Quoting: CapFriendlysFinest
See I think a team like montreal doesnt make it tbh, and teams like Buffalo really need to prove it. I think the islanders and blue jackets will take a step back for sure. I think both the devils and rangers will move up as well. Caps and pens are both slowing down but they also have 3 of the last four cups so ...
Yup, its kind of a crap shoot.
Carolina will make the playoffs
If the goaltending plays as good as last year
The young players continue to progress
The older guys don't take a step back
Washington, Pittsburgh and Philly spin their tires and regress
The Rangers or Devils show they still have more improvements to make.
They will miss the playoffs if
Goaltending takes a marginal step backwards
Pittsburgh and Washington have one more big push in them
Philly plays like everyone expects them too
The Rangers or Devils take big steps forward
Atlantic teams dominate the wildcard race
The young players take a step back while the older players regress
It could go either way and I wouldn't be surprised. The Canes are moving in the right direction but they still have question marks and depth up front is a bit of an issue. Their team doesn't frighten me, not like some of the other teams in the east.