Dissecting the 2008 NHL's East

Despite everyone talking about how tight the NBA's Western Conference is, people should pay attention to the race in the NHL's Eastern Conference. From the 1^st place Devils to 8^th seeded Flyers, there are only nine points separating them. The top four teams are only separated by a point, with the Senators, Penguins, and Canadiens having 87, and the Devils tallying 88. The southeast division leading Carolina Hurricanes have been coming on strong as of late, winning eight out of their last ten games. The 6^th seeded New York Rangers are also peeking at the right time. Before last night's 3-2 loss to Florida, the Rangers had not lost a regulation game to Florida. Here is a breakdown of every team in the Eastern Conference playoff race:

New Jersey Devils

Strong goaltending is the most important ingredient for any playoff team, and the Devils certainly have that. However, they have scored the 2^nd fewest goals in the conference, only in front of the reeling Islanders.

Ottawa Senators

Ottawa has only dropped one regulation game in March, and have had key wins over Anaheim, Pittsburgh, Montreal, and Boston. Their goaltending has been weak at times, but they do have a great offense and the best first line in hockey. They made it to the cup last year with a similar team so why can't they do it again.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Sydney Crosby isn't in full swing and they're still just a point of first. Marc-Andre Fluery has returned from injury and the addition of Marian Hossa should bolster up and already electric offense come playoff time.

Montreal Canadians

Any team that can come back from five goals down to win a game is a team to be reckoned with. However, I am not completely sold on Carey Price yet. The team traded veteran goaltender Cristobal Huet, leaving the 20-year-old Price to keep things under control in net for the Habs. If he can play well down the stretch, Montreal is one of the favorites to represent the East in the Stanley Cup.

New York Rangers