EASTERN CONTENDERS

NHL / Hockey

Written by Chase Howard

Continuing our top contenders break down, let’s move on to the Eastern Conference.

Source (Background Photo): NHLI via Getty Images

Beast of the East - Florida Panthers

It wasn't that long ago that calling the Panthers the beast in the East would be sarcasm, but now it's simple fact. With most of the season in the books, they sit atop the East standings and lead the league in goals, shots and SRS. This is all despite having one of the most difficult schedules and losing top defenseman Aaron Ekblad for a significant time. This is partly because everyone on this team seems to have found another gear this season, from Sam Bennett nearing the 30-goal plateau, after never clearing 20, to Jonathan Huberdeau going from point per game player to a leading candidate for the Art Ross. On top of this, they just had a 13-game winning streak. Florida is only the fourth team in NHL history to have separate winning streaks of 13 (a franchise record) and eight games in the same season, the first team since the 1970-71 Bruins (LOST 4-3 to MTL in the round of 8). Lastly, they lead the league with 8-goal games (3) while they've been shut out the least amount of times (3). These Panthers are ready to pounce in the playoffs.

Storm’s a Brewing - Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes very well might be the best defensive team in the league, they have allowed the least goals against (192) and they have the League's top penalty kill (88%). Making this even better they get stronger as the game goes on, having the league's best third-period goal differential. However, the Hurricanes aren’t only defence as they generate the second most high danger chances in the league and are tenth in goals scored. Best yet, things seem to be clicking for the Hurricanes at the right time, as they're riding a four-game win streak and have won seven of their last 10. Even rookie Seth Jarvis has gotten the memo as he has 17 points in his last 20 games compared to 18 in his first 35. An important factor to monitor is Fredrick Anderson’s health, as he hasn’t played since April 16th, while Antti Raanta left Sunday's game with an undisclosed injury, leaving only rookie Pyotr Kochetkov between the pipes. Look for Carolina’s potent defensive approach leading to offence in transition to help lead them deep into the postseason.

Dark Horse - Toronto Maple Leafs

Okay let's get this out of the way, we all know the Maple Leafs have experienced some severe playoff disappointment over the last handful of seasons, all resulting in first-round exits. However, this year is the best generation of the Maple Leafs yet, they sit second to the Panthers in goals scored and lead the league in scoring chances generated. This is in large part why the Leafs boast the league's top power-play (27%) and lead the league in shorthanded goals (13). If you need more reason for encouragement looks no further than recent addition Mark Giordano. The former Norris winner has provided much-needed defensive stability on the Leafs' blue line and his offence has been better than expected. After going pointless in his first four games with the Maple Leafs while he learned the new system, Giordano has scored ten points in his past eleven games. Not to mention his positive effect on Young D partner Timothy Liljegren, who has seemed to reach a whole new level playing alongside him.

Just missed the cut

• Tampa Bay Lighting - The two-time defending Stanley Cup champs can’t be dethroned until this postseason ends, and certainly can't be taken lightly. Bench Boss Jon Cooper’s team's depth is perhaps the reason he was able to repeat and that hasn't gone anywhere, as they have ten 15-goal scorers on the roster, which is tied for most in the NHL.

• New York Rangers - The fourth-youngest team in the league certainly has questions to be asked about them heading into the playoffs, however, netminder is not one of them. Igor Shesterkin is capable of carrying them for stretches. Did you know Chris Krieder whose career high was 28 goals has 51 goals this season, which is three short of the New York Rangers record of 54, set by Jaromír Jágr? Look for a combo of new and familiar faces to be the reason for a potentially deep playoff run, for the Rangers this spring.