The NHL play-offs have been much more competitive since the introduction of the salary cap. The proof is in the past 5 Stanley cup tournaments. Two out of the five past winners (Carolina in 2005, Anaheim in 2007) are teams that in a cap free system, may not of had a chance to win. Although both team were assembled by very intelligent hockey minds, the traces of proof lay in the teams making the post season. Teams such as the Leafs and Islanders haven't seen a quality play-off run in many years. Vancouver (also a product of Burke), Calgary, Phoenix, and the San Jose Sharks are teams (in the west) that now have a fair chance at obtaining star players, and being able to sign them long term. The race in both conferences are taken right down to the last game on the schedule, and this season is no different. The western conference always has tight races. There is a 3 way battle for the top position. Vancouver, Detroit and San Jose are the favourites to come out with a western conference championship. The team I feel will come away with the west is the Vancouver Canucks. Its clear to see why this is my choice, the Canucks have only lost. 16 games at this stage of the season. Goal tending has never been a problem in van city. Roberto Luongo is coming off the Olympic gold medal, and watching Towes take home the cup last season. Luongo will be focused and poised to take his team the to cup. Other than the obvious offensive power the key player for the Canucks will be Max Lapierre. Max was a pest in Montreal's run last season, look for him to be in the faces, and getting under the skin of anyone in his way. Detroit is once again atop the central division.. Lead by the defensive game never under estimate the longest post-season appearance record holders from going deep into the play-offs.
The Boston Bruins have the same qualities as the Canucks. This is why the Bruins will take the eastern conference. Goal tending has been the key to Bostons success this season. The Bruins have allowed the fewest goals in the NHL with 149. Tim Thomas has been outstanding forcing Maples Leafs former prospect Tuukka Rask to only 21 games. Thomas will win the Vezina trophy this year. The Bruins net-miner sits second place in shutouts with 7, First place in SV% with .940, and a GAA of 1.95. With Thomas almost unbeatable and the Bruins averaging 3 goals a game, Boston hasn't looked this good since they won the cup in '71-'72. Once again, just as they did in 2005 the Carolina hurricanes are looking to make the bottom end the of the play-off bracket. The Canes are my dark horse this year. Carolina is a younger version of the team GM Jimmy Rutherford took to the cup in 2005. Bringing back the likes of Cory Stillman could pay huge dividends for all the players looking to make their first NHL post season. If Boston ends up taking an early exit from the play-offs the canes could just be the culprit 
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