Midday playoff check-up

The loser point Montreal picked up in its 3-2 shootout loss to the Leafs brought the Canadiens into a three-way tie for fifth, but based on games played and wins, they still find themselves in seventh. Not a bad spot, as far as I’m concerned, and you shouldn’t poo-poo that point in Toronto. Frankly, I thought the Habs were going to lose that game outright, so to get a point is not a disaster by any stretch. Especially considering Philly and Ottawa both lost.

Buffalo’s win in Florida was its second straight and opened a gap of seven points over Ottawa and Montreal in the division race. It’s pretty unlikely the Sabres will be caught, but they do have a difficult schedule and play both Ottawa and Montreal twice each.

Today’s Morning Playoff Check-up Marquee Match-up is the Rangers visiting the Bruins. The playoff hopes of both teams ride heavily on the outcome of this game. Another big game is the back end of a home-and-home between the Flyers and Thrashers in Philly. Atlanta has resurrected itself with three straight wins following a six-game skid, including a convincing 5-2 win over the Flyers at home last night. If the Rangers and Thrashers win, Atlanta will move into eighth and the Bruins will drop of out of playoff positioning.

Buffalo Sabres – Third place, 38-22-10, 86 points

Last night: 3-1 win over Florida

Next game: @ Carolina today

12 games remaining, 6 against teams in playoff spot

Home (5) – Mtl March 24, Ott March 26, TB March 27, Fla March 31, NYR April 6.

Road (7) – Car March 21, Bos March 29, Tor April 1, Mtl April 3, Bos April 8, Ott April 10, NJ April 11

Philadelphia Flyers – Fifth place, 37-29-5, 79 points

Last night: 5-2 loss to Atlanta

Next game: v. Atlanta tonight

11 games remaining, 5 against teams in playoff spot

Home (6) – Atl March 21, Min March 25, NJ March 28, Mtl Apr 2, Det April 4, NYR April 11

Road (5) – Ott March 23, Pgh March 27, NYI April 1, Tor April 6, NYR April 9

Ottawa Senators – Sixth place, 37-30-5, 79 points

Last night: 5-4 loss to Dallas

Next game: @ Montreal Monday

10 games remaining, 5 against teams in playoff spot

Home (4) – Philadelphia March 23, Florida March 27, Carolina April 1, Buffalo April 10

Road (6) – Mtl March 22, Buf March 26, Was March 30, NYI April 3, Fla April 6, TB April 8

Montreal Canadiens – Seventh place, 36-29-7, 79 points

Last night – 3-2 shootout loss to Toronto

Next game: v. Ottawa Monday

10 games remaining, 5 against teams in playoff spot

Home (6) – Ott March 22, Fla March 25, NJ March 27, Car March 31, Buf April 3, Tor April 10

Road (4) – Buf March 24, Pha April 2, NYI April 6, Car April 8

Boston Bruins – Eighth place, 31-27-12, 74 points

Last night: Did not play

Next game: v. New York Rangers today

12 games remaining, 5 against teams in playoff spot

Home (7) – NYR March 21, TB March 25, Cgy March 27, Buf March 29, Fla April 1, Buf April 8, Car April 10 

Road (5) – Atl March 23, NJ March 30, Tor April 3, Was April 5, Was April 11

Atlanta Thrashers – Ninth place, 31-29-11, 73 points

Last night: 5-2 win over Philadelphia

Next game: @ Philadelphia tonight

11 games remaining, 8 against teams in playoff spot

Home (5) – Bos March 23, Tor March 25, Car March 29, NJ April 6, Pgh April 10

Road (6) – Pha March 21, Car March 27, Tor March 30, Was April 1, Pgh April 3, Was April 9

New York Rangers – 10^th place, 31-31-9, 71 points

Last night: Did not play

Next game: @ Boston today

11 games remaining, 5 against teams in playoff spot

Home (3) – NYI March 24, Tor April 7, Pha April 9

Road (8) – Bos March 21, NJ March 25, Tor March 27, NYI March 30, TB April 2, Fla April 3, Buf April 6, Pha April 11