Playoffs...a prologue

The playoffs are all but here. The Eastern Conference is shaping up into a tight race with Buffalo, New York, Carolina and Toronto, yes the Maple Leafs are in the hunt for the last playoffs spots as the season comes into the final few games. Here's how the situation looks right now*:

Rank Team GP W L OT PTS

1 x-Philadelphia 79 46 22 11 103

2 x-Washington 79 46 22 11 103

3 y-Boston 78 44 23 11 99

4 x-Pittsburgh 79 46 25 8 100

5 x-Tampa Bay 79 44 24 11 99

6 Montreal 79 42 30 7 91

7 Buffalo 79 40 29 10 90

8 NY Rangers 79 42 32 5 89

9 Carolina 79 38 30 11 87

10 Toronto 79 37 32 10 84

* stats taken from 4/3/11 via ESPN.com

With 4 games left for everyone but the Bruins, the last few games are paramount in setting up last few playoff spots as well as the top spots. In all likelihood, the Leafs will not make the playoffs. That isn't a slight on Toronto, it's just that they need a lot of help, and I don't think they'll get it. With games against Washington, New Jersey and Montreal. Montreal and Washington are both fighting for position, so they will be a tough contest, as well needing the teams above them to lose. Looking at the schedule, Carolina will have a tough go as well against Detroit, Tampa Bay and Atlanta. Buffalo has a hard go of it to stay in the playoff picture as well with games against Philadelphia and Tampa Bay. The Rangers have a slightly easier time against Boston, Atlanta and New Jersey.

So with that all laid out, I shall attempt to make a case why each team will make the playoffs, as well as why they won't.

Toronto Maple Leafs:

Why the will: Toronto is the long shot here, but they have been playing their best hockey in recent memory a few years. Luke Schenn is emerging as a top defenseman, and the play of James "Optimus Reim" Reimer. He's making a name for himself in hockey mad Toronto with his calm demeanor and excellent play between the pipes. He has all the shutouts for the Leafs, as well as the best stats out of all three goaltenders on the roster. He has quickly replaced "The Monster" as the future of Toronto goaltending.

Why the won't: The hill to climb is almost too much without some much needed help. Buffalo and Carolina will have to lose out, while the Leafs will have to close out with three W's in a row. It just doesn't seem possible, but anything can happen. Ryan Miller's status is in doubt which certainly adds doubt to their chances, but a 5 point lead isn't bad at this point. Carolina is no team to write off either as they seem to find a way to make it when most think they're done. So the Leafs just have too much to overcome. Once again the dismal start of the season dooms Toronto, but it seems that for the first time in a long time, Leafs Nation has something tangible to build on and look forward too next year.

Carolina Hurricanes:

Why they will: They've been there before and know what it takes. Not only have they been there, but they've been to the mountaintop. Eric Staal and Cam Ward were critical in their Cup run in 06, and they're still young. While Staal isn't quite the same level as Crosby/Ovechkin, he can be a game changer, and Cam Ward can steal a game. Let us not forget rookie sensation Jeff Skinner. This kid has been solid all year for the Hurricanes, and I see no reason why he won't continue to be so in the playoffs.

Why they won't: They're the Carolina Hurricanes. This is a team that either goes deep in the playoffs or miss completely. That statement also seems indicative of their play in general. I think it's safe to say that anyone who has seen Carolina play at least two games this season knows they are very much a Jekyll and Hyde type of team. They can dominate opponents one night, only to be dominated the next night. Their inability to string together consistent efforts will kill this team.


Buffalo Sabres:

Why they will: They're already in, albeit it barely. The Sabres have been playing well, with a 6-2-2 record over their last 10 games. Jhonas Enroth has played well with Ryan Miller on the shelf. His save percentage is the same as Ryan Miller's, but obviously there is a discrepancy with games played and shots faced. Tyler Myers, last year's rookie of the year, has also seemed to find his game as he is now a +1 after being mediocre at best to start the season. If the Sabres can maintain their play they should be able to hold on to the 8th seed.

Why they won't: Ryan Miller. He is currently listed as day-to-day with the ever ambiguous "upper body injury". I have heard it's his collar bone, but usually UBI refers to a concussion. Whatever it is, the Sabres will need him to recover, and quickly if they want to have a chance to hold their position, and advance past the first round if they make it in. With the Flyers currently sitting in the #1 seed, the Sabres could be in trouble either way.


New York Rangers:

Why they will: The Rangers have really come on as of late, with impressive wins against the Flyers and Bruins. The young defense is playing with maturity beyond their years, and the forwards are getting contributions from players that aren't named Gaborik. The Rags are also playing with confidence, and heading into the playoffs that can't be bad. Oh and they have that guy named Henrik Lundqvist. No big deal, he's just leading the league with 11 shutouts and can stand on his head when need be.

Why they won't: The Rangers are another team who seem to score in bunches...or not at all. If the timid Rangers show up the rest of the way, they are done. Also, King Henrik has a tendency to let in the stinker. He'll have to live up to his nickname to carry this team. Obviously the Rangers are sitting in the drivers seat as they just tied the Habs with 91 points after tonight's impressive come from behind victory against the Bruins, but the first period should be a sign that this is a very beatable team.



I won't even begin to break down the Western Conference because as of right now as the 5-10 spots are seperated by only 5 points. It's anyone's race at this point. Ahh the Wild Wild West.