Morning playoff check-up

Sorry about missing yesteday's check-up, I wasn't near a computer all day. In any case, the Canadiens loss to the Devils Saturday night didn't have any major consequences on their playoff hopes. Yes, they lost a point Saturday to three of their rivals who each got a loser point, and the Penguins jumped past them into fifth, but all in all the Canadiens are in a pretty good spot considering how poorly they've played of late. If they can reel off a big week against the Rangers, Senators and Leafs, the Habs could be back fighting for fourth place by the weekend. Yes, I know that's a big if. The Habs, stunningly, have the secoond-most wins in their last 10 out of the seven teams we're tracking.

Eastern Conference Playoff Race

Philadelphia Flyers - 4th place, 84 points, 37 wins, 5-4-1
14 games remaining - 8 on road, 6 at home, 6 against playoff teams
Last night – Lost 4-1 to NY Rangers; next game – Tue. @ Detroit

Pittsburgh Penguins - 5th place, 82 points, 37 wins, 8-0-2
11 games remaining - 4 on road, 7 at home, 6 against playoff teams
Last night – Won 6-4 over Boston; next game – Tue. vs. Atlanta

Montreal Canadiens - 6th place, 80 points, 36 wins, 6-3-1
13 games remaining - 5 on road, 8 at home, 5 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play; next game – Tue. vs. NY Rangers

New York Rangers – 7th place, 80 points, 36 wins, 5-3-2
12 games remaining - 6 on road, 6 at home, 8 against playoff teams
Last night – Won 4-1 over Philadelphia; next game – Tue. @ Montreal

Carolina Hurricanes - 8th place, 79 points, 36 wins, 5-3-2
11 games remaining - 3 on road, 8 at home, 6 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play; next game – Wed. vs. New Jersey

Florida Panthers - 9th place, 78 points, 34 wins, 4-4-2
13 games remaining - 5 on road, 8 at home, 8 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play; next game – Tue. vs. Washington

Buffalo Sabres - 10th place, 76 points, 34 wins, 4-4-2
13 games remaining, 7 on road, 6 at home, 8 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play; next game – Tue. @ Ottawa