Bob McKenzie surveyed 10 coaches in the Eastern Conference before the All-Star break and asked how they thought things looked in the East right now (TSN): Best Team: The Rangers picked up five votes with the Islanders picking up 4 and the Penguins 1 Best Goalie: Henrik Lundqvist picked up two votes while Carey Price picked up the other 8 Best Defenseman: Ryan McDonagh picked up 4 votes with Victor Hedman picking up 3, Kris Letang 2 and PK Subban 1. Best Coach: Alain Vigneault picked up two votes while Jack Capuano of the Islanders picked up 3. 5 other coaches picked up 1 vote each. Best Player: Rick Nash was the only player to get more than one vote, he picked up two. 8 other players picked up one vote.
Here is what I find interesting. Capuano, who has done nothing as a coach as of yet, gets 3 votes as the best coach in the East...strange. I am surprised neither Montreal or TB got any votes, especially over the Pens. I agree with Price as # 1 over Hank. Surprised Subban only got 1 vote as best dman. McD could be the East's best, but needs to step up his game. I can see voting for Nash, but figured OV or Crosby would get more votes.
The Isles are better right now but i think the voting is based on people thinking the Rangers experience may take them further in this years playoffs.
Yeah, I don't think someone is crazy to pick the Rangers as the East's best team. I actually like Montreal a lot as well. The Isles have a ot of depth and skill, but still need to prove it in the playoffs. They could roll, or they could struggle under the pressure. I also wouldn't count out Boston now that they are rolling. East is wide open. I'd say 5 teams have a real shot. Us, the Isles, the Bruins, the Habs, and TB (I'd actually put TB 5th because I don't think they get out of the Atlantic). I'd put the Pens 8 out of the 8 East playoff teams. The Wings and Caps, can certainly win a series, but I don't see either going to the SCF. If we add a big top 9 forward I give us a real good inside track to make the SCF, especially since outside of the Isles the best teams are in the Atlantic, which means we only play one in the ECF. I still see a 2nd round war against the Isles coming.
