It's way to early to call, and even though I'm usually a pessimist, I am optimistic that we'll take the 3 seed by seasons end. Of course, the standings right now may not look anything like they do after 82, but as it goes, this is how the playoffs are looking in the East after the halfway mark:

1. Rangers

2. Bruins

3. Caps

4. Flyers

5. Sens

6. Devils

7. Pens

8. Panthers

If the same 5 teams finish as non-division winners, maybe the Leafs sneak in, who do you hope to see fall in the 6th seed as the Caps first opponent? Many may take the "hope we get the paper tiger" route, others may want to show their brawn. What's everyone feeling? It's obvious the Caps are no juggernaut this season, but we as fans are still waiting for that run. As Montreal so painfully showed us 2 years ago, anyone can beat anyone once they're seeded.