As the NHL season winds down, we get closer to the playoff push. Here is my prediction for the seeding in the East of the playoffs. Who’s in and who’s out.

Eastern Conference:

1.) Pittsburgh Penguins: They are just that good right now. With the addition of Crosby back into the line-up they should easily catch the Rangers. The Penguins are winning at the right time.

2.) Boston Bruins: This team knows how to win late in games. and the one person who is always prepared Tim Thomas. When your goalie is the hottest player on your team, your in good shape to make a playoff push.

3.) Florida Panthers: While this team hasn’t played great as of late, they have a good schedule to finish out the season on a high note. Some may think the Capitals grab this spot, but with Columbus, Minnesota and Winnipeg on tap for the Panthers, they stay right here.

4.) New York Rangers: Its hard to imagine a team with over 100 wins not winning their division but that just shows you how competitive the Atlantic Division has become. The Rangers will manage there rest of the schedule but that’s it, limping into playoff action.

5.) Philadelphia Flyers: Some may thing the Flyers can still make a run at the title. They could but it wont happen. I like the flyers to finish with 102 points to lock up the number 4 spot.

6.) New Jersey Devils: They have just enough to keep in the hunt. A tough loss to divisional rival Rangers hurt there chances to move up. They ride it out as the 6 seed.

7.) Ottawa Senators: They can score, but their goaltending is inconsistent. This is why they wont catch the Devils, but will stay in that 7th spot.

8.) Buffalo Sabers: Sorry Capitals fans, not playoffs this year. The Sabers get the four wins they need to edge the Capitals and take home that 8th playoff spot. Deserving because they are better then the Capitals.