Thursday, April 9, 2009

Morning playoff check-up

Sorry for the late check-up this morning, but I just forgot simply because nothing changed last night in the race. Tonight, however, is another story altogether. For the Habs the mission is simple: make it to overtime in one of their two final games, and they're in. Obviously, they would prefer to do it with a victory over the hated Bruins tonight, especially considering that might be a first-round playoff opponent. But really, anyway they get in will be fine with the Habs, I'm sure. Overtime or bust!
Otherwise, the Hurricanes continue their improbable march to home ice in the first round with a game against the Sabres that could also officially knock the Sabres out. The Rangers play the first of two against the Flyers, while Philly will fit a visit to Long Island in between the two Rangers games. If the Flyers can sweep the Rangers and the Panthers win both their remaining games, the Blueshirts would be out, even in the event of a tie between the two because the Panthers took the season series. Under that scenario, the Habs would still be in even if they lose out.
Finally, in the event of a three-way tie between the Habs, Panthers and Rangers where all three teams have 41 wins, the Rangers would be out because they have the worst points percentage in games played between the three clubs.
Do you have a headache?

Eastern Conference Playoff Race

Philadelphia Flyers - 4th place, 97 points, 43 wins, 6-3-1
3 games remaining - 2 on road, 1 at home, 2 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play
Remaining schedule – Tonight @ NY Rangers, Sat. @ NY Islanders, Sun. @ NY Rangers

Carolina Hurricanes - 5th place, 97 points, 45 wins, 9-0-1
2 games remaining - 1 on road, 1 at home, 1 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play
Remaining schedule – Tonight vs. Buffalo, Sat. @ New Jersey

Pittsburgh Penguins - 6th place, 95 points, 43 wins, 7-2-1
2 games remaining - 1 on road, 1 at home, 1 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play
Remaining schedule – Tonight vs. NY Islanders, Sat. @ Montreal

Montreal Canadiens - 7th place, 92 points, 41 wins, 5-4-1
2 games remaining - 1 on road, 1 at home, 2 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play
Remaining schedule – Tonight @ Boston, Sat. vs. Pittsburgh

New York Rangers – 8th place, 91 points, 41 wins, 5-4-1
2 games remaining - 1 on road, 1 at home, 2 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play
Remaining schedule – Tonight vs. Philadelphia, Sun. @ Philadelphia

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

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