Originally Posted by Thom Yorke

So things are starting to settle down and teams are really shaping up for next year. There are some big-name RFAs left but it doesn't look like those teams will be put in much cap trouble because of it.

From the looks of it, the East is much improved. Not at the West's level yet, but pretty much every team got better. Here's how I see the regular season standings breaking down:

East

Playoff Locks
1. Capitals
2. Bruins
3. Penguins
4. Flyers

Very Likely to Make Playoffs
5. Sabres
6. Lightning

Likely to Make Playoffs
7. Rangers

Playoff Bubble Teams
8. Devils
9. Canadiens
10. Maple Leafs
11. Hurricanes

Not Likely to Make Playoffs
12. Senators
13. Islanders
14. Jets
15. Panthers

West

Playoff Locks
1. Canucks
2. Red Wings
3. Kings
4. Sharks

Very Likely to Make Playoffs
5. Ducks
6. Blackhawks

Likely to Make Playoffs
7. Predators

Playoff Bubble Teams
8. Blues
9. Coyotes
10. Wild
11. Flames
12. Blue Jackets
13. Avalanche
14. Stars

Not Likely to Make Playoffs
15. Oilers