As we head into the second half of the season, it has been a truly exciting season in the NHL. Let's take a look at the top 5 teams in the Eastern Conference. These are the teams I believe will be there in the end fighting for Lord Stanley's Cup as well as two sleepers that could make some noise come playoff time.
1. Buffalo Sabres (70 points, 1st place, Northeast Division): The Sabres have been in control of the Eastern Conference from the start of the year. If they can stay healthy and continue to develop their young defense around goalie Ryan Miller, they will be a favorite to win the Cup; Buffalo is +450 on WagerWeb.com to win the Cup.
2. New Jersey Devils (63 points, 1st place, Atlantic Division): The Devils are getting great play from a reliable and trusted source in goalie Martin Brodeur, who is having one of his finest seasons. The question will be whether the Devils continue to improve on offense come playoff time. New Jersey is +1000 on WagerWeb.com to win the Cup.
3. Montreal Canadiens (59 points, 2nd place, Northeast Division): The Canadiens have been playing great at home, but poorly on the road heading into the second half and will need to shore that up come April as winning on the road is vital in the playoffs. This team has the balanced attack to go deep, led by center Saku Koivu, who is having another tremendous season. Montreal is +1200 on WagerWeb.com to win the Cup.
4. Atlanta Thrashers (62 points, 1st place, Southeast Division): The Thrashers came on very strong at the end of last season only to miss the playoffs by mere points. They started this year on fire, then slowed down due to various injuries, but have been playing better entering the second half. The Thrashers need to show they can win away from Philips Arena as well as not give up late leads; which has plagued them this year. Atlanta is +2200 on WagerWeb.com to win the Cup.
5. Ottawa Senators (58 points, 3rd place, Northeast Division): The Sens once again have a team that is capable of winning the Cup, but does have its share of holes. Dany Heatley is not one of them as he leads the team in points, goals and assists. The Sens will have to be more balanced if they expect to go deep in the postseason. Ottawa is +900 on WagerWeb.com to win the Cup.
Sleepers
Tampa Bay Lightning: One-two punch of Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis always gives them a shot. Goaltending has been suspect, however.
Pittsburgh Penguins: With Sid the Kid and Evgeni Malkin, the sky is the limit for this bunch. It just may not be this year … or in Pittsburgh.
