Morning playoff check-up

A wasted opportunity for the Habs to solidify their playoff position last night can be made up for tonight in New York, where Montreal can clinch a berth with a win in regulation time over the Rangers. Every other team in the playoff race is also in action, with the Panthers needing a win in Philadelphia to potentially jump into eighth if the Habs can beat the Rangers as well. Both Carolina and Pittsburgh are playing very winnable games against the Islanders and Lightning, and if both win while the Flyers lose then the 4-5-6 slots will be wide open.

Eastern Conference Playoff Race

Philadelphia Flyers - 4th place, 95 points, 42 wins, 5-4-1
4 games remaining - 2 on road, 2 at home, 2 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play
Remaining schedule – Tonight vs. Florida, Thurs. @ NY Rangers, Sat. @ NY Islanders, Sun. @ NY Rangers

Carolina Hurricanes - 5th place, 95 points, 44 wins, 8-1-1
3 games remaining - 1 on road, 2 at home, 1 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play
Remaining schedule – Tonight vs. NY Islanders, Thurs. vs. Buffalo, Sat. @ New Jersey

Pittsburgh Penguins - 6th place, 93 points, 42 wins, 6-2-2
3 games remaining - 2 on road, 1 at home, 1 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play
Remaining schedule – Tonight @ Tampa Bay, Thurs. vs. NY Islanders, Sat. @ Montreal

Montreal Canadiens - 7th place, 92 points, 41 wins, 5-3-2
3 games remaining - 2 on road, 1 at home, 3 against playoff teams
Last night – Lost 3-2 to Ottawa
Remaining schedule – Tonight @ NY Rangers, Thurs. @ Boston, Sat. vs. Pittsburgh

New York Rangers – 8th place, 89 points, 40 wins, 5-4-1
3 games remaining - 1 on road, 2 at home, 3 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play
Remaining schedule – Tonight vs. Montreal, Thurs. vs. Philadelphia, Sun. @ Philadelphia

Florida Panthers - 9th place, 89 points, 39 wins, 5-4-1
3 games remaining - 2 on road, 1 at home, 2 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play
Remaining schedule – Tonight @ Philadelphia, Thurs. @ Atlanta, Sat. vs. Washington