At the current pace , there are seven teams who are on pace for 100+ pts. season. That's amazing. Excluding the Rangers, I think the toughest opponents would be Montreal, Pitt and Washington ( Trotz', great coach ). Have to think the Habs will be very tough out with Price in nets. Not sold on Tampa. If Columbus gets in, gotta throw them in the mix.
Would have been nice if the 3 games against Tampa hadn't already been played because the Rangers are clearly a better team now. The only goalie that worries me in the East is Bishop, he has owned the Rangers.
If I was to name the two teams I'd like to play the least in the East it would be Montreal 1 and TB 2. Not that we couldn't beat them, just rather play the other teams. Montreal Price and revenge. TB a lot of ex-Rangers and Bishop.
And to expand on my comments, I think we have a great shot to get back to at least the ECF. We wouldn't play the Habs or TB until the ECF since we are in the other division, and they will both be top 3 in their division. And it is unlikely both WC's come from the Met division unless CBJ just goes nuts , they buried themselves in too deep a hole. So I think we have a really strong chance to get at least to the ECF. The Pens, Isles and Caps are all good teams, but I truly would make us the favorite against all 3. We are better in goal than all of them. We have ore experience than the Isles and Caps. And the Pens always come up small in the playoffs. I like our chances at a good run again this summer. And if we add some size upfront at the trade DL, watch out, then we can win a cup.
Isles, Pens, Caps & Rangers in the Metro ; any one of these teams is capable of taking this division. Canadiens, Red Wings, Bolts, & (Bruins or Maple Leafs or Panthers); Bolts & Canadiens will battle for the top spot. Would be more confident with another forward & defenceman; insurance against injuries.
