Are the New York Islanders really that bad or do they just want the first pick in the ‘09 draft?

I think it is a mix of both.  I could be wrong, but I don’t believe they have a 20 goal scorer.  They definitely need a player who they can build the franchise around, whether it be Tavares or Hedman.  Ricky D was supposed to be that guy, but well, you know…In another two years this team could become competitive, but they need to be patient and stockpile picks and young players.  It worked for Pittsburgh, Washington, and the Kings should see the benefits from this next year.

Posted by Russian Rocket on 04/08/09 at 09:30 AM ET

- How will Detroit Red Wings netminder Chris Osgood do in the playoffs?

Fine. 2.50 GAA and 0.900 save %. Good enough.

- Due to their poor play and a few injuries to key players, will the Montreal Canadiens fall out of a playoff spot?

No, but they will lose in the first round.

- How many of you would root for the St. Louis Blues if they got into the postseason? I know I would.

Absolutely not. Like the team, hate the fanbase. They are infatuated with Detroit and spend more time bashing Detroit (not just the Red Wings, the actual difficulties the city has had to deal with) than worrying about their own team, and not-so-nice-in-its-own-right city.

- Are the New York Islanders really that bad or do they just want the first pick in the ‘09 draft?

Both. So many injuries, but can’t imagine they were a playoff team even if everyone was healthy all year.

- How far will the Carolina Hurricanes go in the playoffs?

Lose in the SCF.

- Does Boston Bruins’ goaltender Tim Thomas have what it takes to deliver in the postseason?

Definitely, but do their young skaters?

- Do the Washington Capitals have the goaltending to succeed in the playoffs? I think that’s debatable.

They don’t have the defense to succeed in the playoffs. The difference between Washington and Detroit is that Detroit has the horses in back that have dominated playoff hockey before, so there’s some hope, despite the poor statistics for the regular season. Washington cannot say the same.

- What’s the over/under on New Jersey Devils’ head coach Brent Sutter not returning next season?

I really don’t give a flying eff. If he wants to be closer to “home”, then do it. The Devils have been a great team under what seems like an endless carousel of coaches since 1995, and I see no reason for that to change.

- Sticking with the Devils, what’s wrong with netminder Martin Brodeur?

Considering how long he was out, I imagine his first dozen or so starts coming back from the injury would be like re-doing training camp. Mentally and physically, maybe things still feel like the preseason to him. Also, he played so great right off the injury to get to the record, so maybe he’s having a bit of a let-down right now, as the Devils are pretty much locked into the 3 seed, and he doesn’t have the record to chase anymore? I wouldn’t worry about it if I were a Devils fan. He’s been so good for so long, you have to give him the benefit of the doubt. If he plays half a season like this, then it’s probably fair to ask what’s up with his game.

Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 04/08/09 at 10:42 AM ET