Predicting the NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Bracket

With the NHL’s unofficial second half of the year set to kick off tonight, SportsGrid predicts what teams will make the postseason in the Eastern Conference.

This is what we’re predicting for the Eastern Conference playoff bracket. 

Boston Bruins (Atlantic #1) vs. New Jersey Devils (Wild Card #2) Odds to Win the Stanley Cup: Bruins +950, Devils +2200

When many thought the Boston Bruins would take a step back after Patrick Bergeron and David Krejci retired, they went on to lead the Eastern Conference at the All-Star break. The Bruins have posted a dominant 31-9-9 record and are in the conversation to win another Presidents’ Trophy. The Bruins will have some competition for the top spot, but their experience certainly gives them favorable odds to do so. 

Despite the New Jersey Devils sitting seven points back of a playoff spot, they have multiple games in hand and are getting healthier. Jack Hughes is nearing a return and will bring a Hart Trophy-caliber presence to their lineup. If the Devils get hot in the second half, they’ll be an upset threat to take down Boston in Round 1. 

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Florida Panthers (Atlantic #2) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (Atlantic #3) Odds to Win the Stanley Cup: Panthers +950, Maple Leafs +1400

A rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference semifinal would draw some eyeballs. The Florida Panthers made a shocking run to the Stanley Cup Finals and went through the Toronto Maple Leafs in five games to get there. The Panthers have an eight-point gap on the Maple Leafs for the second spot in the Atlantic Division. Florida continues to be a team built to play playoff hockey, which doesn’t bode well for a Leafs team looking to end their Stanley Cup drought. There’s value in backing the Panthers to finish the job this year and win a Stanley Cup. 

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Carolina Hurricanes (Metropolitan #1) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (Wild Card #1) Odds to Win the Stanley Cup: Hurricanes +1000, Lightning +2000

Despite the New York Rangers leading the Metro Division at the All-Star break, the Carolina Hurricanes have progressively improved as the season continues. The Hurricanes trail the Rangers by two points and have a game in hand. Whether or not the Hurricanes can find an answer in net will go a long way in determining whether or not they can win the Eastern Conference. For a team that’s been consistently good over the last half-decade, it’s time for the Hurricanes to make a real run. It would be fitting if the Canes put an end to one of the teams that’s stood in their way over that stretch. 

New York Rangers (Metropolitan #2) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (Metropolitan #3) Odds to Win the Stanley Cup: Rangers +1100, Penguins +2500

The New York Rangers had a solid first half of the year but have struggled to find consistency over the last month. The Rangers have won just four of their last ten games and must prove to their management that they’re worthy of upgrading their roster ahead of the NHL’s trade deadline. In what looks to be a wide-open Eastern Conference, the Rangers have the potential to be a team that does real damage. The Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins don’t like each other, which could create a fun matchup in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

On the Cusp But Missing Out

Detroit Red Wings (+9000)

Although the Detroit Red Wings sit comfortably in a playoff spot, we’re not sure they have the roster to make it last over the next two months. Detroit has excellent progression, and being in the race is a testament to their rebuild. It wouldn’t be surprising if they finished in the second wild-card spot, but we’re not counting on it. 

Philadelphia Flyers (+6500)

The Philadelphia Flyers, led by veteran head coach John Tortorella, have been a nice story in the first half. The Flyers play hard every night, but we’re not sure they play a sustainable brand of hockey for a full 82 games, especially during the final stretch. This team is on the rise, but we think they fall just short this time. 

New York Islanders (+6500)

The New York Islanders have struggled to find an identity under new head coach Patrick Roy. Some time off could be precisely what this group needed, but there are still holes on this roster, which makes us question if they can make a full push toward a playoff spot. 

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