Eklund: Sunday Matchup: Who Will Make the Playoffs: NJ Devils or NY Rangers?

Who won’t make the playoffs? The Flyers or Philadelphia ??

Neither.

Neither.
- bruceflyers

I'll second that. Both teams have had great off seasons though. Rangers are better because they still have the King. Plus Georgiev is a very good backup.

Rangers and Devils will both make the playoffs

Devils. Easy.

Rangers roster outside of a couple of players is trash.

Devils... the King's time is done with the Rangers. Too many years trying to carry an incomplete team.

I like the editions both teams have made so far in the off season. I think the devils have a better chance at making the playoffs. also rangers should be selling off older players and free agents for yonger ones. While the devils will be adding to help make the playoffs and make Taylor hall happy

The Devils will make it. Hall and Simmonds 1 year away from UFA. Hischier chasing big RFA deal soon. Hughes hungry to prove himself. Subban pissed off he was dealt. Money motivates.

Rangers won't make it. Panarin totally loaded will pull a Loui Ericksson and avoid the dirty areas. Rangers lack scoring depth and should make cap space for McDavid who is playing his last year in Edmonton. Mike Smith and Koskinen are CLEARLY not the answer in goal.

Both can be playoff teams but Lundqvist and Schneider/Blackwood will ultimately determine their respective fates.

I got NJ all day.

I can see the Devils making it however I think Rangers are still missing pieces

I think the Rangers potentially have one of the top first lines in the league, but I think the Devils have better depth and defense.

I think the Rangers potentially have one of the top first lines in the league, but I think the Devils have better depth and defense.
- Rinosaur

Can’t argue with this. I think a big part of the Rangers success will depend on what happens with Kreider.

Neither. The season will be cancelled. This RFA doom and gloom has never been this bad. Could lead to chemical warfare. Also, does anyone refer to a "starting 6" ?? This isn't basketball or football. The concept of "starters" is irrelevant in hockey.

I’m not sold on my Rangers to make the playoffs. We are banking on guys who’ve never skated in an NHL game and that’s not fair to them. That said, I’m excited to see these guys play. Hank and Georgie (or Igor) will have to play incredible for this team to make the playoffs.
As far as NJ, it’s gonna ultimately come down to goaltending for them.

Of the teams who made the playoffs last year in the East, I’m going with the Jackets, Islanders and Hurricanes to not make the playoffs this coming season. The Islanders might be the only team in that group to make it. The Panthers are due. They have a good team and now with Bob, I think they’re in. And look for Philly and the Habs to make it.
Pitt would be another team I’d be worried about making the playoffs but I just can’t bet against Sid and Geno

I’m a devs fan but I think both make the playoffs this year

Rangers are better than they were last year, but they also lost alot of last years roster. Hayes, Zuccarello, Pionk, Shatts, Vesey, Kreider???? Some of those guys played big minutes and will be missed. The Dev's didn't lose a single top 6 player in the offseason, and added some high end talent.

Both will be better, but I am very impressed with the Dev's offseason.

How could one source have updates on a 'slew' of RFA's? I guess maybe if it were an actual reporter. But he wouldn't make himself a source, he'd report what he had. An agent? Wouldn't have updates on a 'slew' - maybe more than one. How about a call to 'the NHL'? The special preferred blogger hotline where you get a precis of all the reports of current RFA status that teams are required to call in with? "We have to call 'the NHL' with our weekly report, Kyle!"

Neither. The season will be cancelled. This RFA doom and gloom has never been this bad. Could lead to chemical warfare. Also, does anyone refer to a "starting 6" ?? This isn't basketball or football. The concept of "starters" is irrelevant in hockey.
- uofcguy

PTO Matt Read has scared all remaining RFAs. So a slew of them should be signing by tomorrow. The Leafs aren't screwing around with Marner. The July 31st deadline has passed. The Flyers are taking a "No BS attitude" this summer. We won't hear it publicly.

Rangers make it.....EASY! Devil goaltending questionable at best pk one dimensional on the downside Simmonds on the downside and Hughes will get pushed around he will be good but not next year!

PTO Matt Read has scared all remaining RFAs. So a slew of them should be signing by tomorrow. The Leafs aren't screwing around with Marner. The July 31st deadline has passed. The Flyers are taking a "No BS attitude" this summer. We won't hear it publicly.
- gergeswillems

Just because you won't hear it publicly doesn't mean that this won't be the most active summer ever. There is so much talk going on among GM's (The ones who get cell phone reception at their cottage) that the whole NHL has devolved to a state of pure bedlam.

Just because you won't hear it publicly doesn't mean that this won't be the most active summer ever. There is so much talk going on among GM's (The ones who get cell phone reception at their cottage) that the whole NHL has devolved to a state of pure bedlam.
- Aetherial

Yes. Plus we can also expect a slew of killer offer sheets this week. According to a high ranking league executive in the Western Conference.

Rangers make it.....EASY! Devil goaltending questionable at best pk one dimensional on the downside Simmonds on the downside and Hughes will get pushed around he will be good but not next year!
- Bobd62

Congrats. You win Homer of the year!

Stevie Yzerman is planning on trading Laine for Domi.

Now he got rid of Bale, the only other obstacle is moving Jose Abreu first. He's talking to Falcons to see if there's a fit