The Eastern Conference really seems quite weak this season. Pittsburgh is the team to beat and looks very strong while Boston has to be ranked highly as well. Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa have all surpassed expectations this season but the rest of the conference has been a real disappointment this season. What has happened to perennial playoff contenders like the Flyers, Capitals and Sabres? The Panthers have really dropped off this season as well and even the Rangers and Devils have struggled mightily. I wonder if any of these teams just need more time as an 82 game season would have provided or if that even matters.
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