The frenzy has settled from free agency, trades are at a trickle, it's vacation time across the NHL.
That makes for a good time to take a look around the Eastern Conference and evaluate each team and the chance it has of claiming one of the same eight playoff spots open to the Detroit Red Wings.
Focal point: The New York Islanders.
Recent notable doings: Added goaltender Thomas Greiss. Subtracted defensemen Lubomir Visnovsky and Griffin Reinhart, goaltender Michal Neuvirth.
Analysis: Much of the core - John Tavares, Jaroslav Halak, Ryan Strome, Brock Nelson, Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy - that got the Islanders into the playoffs returns.