Now it’s time to revisit my predictions for the Eastern Conference. Now that the standings have settled out after the Red Wings’ forfeit of last night’s game to the Habs. Same as the Western Conference, I singled out a couple teams for comment back in October.

New York Rangers: After making several key moves in the offseason, I figured on the Blueshirts making a big splash in the standings. As long as Marc Staal could get back from injury, Gaborik would stay away from injury and Brad Richards fit in well, they would be pleasantly surprised with their results.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Huge depth and top scoring would help the Pens stay strong, despite the absence of Sydney Crosby in the beginning of the season. With no word (at that time) on his return, I game them the benefit of the doubt and picked them to take the Atlantic Division, given an early return of #87.

Philadelphia Flyers: The unprecedented Filly Flyers Fire Sale of last summer left only a small core group of players around whole lot of new faces. The biggest Achilles Heel they brought on was Phoenix goalie Ilya Bryzgalov. The Flyers have been trying to solidify their net presence and it was worth it to give Bryz a shot, which is to say they should not have signed him to that long, expensive contract. They would have to depend on younger faces like JvR and Giroux to carry the weight.

Buffalo Sabres: The team to watch out for in the East. The Sabres went on a shopping spree, picking up Robyn Regehr, Christian Ehrhoff, and Ville Leino. Looking at Tyler Ennis for a breakout season, and Pominville and Roy would keep their scoring touch. The new look of the Sabres would surely find fans purchasing tickets for playoff games in May.

Toronto Maple Leafs: They’ve been on the doorstep the past few years, and I figured it was their time. Guys like Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf would step up their game after being tired of just missing the postseason. This would be the year they squeak in.

So here’s the comparison

How I Predicted……………………………………………..Actual Standings

Washington Capitals……………………………..…………New York Rangers

Pittsburgh Penguins………………………….……………..Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins………………………………………………….Washington Capitals

Philadelphia Flyers ………………………………………….Philadelphia Flyers

Tampa Bay Lightning……………………………………….Pittsburgh Penguins

Buffalo Sabres………………………………..……………….Ottawa Senators

New York Rangers………………………….……………….Florida Panthers

Toronto Maple Leafs…………………….………………..New Jersey Devils

Montreal Canadiens…………………..…………………..Toronto Maple Leafs

Carolina Hurricanes……………………..………………….Winnipeg Jets

New Jersey Devils……………………………………………Montreal Canadiens

New York Islanders…………………………………………Tampa Bay Lightning

Winnipeg Jets……………………………..………………….New York Islanders

Ottawa Senators……………………….………….…………Buffalo Sabres

Florida Panthers…………………………….……………….Carolina Hurricanes

Well…maybe I should stick with the Western Conference… But who knew the Sabres and the Senators would effectively switch places in the standings? It’s been a huge, unfortunate flop for the Sabres thus far, but the Sens have broken free for a comfortable sixth place berth. Toronto came out strong from the gate as well, but have since come back to Earth a little. Still though, they can taste the postseason and I still think they’ll be in it.

No Crosby, no problem for the Pens. Even dealing with half the team out on crutches, they’ve still managed to play strong. Kris Letang is back, and Evgeni Malkin has stepped up into the spotlight. Whenever it is that Crosby comes back, it’ll only make them more dangerous. The biggest surprise though, (after Buffalo) is the Rangers. Everything is clicking even more than anyone predicted. After dumping Sean Avery, Tortorella has been able to put another goal scorer on the ice. Backed by Vezina trophy contender Henrik Lundqvist who’s playing one his best seasons, the Blueshirts won’t be looking back.

Come playoff time? Here’s what I think we’ll see.

Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers

New York Rangers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Washington Capitals vs. Ottawa Senators

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Note that I do not have the Jersey Devils in the playoffs. That’s another gaze into my used, semi-clouded, dollar-store crystal ball. While Ilya Kovalchuk is playing extremely well these days, it comes at the expense of Zach Parise, and all the rumors swirling around him wanting out. I’ve also felt for a long time that Marty Brodeur is on his last legs and just can’t hang with the young kids anymore. He makes a lot of huge highlight-reel saves, but will let in two soft goals in the very same game. It’s a dangerous place to hang your playoff hopes.

I’ve put on my helmet now, and I’m ready to take the beatings. Fire away!