Morning playoff check-up

The Hurricanes won their fourth straight with a 3-0 win over the Rangers last night, tightening up the race once more. It’s a big night in the east with five of the seven teams vying for the final five playoff spots in action. Of note is the Panthers visiting the Penguins, who are looking for their seventh straight win. Also, the Flyers host the Sabres. Oh yeah, and there’s a new head coach making his second debut in Montreal.

Eastern Conference Playoff Race

Philadelphia Flyers - 4th place, 80 points, 35 wins
18 games remaining - 9 on road, 9 at home, 7 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play; next game – Tonight vs. Buffalo

Montreal Canadiens - 5th place, 77 points, 35 wins
16 games remaining - 5 on road, 11 at home, 5 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play; next game – Tonight vs. Edmonton

Carolina Hurricanes - 6th place, 77 points, 36 wins
14 games remaining - 6 on road, 8 at home, 8 against playoff teams
Last night – Won 3-0 over NY Rangers; next game – Wed. @ Chicago

Florida Panthers - 7th 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 – Tonight @ Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Penguins - 8th place, 76 points, 35 wins
15 games remaining - 5 on road, 10 at home, 9 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play; next game – Tonight vs. Florida

New York Rangers – 9th place, 76 points, 34 wins
15 games remaining - 8 on road, 7 at home, 11 against playoff teams
Last night – Lost 3-0 to Carolina; next game – Thurs. @ Nashville

Buffalo Sabres - 10th place, 73 points, 33 wins
16 games remaining, 9 on road, 8 at home, 10 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play; next game – Tonight @ Philadelphia