Monday, April 5, 2010

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

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Montreal goaltender Jaroslav Halak, Anaheim center Saku Koivu and Boston netminder Tuukka Rask have been the NHL's 'Three Stars' for the week ending April 4.

In that order.