1. ISLANDERS GET THEIR BOY(CHUK), AND IT WAS NEVER REALLY IN DOUBT
The Isles signed Johnny Boychuk to a seven-year contract extension on Thursday and, you could tell by talking to him and watching his demeanor all season long that he was likely coming back. He pretty much confirmed as much on Friday, saying that "after the first month, I knew it was gonna be a good fit for me." Spot on, from Johnny on the spot. 2. EIGHT EASTERN PLAYOFF TEAMS ARE LIKELY SET
Barring an impressive meltdown by Boston, I don't see Florida or Ottawa catching them in the standings. Given that the Bruins were really the only team that wasn't set in stone, the other seven Eastern playoff squads are virtual locks, and now that Boston has a six-game cushion with 15 to go, it should be enough to keep them in place. It should be...
3. YO CAREY PRICE, IMMA LET YOU FINISH, BUT YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY WORTHY HART CANDIDATE
Contrary to popular belief, Price isn't the only player who's made a world of a difference for his team and its performance this season. I'm looking at John Tavares of the Islanders, who not only has been terrific all year, but produced even more when Kyle Okposo went down with a detached retina for nearly two months. Tavares also leads the league in points as of the time this was published with 72. I think this should be at least a two-horse race, and I think it will be.
4. WILL SAN JOSE REALLY MISS THE PLAYOFFS WITH THAT MUCH TALENT?
If the playoffs started today, the Sharks wouldn't be taking part. A team that ices a lineup featuring Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Logan Couture, Joe Pavelski, Tomas Hertl, Brent Burns, Marc-Eduard Vlasic and Antti Niemi finds itself on the outside looking in. That's not just mind-boggling, it's unacceptable. With Winnipeg and Calgary reeling due to major injuries, the situation is ripe for San Jose to get back in, but will they do it? I'd say they will. Or, I should rephrase: They better darn well make it happen. Otherwise, perhaps it's finally time for a significant shake-up.
5. WHY YOU SHOULD BE SCARED TO FACE THE RANGERS IN A PLAYOFF ROUND
Regardless of where they might finish in the standings, the Rangers are the most dangerous team in the Eastern Conference -- make no mistake about it. They've got firepower, defensive depth, and they even win when Henrik Lundqvist is injured, in part because they've got a heck of a backup in Cam Talbot. This is a veteran-laden roster with lots of versatility and experience. I wouldn't want to play them, because it probably wouldn't end well. There are a handful of teams that I think would beat them in a series, and all of them play in the Western Conference.