Parity agreed, unlike the NBA where most years you can name the two finalists, the NHL has the great equalizer (goaltending) like MLB has with pitching.
The Bruins are a lot like the Bobby Cox era Braves. Clinch a playoff/title berth early, then rest, get ready for the playoffs and that wild card team you drew is already in playoff mode and before you know it, you're making tee times. I've broadcasted the game and seen it all too much.