Morning playoff check-up

A relatively quiet night Monday in the race for the final eight, but the Rangers-Hurricanes matchup could potentially lead to a situation where five teams are separated by a single point if Carolina can win its fourth straight. The Penguins won their sixth straight with a 4-3 shootout win over the Caps, and they have a lot of home games left on their schedule. Could be a waking giant.

Eastern Conference Playoff Race

Philadelphia Flyers - 4th place, 80 points, 35 wins
18 games remaining - 9 on road, 9 at home, 11 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play; next game – Tue. vs. Buffalo

Montreal Canadiens - 5th place, 77 points, 35 wins
16 games remaining - 5 on road, 11 at home, 7 against playoff teams
Last night – Won 3-1 over Dallas; next game – Tue. vs. Edmonton

Florida Panthers - 6th place, 76 points, 34 wins
16 games remaining - 7 on road, 9 at home, 8 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play; next game – Tue. @ Pittsburgh

New York Rangers - 7th place, 76 points, 34 wins
16 games remaining - 9 on road, 7 at home, 10 against playoff teams
Last night – Won 4-3 over Boston; next game - Tonight @ Carolina

Pittsburgh Penguins - 8th place, 76 points, 35 wins
15 games remaining - 5 on road, 10 at home, 9 against playoff teams
Last night – Won 4-3 over Washington; next game – Tue. vs. Florida

Carolina Hurricanes - 9th place, 75 points, 35 wins
15 games remaining - 6 on road, 9 at home, 11 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play; next game - Tonight vs. NY Rangers

Buffalo Sabres - 10th place, 73 points, 33 wins
16 games remaining, 8 on road, 8 at home, 11 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play; next game – Tue. @ Philadelphia