Playoff Field Set, 8 Looming Questions In The Eastern Conference

Dec 7, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) keeps the puck away from Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) during the first period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The field for the 2 month grind that is the Stanley Cup Playoffs is set, but many matchups are still to be determined.  But, even before each team learns their opponent for the first round, there are many questions that will be answered over the four rounds of hockey attrition.

Here are my top 8 questions for the Eastern Conference, one for each team headed to the dance:

1.  Can anybody beat the Bruins?

Apr 5, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; The Boston Bruins celebrate their 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Bruins head in as the favorites to repeat as Eastern Conference champions.  Their blend of depth, talent, experience and goaltending has virtually assured them of the President’s Trophy as the league’s top team.  Whether they get the Red Wings, Blue Jackets or Flyers in the first round, they will be ready.

2. Can Marc-Andre  Fleury handle the pressure?

Apr 6, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) during the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Penguins goalie has struggled mightily in each of the last 2 postseasons.  In fact he was so bad when it came to pressure situations that he was an afterthought for the Canadian Olympic team despite being among the league leaders in regular season wins.  Last year, Tomas Vokoun stepped in to carry the Penguins to the third round, but Fleury doesn’t have that type of safety net this time around and it is on him to step up.

3.  Will the Flyers get adequate goaltending?

Apr 6, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Steve Mason (35) against the Buffalo Sabres during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Sabres, 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Mason and Ray Emery won’t strike fear into many playoff teams, but Mason has been good enough to get them to the post-season.  The Flyers have the type of team to make some noise in a playoff series, and it will be on Mason to not lose it for them.

4.  Is Montreal gritty enough?

Mar 24, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher (11) and Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) exchange words during the first period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Canadiens have seen this movie before.  Great regular season (although some would argue over-achieving) followed by playoff disaster.  The Habs need to show early on that they can handle the grind even though their first round opponent will be answering the same question.  It is not going to help them that they will be without Brandon Prust, Travis Moen and likely Alex Galchenyuk for at least the first round if not longer.

5.  Can Columbus Win Without Horton?

Jan 17, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Nathan Horton (8) before the game against the Washington Capitals at Nationwide Arena. Columbus defeated Washington 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

Nathan Horton missed the first half of the season, and when he finally made his Blue Jackets debut, Columbus was fourth from the bottom of the Eastern Conference and 7 points out of a playoff spot.  The Blue Jackets won 23 of the 36 games Horton played, and he was a key piece to that puzzle that lifted them to the playoffs.  Horton will miss pretty much the entire postseason (6 weeks) with abdominal surgery and it would take a minor miracle for the Blue Jackets to still be playing when he is recovered.

6. Are the Rangers a different team without Callahan?

Mar 1, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Rangers right wing Ryan Callahan (24) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

When you trade your captain and heart and soul a month before the playoffs start, you usually think that you are out of playoff contention. When the Rangersand Lightning swapped captains, it was a unique situation.  The Rangers got better offensively (supposedly) when Martin St. Louis came to town, but they might not be as playoff ready without former leader Ryan Callahan in the lineup.  They are definitely different, but the first round will determine whether different means better.

8.  How good is Mike Babcock?

Feb 26, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock (right) talks to the players during the third period against Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

It would appear that Mike Babcock is a genius.  The job he has done to get the Red Wings to their 23rd straight playoff appearance despite seemingly constant injuries to many key players and an aging roster is among the best coaching performances of all time.  A first round matchup against the Bruins or Penguins is inevitable and will be a tough assignment but if anyone can guide his team to an upset, it is Babcock.

Who Has The Answers?

I certainly don’t.  I have my own opinions, but the great thing about the Stanley Cup playoffs is how unpredictable they are.  Eight teams, 8 questions.  8 answers to be determined.

You have to love the playoffs, even if your team isn’t involved.