Are the Eastern playoff teams already decided?

[Bluelines]

Are the top 8 Eastern teams just jockeying for playoff position? Detroit, CBJ and Philly are distant competitors for a Wildcard. Does any one really think any of those three teams could go on a heater and catch Boston or Washington?

Metro
1) Rangers 56 points (40 GP)
2) Carolina 54 points (36 GP)
3) Pitts 53 points (39 GP)

Atlantic
1) Florida 59 points (40 GP)
2) TB 59 points (41 GP)
3) Toronto 51 points (37 GP)

Wildcard
1) Washington 53 (41 GP)
2) Boston 48 points (37 GP)

3) Detroit 41 points (40 GP)
4) Columbus 37 points (37 GP)
5) Philly 34 points (40 GP)

Click to read more...

 

[ToneDog]

As our boy Vince said, "It's over".

 

[Nylanderthal]

Not to get cute and try and pick out a spot, but I think wc1 or whatever WC spot crosses over would be the best situation aside from winning the Atlantic.

 

[kevsh]

I posted a thread asking this (more like stating it) nearly a month ago in the main forum and it seemed about 50/50 those that agreed with me - it wasn't a poll thread.

But yeah, it's been decided for weeks now. Only thing left to play for is the seedings.

 

[Eternal Leaf]

Definitely.

None of the other teams are even remotely good enough to catch up. It's more about positioning now.

 

[Kelly]

Obviously there is a clear top 8, right now.

But some teams aren't half way through their season. Losing skids and winning streaks happen. Too much season left to say it's set in stone.

Nobody is more educated then our fan base on 18 wheelers going off cliffs.

 

[Buds17]

I'd find it increasingly tough to argue against the picture currently being painted. The teams that are somewhat closer to being within striking distance lack the games in hand (and most are actually at a disadvantage in that regard). Meanwhile, the teams that have the games in hand just seem to be too far away from being able to catch up.

 

[Tak7]

Haven't really even looked at the standings with all these Covid cancellations - feels like the momentum of the season has been lost for a bit.

But looking at those standings... in this era of 3 point games, it's pretty much done.

 

[Zybalto]

Obviously there is a clear top 8, right now.

But some teams aren't half way through their season. Losing skids and winning streaks happen. Too much season left to say it's set in stone.

Nobody is more educated then our fan base on 18 wheelers going off cliffs.

As far as actual 18 wheeler teams like we know and love (teams that get outplayed but live and die on goaltending and or shooting%) there are in the top 8, the Rangers are the only team that fits the bill. 23rd in shot differential and 21st for xGF% but 5th in points% is not usually a reflection of a team with a solid base.

Most of the Leafs fundamentals are rock solid so I'm not too afraid of it happening to us but the threat is always there I guess.

 

[zeke]

Oh yeah.

The only top team I see slipping is NYR....but thats only if Shesterkin isn't actually this good, but he probably is.

 

[JT AM da real deal]

It is done like dinner folks .. only remote shot is Isles but they would have to run together a couple 10 game win streaks to get back in

 

[Michael HOMERUNing]

Islanders have an outside chance but their schedule is murder

 

[Menzinger]

Yes. While nothing is ever a 100% certainty, the teams heading to the post season are close to being a lock as anything. What remains to be seen is who will play who

 

[daethfromabove1979]

If the Leafs couldn't beat Montreal last year and Columbus the year before (the easiest matchups they could have asked for), how on earth can they beat any of those teams?

 

[BertCorbeau]

With the Leafs, anything is possible so I’ll say no

 

[Nylanderthal]

If the Leafs couldn't beat Montreal last year and Columbus the year before (the easiest matchups they could have asked for), how on earth can they beat any of those teams?

Columbus had the same record as Toronto did going into the play-in’s, they were the 8-9 seeds… WDYM?

 

[egd27]

Seems like it's set. Unless of course one of the 8 starts blowing leads consistently and goes on an extended cold streak.

 

[Mess]

US Thanksgiving is usually a pretty good measure in the past of teams in a playoff spot a that time generally end up in the playoffs with only a very exceptions from time to time.

It does appear that the East does have its playoff teams for this year decided at this stage

Currently the top 8 teams in the East have separated from the pack that even playing at .500 in the 2nd half would require one of the non playoff teams to perform at a real high level to get in.

ie Leafs have 51 points at 37 games + .500 hockey = 45 points in remaining games = 96 point finish (which is generally right around the playoff line).

A team like Philly 34 points in 40 games would need 63 points in remaining 42 games to pass Toronto = ~ .670 hockey. (a rate only a few of the top teams are outperforming) .

 

[Willchel Marlynder]

Tampa in the first round huh? *Shivers*

 

[Mess]

I think these were the teams that almost everyone expected to be the playoff teams in the East ...

The only real surprise somewhat is the NYR at this point who were for me more likely to be battling Philly and NYI for that last/4th position in the Metro.

Its been the NYR and their goaltending making the difference here.

 

[123offtheglass]

I think 1 team swaps in & it'll be the Islanders.

 

[notDatsyuk]

By points %, it's:

Metro:
Carolina
Pittsburgh
Rangers

Atlantic:
Florida
Tampa
Toronto

Wild card:
Boston
Washington

Islanders
Detroit
Columbus

 

[Havoc]

Winning the division isn't all it's cracked up to be. The best thing for Atlantic teams is to flee the Atlantic entirely and face leader of the Metro. Winning the division only buys you 1 round escape. Saying bye to our friends will result in 2 rounds of escape, with the slight chance second (or other) wild card team can go assassin mode for us.

I mean the Metro isn't easy either but I still feel more confident going there.

 

[LeafalCrusader]

Isles look like the only team who could challenge for a playoff spot but if you think our schedule is compacted wait till you see there's.

 

[Stonehands1990]

Columbus had the same record as Toronto did going into the play-in’s, they were the 8-9 seeds… WDYM?

Do you keep forgetting that the Leafs wildly underperformed that season to the point that a coaching change had to be made? This team was miles ahead of CBJ skill wise