Predicting the Stanley Cup Playoff Teams

I have our playoff hockey pool ready to roll… sort of. The ever changing NHL standings are frustrating me because the playoff matchups seem to change every day there are games, especially those involving the Lightning, Canadiens, Hurricanes, Leafs, Islanders, Stars, Sharks and Wild. At least it is only a few teams… (sarcasm).

Based on the standings as of today, here are the opening round playoff matchups:

Eastern Conference

• #8 Montreal Canadiens at #1 Buffalo Sabres
• #7 Tampa Bay Lightning at #2 New Jersey Devils
• #6 New York Rangers at #3 Atlanta Thrashers
• #5 Pittsburgh Penguins at #4 Ottawa Senators

Western Conference

• #8 Calgary Flames at #1 Nashville Predators
• #7 Minnesota Wild at #2 Anaheim Ducks
• #6 San Jose Sharks at #3 Vancouver Canucks
• #5 Dallas Stars at #4 Detroit Red Wings

I hope the Toronto Maple Leafs make it. If they fail to make the playoffs for two straight years, yet at the same time have not made significant long-term moves for prospects and draft picks (Yanic Perrault trade anyone?), this city might go into a deep bout of depression. Yes, more than usual.

The good thing is, after last night’s drubbing of the Hurricanes, it looks like the Leafs have a solid shot. They are 3 points behind the Rangers, and 2 points behind each of the Lightning and Canadiens, but have a game in hand on all of those teams. Currently tied with the Hurricanes and Islanders, the Leafs should be able to separate themselves from those squads, having just beat the Hurricanes and the Islanders seem much less a threat with the loss of goaltender Rick DiPietro. The Islanders deny DiPietro is done for the season.

The Canadiens have a tougher schedule the rest of the way, starting with the Senators and Sabres the next two games, than the Lightning who face the Hurricanes twice, Capitals, Panthers and Thrashers to close out the season. And, the Canadiens and Leafs face off in their final game of the season. It will be difficult for both Canadian clubs to finish in the top 8.

As for the pool, I’m tempted to put it up now with the current playoff matchups and try to start getting people to sign up. The only problem is that as matchups change, then I’ll have to get on people to change their picks, which isn’t ideal. Four games on tonight’s schedule and another 8 Thursday. The playoffs start the week of April 9th. I guess I’ll wait at least a couple more days.