2011-2012 Predictions for the Eastern Conference

Earlier today I posted a thread for people to make predictions about the Western Conference, which is what most of the fans in the Northwest care about because that's where the Canucks play. However, it seems unfair not to mention the Eastern Conference just because they don't have the Canucks. So, without further ado, some predictions for the East this year.

Coming in at #1: the Buffalo Sabres. They had a bit of a letdown last year, losing a tough opening round series to Philadelphia as the seventh seed. But they'll bounce back for a few reasons. Ryan Miller is still amazing and will want to grab back the "best goaltender alive" crown from Tim Thomas. They've had a great preseason, and seem to be playing with an edge. Finally, the former kings of the conference, Pittsburgh and Washington, are suffering from a loss of identity (unless you include Washington's lack of performance in the playoffs an identity, in which case they've still got it!). However, it wouldn't be shocking to see them fall to #2 in favor of...

The Bruins. Defending champions, hot goalie, young stars and tons of depth. How can they be #2? Simple reasoning: last years playoff run was a perfect storm in so many ways, its impossible to expect them to repeat that performance throughout the whole season. More likely scenario, they suffer from the Cup Hangover and a long playoffs with some injuries and less than stellar play. After them comes the...

Philadelphia Flyers. A strong team with lots of talent, there's no reason to think that they can't continue to be a contender in the east. In fact, looking at what I just wrote about Boston, it wouldn't be shocking to see them end up as the #2 or even #1 team in the East.

But let's face it, there are other very talented teams in this conference as well. Anyone have a different top 3? Write it here!