[sunshineSpecial]

Pittsburgh and Nashville. If pens lose in the east, Nashville will beat any other team.

[keely85]

With that defense? Don't think Pens can beat whoever wins TBL/Boston. Best thing they have going for them is they just have to beat Washington and we all know how Capitals in April/May goes.

Nashville probably the safest bet in the West though...not much consistency from anyone else, and don't trust the Jets or Vegas to win a tough 7 gamer if they have to.

I pray to the hockey gods Stamkos makes it through one or more playoff series, regardless of the outcome.

[sunshineSpecial]

Penguins glide into the playoffs healthy with a full tank of fuel.

[oilcountry99]

A healthy Bruin squad can't be ignored in the East.

[sunshineSpecial]

Still going with this. Pens only have to go through Columbus and Washington (again) to reach the semis, and then how unlikely is it for them to win a series against Boston or Tampa (when they're in playoff mode)? I could see Toronto upsetting Tampa, but it wouldn't change much.

Winnipeg might upset things - after a few tweaks I think they'll be the best team in the league. They're a keen bunch of boys, but it's their first year as a non-awful team. Their backup goaltending is useless. If Hellebuyck can't play every single game, they're finished.

Of course, wouldn't be too surprised if Vegas wins the cup.