The last spot in the East is a tossup to me. To be honest, I don't think it matters a whole lot unless you're a fan of one of those teams. Toronto (interestingly enough, my gf has a professor that is a big Leafs fan) is one of those teams I have a tough time with. Seems like they (ownership/management) really can't make up their mind as to where they want to go with the team. It's hard to say they've really built for the future, yet they haven't really made a commitment to trying to win now either. Paul is a good coach though. If Quinn was still there, you wouldn't even be thinking about the possibility of playoffs.
As for the western conference, I really have to say that I hope Colorado gets that eighth spot. Am I a Colorado fan? Not really, but I'm not a huge fan of any one team anyway, I just like to see good franchises and teams that play well together with players I like. (Honestly, with all the trading and such that happens now, it's kind of hard to be a fan of a particular team unless you like their tradition or their uniforms or something
).
But Colorado is easily the hottest team in the NHL right now. They're playing better than anyone, and that's saying something considering some of the good teams this year and that there are 11 teams with 100+ points (which Colorado is not among). Though they might have exhausted themselves already should they make the playoffs, they could beat anyone to win the cup with the way they're playing right now. But, considering that all Calgary has to do to clinch the spot is beat (dismal) Edmonton, I don't think the odds are on the Avs' side. They better hope the Oilers are, not only due for a win, but just really want to want to play well in the last game of the season for some kind of sense of pride while the pressure gets the best of the Flames.
Otherwise, I'm pulling for Minnesota and Buffalo. The latter of which is likely to lose some players at the end of the season, breaking up a terrific team and perhaps opening the door for the Penguins to take over the East for some years to come. But I still wouldn't mind seeing the Sabres win it, especially since Hasek isn't there anymore.
-Tyrion