Morning playoff check-up

Both the Penguins and Hurricanes will be playing tonight for the right to host the first round, which is pretty astonishing considering where these teams have come from. As recently as Feb. 25, the 'Canes and Pens were ninth and 10th in the conference. Since then, Carolina is 14-3-2 while Pittsburgh is 14-2-3, virtually identical records bringing them to the cusp of home ice advantage in the first round, and perhaps beyond. But even if both of them win tonight, it's possible the Flyers will maintain their hold on fourth if they can get three points in their last two games. Still, I'm not sure I like Philly's chances against either Carolina or Pittsburgh. In fact, I'd rather be in the Canadiens shoes right now, with a chance to face the Bruins or the Capitals in the first round. If the Habs lose in regulation to Pittsburgh tonight, they book a ticket to Boston. If not, they have to wait for tomorrow's Rangers game against the Flyers to know what the future holds.

Eastern Conference Playoff Race

Philadelphia Flyers - 4th place, 97 points, 43 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 @ NY Islanders, Sun. @ NY Rangers

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

Pittsburgh Penguins - 6th place, 97 points, 44 wins, 7-2-1
1 games remaining - 1 on road, 1 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play
Remaining schedule – Tonight @ Montreal

New York Rangers – 7th place, 93 points, 42 wins, 5-4-1
1 games remaining - 1 on road, 1 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play
Remaining schedule – Tonight @ Philadelphia

Montreal Canadiens - 8th place, 93 points, 41 wins, 5-3-2
1 games remaining - 1 at home, 1 against playoff teams
Last night – Did not play
Remaining schedule – Tonight vs. Pittsburgh