As we sit here on April 10, with no NHL games on the calendar tonight - which mensa student came up with this one - my thoughts turn to the standings. Nine teams have clinched. Carolina, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Montreal and Tampa with Boston on the verge of being the sixth in the Eastern Conference. Out West, Colorado, Dallas, Minnesota and Utah all have punched their ticket. Barring a complete collapse, Edmonton, Vegas and Anaheim should all be in the party.

From those already in, or soon to be in, which one is the most surprising?

If a poll was created, the answer (s) should be easy, Buffalo and Pittsburgh. Buffalo was left for dead prior to the GM search while Pittsburgh came into the season expecting to sell at the deadline. Fast forward, and both are in the postseason. While the Penguins making the playoffs is surprising, they still have the core from prior runs who provide experience, aiding their quest.

As such, Buffalo, based on where they were in the standings and length of their drought (2011-12), get the nod. What's your view?