Morning playoff check-up

Against all odds, the Philadelphia Flyers managed to beat the Detroit Red Wings yesterday on national TV. Mike Babcock starting Chris Osgood instead of Jimmy Howard probably helped a great deal in that, but the Flyers did have Brian Boucher in their net, so you can’t really blame the goaltending. The victory allowed the Flyers to improve their chances of making the post-season from 65 per cent up to 77, according to sportsclubstats.com.

The Bruins, meanwhile, saw their chances drop by about 6 per cent to just above 76. I would imagine that has something to do with their closing schedule, as the Bruins make up their game in hand on both Montreal and Philadelphia tonight with a visit to the Capitals. They’re then home to Buffalo and Carolina before finishing the season in Washington again. It’s the only game on the board tonight.

In case you’re wondering, Montreal’s chances of making the post-season are a very solid 98 per cent.

Montreal Canadiens – Sixth place, 39-32-8, 86 points

Last night – Did not play

Next game: @ New York Islanders Tuesday

3 games remaining, 0 against teams in playoff spot

Home (1) – Tor April 10

Road (2) – NYI April 6, Car April 8

Boston Bruins – Seventh place, 36-30-12, 84 points

Last night: Did not play

Next game: @ Washington tonight

4 games remaining, 3 against teams in playoff spot

Home (2) – Buf April 8, Car April 10 

Road (2) – Was April 5, Was April 11

Philadelphia Flyers – Eighth place, 39-34-6, 84 points

Last night: 4-3 win over Detroit

Next game: @ Toronto Tuesday

3 games remaining, 0 against teams in playoff spot

Home (1) – NYR April 11

Road (2) – Tor April 6, NYR April 9

New York Rangers – Ninth place, 36-32-10, 82 points

Last night: Did not play

Next game: @ Buffalo Tuesday

4 games remaining, 3 against teams in playoff spot

Home (2) – Tor April 7, Pha April 9

Road (2) – Buf April 6, Pha April 11

Atlanta Thrashers – 10th place, 34-32-13, 81 points

Last night: Did not play

Next game: v New Jersey Tuesday

3 games remaining, 3 against teams in playoff spot

Home (2) – NJ April 6, Pgh April 10

Road (1) – Was April 9