Around the NHL: Halfway home, a look at the Eastern Conference at the midway mark

We have just about reached the halfway point of the 2014-2015 regular season. There are currently seven teams in the Eastern Conference that have 50 points or more in the standings.  With 16 teams competing for eight spots, those at the 50 point mark have set themselves up for a playoff push.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are currently holding down the top spot in the conference. Tampa's 56 points put them two points ahead of Montreal and Pittsburgh for the top seed. Both Montreal and Pittsburgh have two games in hand on the Lightning.

Tampa is once again led by Steven Stamkos. The captain leads the team in goals (21) and is third in points. Tyler Johnson (17 goals, 45 points) leads the team in scoring and his +26 rating is tied with teammate Nikita Kucherov for the NHL lead.

Ben Bishop continues his strong play between the pipes. The Tampa goalie is 20-6-2 on the season with a 2.35 goals against average, a .911 save percentage with one shutout. 

The New York Islanders got out of the gates fast and have continued to play solid hockey all year. They currently sit in second place in the Metropolitan Division. They trail Pittsburgh by a single point in the standings.

John Tavares leads the team with 17 goals and 36 points. Kyle Okposo is second with 35 points and his 27 assists is tops on the roster.

The Islanders don't seem to be showing any signs of slowing down either. If the goaltending can hold up this is a team that has the potential to make a run in the playoffs.

The hottest team in the east right might be the Rangers. After mediocore October and November months, New York is rapidly climbing the standings. They are currently on a four game winning streak and sit just four points out of first in the division.

Rick Nash continues his great play. The Rangers forward leads the team in goals (25) and points (40).  Derick Brassard is also having a good season. Brassard is second on the team in scoring with 33 points and his 22 assists is tops in that category. 

Henrik Lundqvist continues to play excellent hockey in net. He is 19-8-3  with a 2.30 goals against average and a .916 save percentage with 5 shutouts. Lundqvist has the ability to steal a series in the postseason. His play in the Pittsburgh series last year was outstanding and the main reason the Rangers advanced.

Toronto has been one of the streakiest teams in the conference so far this season. It seems to be feast or famine with the Leafs. After a nice winning streak to begin December and get into playoff position, The team went on a losing streak that has dropped them out of a playoff spot and cost Randy Carlyle his job.

Toronto currently sits tied with Florida, three points behind Boston for the eight and final spot. If the leafs can clamp down on the back end better they are team that can not only make the playoffs but possible make a little noise.

They can score goals and lots of them, they have a solid goalie in Jonathan Bernier but as whole their team defense is holding them back. 

It should be an interesting second half of the season. The final playoff spots will be highly contested. Join us again on Monday as we will take a look at the Western Conference. 

League Leaders as of 1/8/15

Goals – Seguin (26)

Assists – Voracek (33)

Points – Voracek (49)

Wins – Rinne (27)

Bill Minchin is a contributing writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow Bill on Twitter @wtfd103074