Stanley Cup Playoffs Start Sorting The Real Contenders

The playoff picture always lies a little in the first read, but by now the mask is starting to slip on a few teams. Some clubs are playing like they brought the right formula, while others are finding out that regular-season habits do not survive the spring. The sharp front offices and scouts are watching for the same thing fans are seeing - who can handle pressure, and who gets exposed when every shift matters. This is where reputations harden and the soft spots start to show.