I don't think there's any debate that all 8 western playoff teams would make the playoffs in the East. Next tier: Edmonton, Chicago, Vancouver -- I'm hard-pressed to see any of those missing in the East. Next tier after that: Pheonix, Columbus, St. Louis -- Pheonix and St. Louis would definitely be serious playoff contenders, Columbus not so much. And of course, this leaves the LA Kings who are terrible wherever they play.