We have to go on the road to face 5 of the 6 playoff teams from the West last year. The only one that we host is RSL, who was the 6th seed. I don't see how our schedule is easier than anyone's, other than the example that we don't have to play ourselves, while Orlando doesn't get to play themselves. If anything, our schedule is one of the harder ones.
Except like Toronto from alpha dog one season to mutt the next, you never know how the teams will play in the new year. It also matters when you face them. Is it during a hot or a cold streak? Are they or you missing key players? Pre and post Rooney made a big difference when playing DC, for example.
Bottomline everyone in the East plays the same schedule except home and away with the Western foes. Of course if you suck then your schedule is always the "hardest".
If we want to hoist the silver then we have to learn how to win on the road. Better we cut our teeth during the regular season and get better than to believe we are better than we are because of "soft" schedule.
Just win baby.