Morning playoff check-up

Yes, the deathwatch is over, for now, because the Florida Panthers are in total disarray, far more so than your Montreal Canadiens. That decision to hang on to Jay Bouwmeester at the deadline has to be stinging right about now, because they are not playing like a team that wants to make the playoffs. The Habs have given them every opportunity to jump past them, and the Panthers have squandered every one. A 5-3 loss in Buffalo last night came after the Panthers led 3-1 in the third, but gave up three goals in a span of just over two minutes. That's about as de-moralizing as they come, but gives renewed hope for Habs fans. The Panthers are in tough tonight with a game in Philadephia, and a loss coupled with a Habs win over Tampa Bay will make it extremely difficult to make the playoff cut. Of course, the Habs have to win their game, which is far from a sure thing.

Eastern Conference Playoff Race

Philadelphia Flyers - 4th place, 90 points, 40 wins, 6-4-0
10 games remaining - 5 on road, 5 at home, 3 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play; next game – Tonight vs. Florida

Carolina Hurricanes - 5th place, 89 points, 41 wins, 7-1-2
6 games remaining - 2 on road, 4 at home, 4 against playoff teams
Last night – Won 2-1 over Ottawa; next game – Saturday @ New Jersey

Pittsburgh Penguins - 6th place, 88 points, 40 wins, 7-1-2
7 games remaining - 4 on road, 3 at home, 4 against playoff teams
Last night – Won 2-0 over Calgary; next game – Saturday vs. NY Rangers

New York Rangers – 7th place, 86 points, 39 wins, 7-3-0
8 games remaining - 5 on road, 3 at home, 7 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play; next game – Tonight @ Atlanta

Montreal Canadiens - 8th place, 83 points, 37 wins, 3-5-2
9 games remaining - 4 on road, 5 at home, 4 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play; next game – Tonight vs. Tampa Bay

Florida Panthers - 9th place, 81 points, 35 wins, 2-5-3
8 games remaining - 4 on road, 4 at home, 4 against playoff teams
Last night – Lost 5-3 to Buffalo; next game – Tonight @ Philadelphia

Buffalo Sabres - 10th place, 78 points, 35 wins, 4-5-1
9 games remaining, 5 on road, 4 at home, 6 against playoff teams
Last night – won 5-3 over Buffalo; next game – Friday vs. Toronto