Now the West...

In the West.
Chicago Blackhawks: Chicago made trade deadline moves. I was blown away. They were good before...now, they are deeper and added those tight game type of guys. Not sure why I would be surprised by their management - they seem to make moves as needed every year.
WHAT REMAINS: 15 games. 7 home 8 away. 8 are current playoff teams. 2 vs STL, MIN, DAL. 1 vs LAK, BOS.
As this team gels, we will see how great they can be. They will have to be in order to clean the West and end up in the finals again. All this with Corey Crawford - the simplest goalie out there. (goalies are overrated proof :) )

Anaheim Ducks: Um. Not sure what the shift was - my guess is, they have adjusted to losing their number one d-man Francois Beauchemin and then a solid third line guy in Matt Belesky. Whatever the case - this team might be geared to beat Los Angeles and Chicago, finally. No small order, though.
WHAT REMAINS: 18 games.8 home 10 away. 7 vs current playoff teams. 2 vs WSH. 1 vs NYR, LAK, STL, BOS, DAL.
Welp, until they show differently, they won't lose many more. In a seven game series, they will be tough. Chicago may be the only team to beat them.

Los Angeles Kings: They are not finishing games of late. I am still a believer but they need to prove it on the stretch run here.
WHAT REMAINS: 18 games. 10 home 8 away. 10 vs current playoff teams. 2 vs DAL. 1 vs WSH, CHI, NYR, BOS, NSH, MIN, SJS, ANA.
A lot to weigh this team by in their remaining games. I know they aren't going to lose easily. How they do will change my playoff outlook.

St Louis Blues: This team is deep. That makes them difficult. The defense is as good as any. It all comes down to those forward lines. It is hard to judge fully because I think they have only had five games this season with their full forward setup.
WHAT REMAINS: 15 games. 7 home 8 away. 8 against current playoff teams. 2 vs WSH, CHI. 1 vs ANA, DAL, SJS, BOS.
Good remaining schedule. We will know better about them and I think they can maintain their spot in the playoffs.

Gotta eat. More to come...