After breaking down the West's postseason teams Monday, it's time to shift focus to the Eastern Conference.
The case for and against eight entries from the Atlantic and Pacific divisions:
Washington Capitals
For: From the very outset of the season, this team has checked off all the boxes. The Capitals finished as the second-highest scoring team and were the second-stingiest in terms of goals against. They also had the fourth-best power play and fourth-best penalty kill, churning out the NHL's second-ranked combined special teams. It's really all gravy.
Against: Building an argument against this team is a thankless task, but if you're looking for a start, Washington's middling possession and Braden Holtby's two substandard months through January and February is probably the launching point.
Philadelphia Flyers
For: After splitting duties for most of the season, Steve Mason took on the largest workload among East goalies after Michal Neuvirth went down in early March. And was brilliant. In 17 appearances down the stretch, Mason posted the second-best save clip among those playing meaningful hockey. We also like the fact that Philadelphia has scored the most power-play goals since Shayne Gostisbehere showed up.
Against: Philadelphia required career seasons from Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn, as well as the emergence of Gostisbehere and the power-play efficiency that followed to score enough goals to scrape into the playoffs. Contributions are thin after Philly's big five, which accounted for more than 50 percent of the team's goals.
Pittsburgh Penguins
For: Life is good in the post-Mike Johnston era. Since Mike Sullivan took over coaching duties, the Penguins lead the NHL with 175 goals, and the East with a plus-41 goal differential. They've also controlled shot attempts on par with the Corsi Kings. And, imagine that, Sullivan's emphasis on attacking the opposition has been the Pens' best defense. They've allowed the fifth-fewest scoring chances under his watch.
Against: Pittsburgh's only constant is now its greatest concern. Marc-Andre Fleury and Matt Murray are dealing with head and suspected head injuries, respectively, forcing the recall of the team's fourth goaltender down the depth chart, Tristan Jarry.
New York Rangers
For: For a second straight season, no team tallied more of those all-important even-strength goals than the Rangers, who once again failed to rule over shot attempts. This isn't an exemplary model; they just continue to score more goals in the on-ice situation that dominates playoff hockey.
Against: Ryan McDonagh's absence, for however long it may be, is a massive blow to the Rangers' postseason chances. Their defense is already a major source of frustration for fans. How will that unit hold up without the captain's 30 shifts?
Florida Panthers
For: The argument can be made that Florida is the NHL's best even-strength team - at the very least defensively. Outscoring the competition 159-124, the Cats will carry the best 5-on-5 goal differential into the tournament largely on the merit of their vastly underrated defense and inimitable ability to limit scoring chances. But don't forget 44-year-old Jaromir Jagr, who contributed to this ratio by finishing in a tie for third in 5-on-5 scoring.
Against: So then what held the Panthers back? Special teams. They'll bring the worst combined power play and penalty kill into the playoffs.
New York Islanders
For: It appears as though John Tavares saved his best for last in what's been a down season by his standards. The Islanders captain scored 10 goals and averaged a primary point per game over his last 19 starts, leading the NHL.
Against: The Isles received appreciable contributions in net, placing ninth in total save percentage. It's surprising considering the loss of Jaroslav Halak and reliance on Thomas Greiss, but made downright incredible due to the fact that only the Senators, Canucks, and Avalanche allowed more total scoring chances.
Tampa Bay Lightning
For: He might not have a share of the NHL record at 48 wins, but Ben Bishop was the most efficient puck stopper among Eastern Conference playoff teams. He's the only goalie to place top five in wins, goals-against average, save percentage, and shutouts, and owns a dazzling .911 shorthanded save clip.
Against: Under normal circumstances (you know, without having their five most important skaters banged up or worse) the Bolts would be considered by most as the class of the Atlantic bracket. But with Steven Stamkos and Anton Stralman out, and if Victor Hedman, Tyler Johnson, and Nikita Kucherov (and also Ryan Callahan), are truly hampered by injuries, the Bolts will be punching up in weight, even against the Red Wings.
Detroit Red Wings
For: Well for one, they can breathe again. That's 25 consecutive postseason appearances, regardless if it was gifted. This doesn't have the look of a team who can contend, but they've already accomplished something special this season. Now they have a favorable matchup, and nothing to lose.
Against: The Red Wings have conceded 85 goals since Petr Mrazek's game came undone about two months ago. Over that stretch, only the Maple Leafs, Canucks, and Flames allowed more. It will be Jimmy Howard and his .906 save percentage in 33 starts in Game 1 for Detroit.
