Five teams to like in the Eastern Conference

As the NHL season heads toward the finish line, here are five Eastern Conference teams I like going into the playoffs:

1. OTTAWA. No, the Senators won't supplant Buffalo atop the Northwest Division and the Conference standings, but they've played very well in 2007, and they match up well against most of the conference's top teams, especially Buffalo. Their offense remains strong, but their scoring is more balanced. The real difference this season has been their defense (third-fewest goals allowed in the East) and the goaltending of Ray Emery.

2. NEW JERSEY. The Devils just won't go away, thanks to a stingy defense that is backstopped by Martin Brodeur. They've allowed the fewest goals in the East by far, but they also don't score much. There is no real difference between their home and road records, meaning home ice might not be as big of a deal to this experienced club as it is to others, so it might be wise to give Brodeur some rest down in the next few weeks.

3. TAMPA BAY. The Lightning is another team that has put it together after a slow start. What stands out to me is just how well Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis are playing, the team's playoff experience and that it is an excellent road team. The Lightning has to outscore teams most nights to win, but it has the weapons to do so.

4. BUFFALO. If the Sabres are healthy, look out. But they're not right now (F Chris Drury, F Max Afinogenov, D Jaroslav Spacek all out). Goalie Ryan Miller is showing signs of fatigue, but can the Sabres afford to rest him too much with New Jersey right on its tail for the conference lead and home-ice in the playoffs? Balanced scoring, great skating and a very good, puck-moving defense, as well as Miller's emergence make Buffalo one of the teams to beat.

5. N.Y. RANGERS. Right now, the Rangers would not make the playoffs, but they are part of a pack of five teams separated by two points for the final two spots. If goalie Henrik Lundqvist steps up and they can make the postseason, I would not bet against a team with players such as Brendan Shanahan and Jaromir Jagr in their lineup. These are playoff-savy veterans who can make a difference in a seven-game series.