The NHL season hasn’t hit the halfway point yet, but it’s never too early to start talking about playoffs.
Here’s what the Eastern Conference playoff bracket would look like if the playoffs began today.
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NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Picture if the Season Ended Today
- No. 1 Atlantic Division – Boston Bruins vs. No. 2 Wild Card – Pittsburgh Penguins
- No. 1 Metropolitan Division – Carolina Hurricanes vs. No. 1 Wild Card – New York Rangers
- No. 2 Atlantic Division – Toronto Maple Leafs vs. No. 3 Atlantic Division' – Tampa Bay Lightning
- No 2. Metropolitan Division – New Jersey Devils vs. No. 3 Metropolitan Division – Washington Capitals
There’s no question that the Bruins (32-4-4) are the best of the best. With 68 points, they’re not just the No. 1 team in the conference but also the No. 1 team in the league. They are nine points ahead of the second-place Hurricanes, who gained some distance in the divisional standings with an 11-game win streak in December.