meeting in the finals. Since when have NHL playoffs ever gone the way people expected them to go.
- ChrisGoalie39

Back in the 95 SCF no one gave the Devils a chance against the Red Wings. Devils curb stomped them in 4 straight.

The real winner will be the Sharks who will get to beat a tired and beaten up Preds/Jets team in the WCF. Just like Vegas last year.
- gergeswillems

Yup, lol. I actually said this to a co-worker about the east. I think the best wildcard spot is the first wildcard spot in the east. Because you have a chance to run through the Metro easier than the Atlantic. Whoever out of Boston, Toronto and Tampa makes it out of the Atlantic, will be pretty beaten up.

Give Ott Ho Sang or Dal Colle, Bellows and a 1st


- HolyDiver83

It would be both as Ho Sang is a head case.

Ek, if you're looking for a new "source", I can spice things up for you. Check it out..

Hey Ek, I have a lead for you. Another 3 team swap! NO, WAIT! Hearing now this is a 4 TEAM SWAP. I'm hearing from someone close to the Flyers that Philly sends Simmonds to Nashville, and a 1st to Ottawa. Ottawa sends Duchene and Ceci to Nashville. Nashville sends Ekholm to Ottawa and Fiala to Philly. Then Nashville flips Simmonds and Ceci to Toronto for Gardiner, Connor Brown and a 2020 2nd round pick. Put an E4 on this one.. I have a good feeling.

I'm surprised you steered clear of the "Duchene sign and trade to Habs" talk that I've read other places. Personally would love to see this for the right price (and contract value), but don't see it happening.
- Memories-of-93

SiGn AnD tRaDe

I'd love to see a huge blockbuster deal, with two solid roster players plus the top Nashville prospect and a 1st rounder to Ottawa for Duchene/Stone if they were willing to sign and trade to extended deals.

- holycow_75

sIgN aNd trAdE

Deal for Duchene top NSH would m,ost likely be Tolvanen or Fabbro, 2019 1st, Bonino and conditional 1st and or 2nd on Duchene re-signing with NSH for Duchene. Dorion wants a bidding war for Duchene and Stone should Stone hit the market thats why no deal is done yet.

Ek, if you're looking for a new "source", I can spice things up for you. Check it out..

Hey Ek, I have a lead for you. Another 3 team swap! NO, WAIT! Hearing now this is a 4 TEAM SWAP. I'm hearing from someone close to the Flyers that Philly sends Simmonds to Nashville, and a 1st to Ottawa. Ottawa sends Duchene and Ceci to Nashville. Nashville sends Ekholm to Ottawa and Fiala to Philly. Then Nashville flips Simmonds and Ceci to Toronto for Gardiner, Connor Brown and a 2020 2nd round pick. Put an E4 on this one.. I have a good feeling.
- Snowman X

That was a wild ride. Book it, Ek.

Nashville
Duchene
Gardiner
Brown
TOR 2nd

Philadelphia
Fiala

Ottawa
NSH 1st
Ekholm

Toronto
Simmonds
Ceci

That was a wild ride. Book it, Ek.

Nashville
Duchene
Gardiner
Brown
TOR 2nd

Philadelphia
Fiala

Ottawa
NSH 1st
Ekholm

Toronto
Simmonds
Ceci
- ChrisGoalie39

close, but Ottawa gets Philly's first. Not Nashville's. Come to think of it, Connor Brown should probably go to Philly too. They seem a little light in the return column. I'll change my source's lead! BROWN AND FIALA LAND IN PHILLY! You heard it here first EK!

close, but Ottawa gets Philly's first. Not Nashville's. Come to think of it, Connor Brown should probably go to Philly too. They seem a little light in the return column. I'll change my source's lead! BROWN AND FIALA LAND IN PHILLY! You heard it here first EK!
- Snowman X

How is PHI light here? They get Fiala for Simmonds. If anything they got too much.

How is PHI light here? They get Fiala for Simmonds. If anything they got too much.
- Feds91Stammer

My source suspects it's for cap reasons. Nashville wouldn't take the contract