Eastern Conference Predictions

With tomorrow starting the season in the National Hockey League, I believe it’s high time for us here at The Predatorial to make our season predictions, starting with the Eastern Conference! Let’s break it down by division:

ATLANTIC DIVISION
1: Pittsburgh Penguins*
2: Philadelphia Flyers*
3: New York Rangers*
4: New Jersey Devils
5: New York Islanders

NORTHEAST DIVISION
1: Buffalo Sabres*
2: Boston Bruins*
3: Montreal Canadiens*
4: Toronto Maple Leafs
5: Ottawa Senators

SOUTHEAST DIVISION
1: Tampa Bay Lightning*
2: Washington Capitals*
3: Carolina Hurricanes
4: Florida Panthers
5: Winnipeg Jets

* = Playoff Spot

FINAL CONFERENCE STANDINGS

1: Tampa Bay Lightning
2: Buffalo Sabres
3: Pittsburgh Penguins
4: Boston Bruins
5: Washington Capitals
6: Philadelphia Flyers
7: New York Rangers
8: Montreal Canadiens

FIRST ROUND MATCHUPS

Tampa Bay Lightning (1) vs Montreal Canadiens (8) – Tampa Bay Lightning advance

Buffalo Sabres (2) vs New York Rangers (7) – Buffalo Sabres advance

Pittsburgh Penguins (3) vs Philadelphia Flyers (6) – Philadelphia Flyers advance

Boston Bruins (4) vs Washington Capitals (5) – Washington Capitals advance

SECOND ROUND MATCHUPS

Tampa Bay Lightning (1) vs Philadelphia Flyers (6) – Philadelphia Flyers advance

Buffalo Sabres (2) vs Washington Capitals (5) – Buffalo Sabres advance

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS MATCHUPS

Tampa Bay Lightning (1) vs Buffalo Sabres (2)

EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPION: Buffalo Sabres

So, there you have it! What do you think? Can Ryan Miller carry Buffalo all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals like I believe? Let’s hear your comments. We’ll have the Western Conference match-ups around lunchtime tomorrow!