BleacherCoaches.com

We have seen Las Vegas take off more than anyone would of guessed, Tampa put themselves out there as the top team, nashville looking to make the finals again and finally pittsburgh, philly and boston have been on a tear of late. Playoffs if they were today would go as follows.

Atlantic playoffs
1. Tampa vs Columbus
2. Toronto vs Boston
Metro playoffs
1. Philly vs New Jersey
2. Washington vs Pittsburgh

Central playoffs
1. Nashville vs Dallas
2. Winnipeg vs Minnesota
Pacific playoffs
1. Las Vegas vs Calgary
2. San Jose vs Anaheim

Yes, Claude Giroux is having a very nice season too. Pains me to say that, but then again, he is MORE than offset by Crosby, Malkin, and Kessel.

I’m worried about the defensive depth.  I’m probably in the minority of thinking that the Pens D is stronger than it was last postseason....but 1 injury can change that!  I’m hoping they play Ruwedle Bc I’m not convinced Hunwick can get the job done.

Both the flyers and the pens have a scary has heck top 2 lines. As youve said malkin, kessel and crosby are all having solid years for the pens.

Vorachek, giroux and couterier are having solid years too.

What are people thinking about vegas and maybe another expansion team coming soon to seattle??

I like one of Pittsburgh, Toronto, or Boston out of the east. Fortunately Toronto, Boston, and Tampa Bay will all cancel themselves out on that side of the "bracket" in this stupid playoff system. in the west, give me Winnipeg, love the way they play and Patrick Laine.

By the way J.R., your team is 0-2 and has given up 9 goals in 2 games since trading Ian Cole.