Morning playoff check-up

A big night in the Eastern race last night saw little movement, but a real tightening of the situation among the teams currently in playoff position. The Habs remain three points out of fourth spot, but they are in seventh this morning. The Penguins have evened up with the Flyers at 84 points, but Philly's got three games in hand. My guess is they'll have to win those to fend off the surging Pens for home ice in the first round. Both the Panthers and Sabres are fading fast, making Montreal's recent ineptitude not nearly as costly as it probably should be.

Eastern Conference Playoff Race

Philadelphia Flyers - 4th place, 84 points, 37 wins, 4-5-1
13 games remaining - 7 on road, 6 at home, 5 against playoff teams
Last night – Lost 3-2 to Detroit; next game – Friday @ Buffalo

Pittsburgh Penguins - 5th place, 84 points, 38 wins, 8-0-2
10 games remaining - 4 on road, 6 at home, 6 against playoff teams
Last night – Won 6-2 over Atlanta; next game – Friday vs. Los Angeles

New York Rangers – 6th place, 82 points, 37 wins, 6-3-1
11 games remaining - 5 on road, 6 at home, 7 against playoff teams
Last night – Won 4-3 over Montreal; next game – Saturday vs. Buffalo

Montreal Canadiens - 7th place, 81 points, 36 wins, 5-3-2
12 games remaining - 5 on road, 7 at home, 4 against playoff teams
Last night – Lost 4-3 in SO to NY Rangers; next game – Thursday @ Ottawa

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 – Tonight vs. New Jersey

Florida Panthers - 9th place, 78 points, 34 wins, 4-4-2
12 games remaining - 5 on road, 7 at home, 6 against playoff teams
Last night – Lost 3-0 to Washington; next game – Thursday vs. Toronto

Buffalo Sabres - 10th place, 76 points, 34 wins, 3-5-2
12 games remaining, 6 on road, 6 at home, 8 against playoff teams
Last night – Lost 4-2 to Ottawa; next game – Friday vs. Philadelphia