Eastern Conference Notes
By Scott Rickenbach
New Jersey - Ilya Kovalchuk should make an impact in March and into the post-season.Also, Paul Martin's return will be huge for the Devils blueline.
New York Islanders - Still involved in the playoff hunt but better off "tanking" and going for a spot in the draft lottery.
New York Rangers - Depth is a concern for this team. They've gone through the season carrying just six defensemen. Also, they've been in need of an experienced back-up goalie. Young players on the Rangers were wearing out as the Olympic Break approached. They are not use to "the grind" at this level. Maybe the break will help.
Philadelphia Flyers - This team has a ton of talent but they don't have guys that like to create traffic in front of the net. As a result, the Flyers have gone through tough stretches where goals have proven very tough to come by despite all their firepower up front.
Pittsburgh Penguins - Even though they dealt with key injuries in first half of the season, the Pens persevered. That is a tribute to the depth of this team but, of course, they have a bull’s-eye on their backs as the post-season approaches.
Boston Bruins - This could be a team to watch the rest of the way. They are still "in the mix" and, after failing to meet high expectations so far they could surprise some people with a late-season run. This is still a very talented team but their scoring has been the culprit so far. It seems that losing Phil Kessel really impacted this team. Also, players that were big scorers last season have dropped off in terms of production this season. Injuries have also hurt this team and they did lose depth from the blueline this season. Still, this talented team could certainly have a run left in them...especially if with a "run" of good health the rest of the way.
Buffalo Sabres - The Sabres special teams play has not been as strong as hoped and until they add a proven blueliner that is strong on the power play this could continue to be a concern.
Montreal Canadians - This team lacks size up front. Heavy turnover on the roster has made for growing pains in Montreal too. It's hard to have chemistry when a team is having turnover like the Habs have had.
Ottawa Senators - An 11 game winning streak before the Olympic Break shows what this team is capable of. Look for their red hot run to resume right after the break. The Senators would like a little bit more size up front and, should that pan out, this team could go even farther this spring!
Toronto Maple Leafs - Too thin at the forward spot. We do like what we've seen from JS Giguere since coming to Toronto. However, they really miss Mike Komisarek on the blueline. Penalty killing is a major weakness especially at the center spot.
Atlanta Thrashers - No more Ilya Kolvachuk means that scoring is a concern for the Thrashers. Also, the goaltending has been inconsistent as usual. The Thrashers invested so much in an experienced blueline that they have ended up thin in other areas and have invested heavily in their top defensemen.
Carolina Hurricanes - With a youth movement on the way coach Paul Maurice may no longer be the right fit here. Depending on which way this team heads over the next week or two we could find out a lot about what to expect going forward.
Florida Panthers - The Panthers have good depth defensively but it's a different story on offense. Up front there are concerns, particularly at center. Keep in mind Florida recently went through a ten game stretch where they averaged just 1.2 goals per game.
Tampa Bay Lightning - Change in ownership means this could be a tough team to gauge for awhile. If they remain in the hunt we could see a focused effort from this group but if they start to falter it could turn into freefall the rest of the way.
Washington Capitals - The Capitals offense is simply amazing and that makes it hard to fade this team. When they face a goalie who is "in the zone" that might be the only time to go against these Caps. They are just loaded with firepower. If they get goaltending there is no telling how far they could go this spring.