prediction time: who are the two wildcard teams in the eastern conference come playoffs?

[Viqsi]

I never thought we would be in a position where 2 games between Columbus and Detroit mean so much but they do.

If Detroit takes both they are probably in.

If Columbus takes both they are 2 points back of NJ for 3rd in Metro.

And with Toronto currently leading the Atlantic

if NJ did drop to wildcard 1 we could get NJ VS Toronto which would mean Keefe VS Toronto and how fun would that be?

These 2 Detroit VS Columbus games are HUGE they have potential impacts on the playoff futures of multiple teams.

Reading it this way the first thing that came to mind was "we're going to split the series, each with wins in overtime, and the entire East is going to groan in frustration"

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Reading it this way the first thing that came to mind was "we're going to split the series, each with wins in overtime, and the entire East is going to groan in frustration"

I don't want that though, don't do that to me

Win both in regulation and let's make things VERY interesting

 

[Dotter]

For me it comes down to Ottawa, Detroit and Columbus.

Ottawa is struggling and just lost 5 in a row. They have big games coming up; 2 against the Wings, 3 against CBJ. The way Wings and Jackets are rolling right now and with Sens slumping... Senators will need to win all 5 of those games in regulation to slide back in comfortably.

Otherwise, OTT will need to depend on one or both of DRWs or Jackets to go on an equally long slump, and I don't see that happening. These teams are too dialed in.

OTT has the easiest schedule, DET with the hardest. If Wings or CBJ make the playoffs, I think they may be sleepers.

 

[Gizmo Tkachuk]

I don’t love the goaltending tandems for either Detroit or Columbus and it could cost them down the stretch. Advantage Ottawa and NYR.

I would say Boston as well because it’s Boston. Ehh I’m going with Ottawa/NYR

 

[EveryDay]

Columbus and Detroit.

 

[Fatass]

Sens were up there but are now losers of five in a row. Without Brady T, they look cooked.
Wings and Jackets playing great right now.
I’m guessing these two clubs grab the wildcard spots in the east. But could one of them get top three in their division?

 

[TGWL]

Rangers are going to be without Fox for a while. Whatever back issue Kreider is going through seems to be taken day-by-day and game-by-game, and it doesn't appear to be something that will get better by sitting out a coupe of games.

The only thing really saving them here is that they're at the top when it comes to regulation wins, which would be the first tie-breaker. But looking at the schedule I have my doubts that they can stay in the race.

Columbus plays nearly half their remaining games at home. They have a fantastic home record so it would be nice to see them get something good coming their way and make the wild card.

Detroit and Ottawa desperately needs this. Sens need to start wining obviously. Just picking up 2 wins instead of losing 5 straight would have really helped.

Boston gets laughed at every season (well, lately), so I won't count them out until they're actually out.

 

[kerrabria]

Detroit peaking too early, and I'm just not sold on $20m they have tied up in raggedy plugs.

Columbus and Ottawa.

 

[Lazlo Hollyfeld]

The Wings losing Copp for the rest of the season and having Ras out really hurts their already thin center depth. Their tough road to the playoffs just got tougher.