As the regular season comes to a close at the end of March, the Eastern Conference playoff picture is still very foggy. The point race is very close for a few teams, and the Metropolitan Division doesn’t have a single position locked in yet. Some teams within the conference are running away with a sure bid to the post-season, in the Atlantic Division. The fight for a chance to win the Stanley Cup is a heated one. It would just be so perfect that the Penguins are right in the middle of it… and as I write this blog, the Pens are down 2-0 against the Capitals, just wonderful.

Who’s a lock?

Tampa Bay Lightning (Atlantic Div.) 1^st in the East and 1^st in the league

Coming to the end of one of the most dominant regular season’s in NHL history, the Lightning have already clinched a playoff berth, and are the only team in the entire league to do so at this point. Only a few more wins are needed for the Bolts and they will also clinch the President Trophy as the NHL regular season champions. With 110 points and a record of 53 wins and only 17 losses, everyone should be fearful to match up against them

Boston Bruins (Atlantic Div.) 2^nd in the East

The Bruins have probably had one of the quietest, yet successful seasons in recent memory. With 93 points and a record of 42 wins and 28 losses, the B’s haven’t yet statistically clinched a playoff bid. But with the way they have been playing lately with either a win or overtime loss coming from the last 19 of 20 games, I would guarantee a playoff bid coming soon. Boston would be my “dark-horse” team this year. They could lose in the first round or go all the way to the final. It’s tough to say.

Teams Still Hunting 

Columbus Blue Jackets (Metropolitan Div.)

The Jackets have gone all in for a championship this year. They traded many of their future draft picks away for the ability to sign big-name stars to gear up for the playoffs. Only one problem, they could still very easily miss out on the show. The team has been shaky at best lately, losing just as much as they are winning. With a record of 38 wins and 31 losses, they are currently in one of the top 8 spots that continue into the post-season. But if they falter much more, they put all the Trade deadline work to waste. Their coach John Tortorella is nothing but a hotheaded mess so it’s very possible.

Washington C(r)apitals (Metropolitan Div.)

The defending Stanley Cup Champions have been rocky as of late. Oh, and did I mention as was continuing my writing, the Pens took the lead 3-2 against them? With a record of 41 wins and 29 losses, the Caps lead the Metro. This team, led by Alex Ovechkin, has the skill to repeat as champions.

Pittsburgh Penguins (Metropolitan Div.)

After handling the Capitals 5-3, the Pens are very hot right now. They are in a tight race with Columbus and Washington, as the playoffs grow closer. With 38 wins and 85 points, they sit 3^rd in the metro currently. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Jake Guentzel are carrying the team on their backs with goals and assists nearly every night. If they can keep it up, watch out Eastern Conference, the Penguins are back.

What’s Left?

After the teams listed above, the Playoff picture becomes too foggy to predict. The Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Flyers, Hurricanes, and Islanders all have a chance to make the playoffs as of right now, but they’re so close in points and record that it’s tough to say who will make it and who will miss the playoffs.

For a look at the standings check out ESPN for just that.