Tonight’s Habs-Leafs match-up has taken on massive significance due to the Rangers big win at home over the Flyers last night. Not to beat a dead horse, but the Canadiens only need one point tonight to secure a playoff berth. Of course, that’s been the case the last two games as well, and it apparently served to make the Canadiens think it was in the bag. It clearly isn’t.
If the Bruins win today against Carolina – hardly a given – then they would clinch a spot. A loss, in overtime or otherwise, would mean Boston still might miss the playoffs and would need another point or two in Washington on Sunday to clinch. Of course, if the Rangers-Flyers game Sunday ends in regulation, both Boston and Montreal are in no matter what they do, along with the winner of that game.
Boston Bruins – Sixth place, 37-30-13, 87 points
Last night: Did not play
Next game: v. Carolina tonight
2 games remaining, 1 against teams in playoff spot
Home (1) – Car April 10
Road (1) – Was April 11
Montreal Canadiens – Seventh place, 39-33-9, 87 points
Last night – Did not play
Next game: v Toronto tonight
1 games remaining, 0 against teams in playoff spot
Home (1) – Tor April 10
Road (0)
Philadelphia Flyers – Eighth place, 40-35-6, 86 points
Last night: 4-3 loss to New York Rangers
Next game: v New York Rangers Sunday
1 games remaining, 0 against teams in playoff spot
Home (1) – NYR April 11
Road (0)
New York Rangers – Ninth place, 38-33-10, 86 points
Last night: 4-3 win over Philadelphia
Next game: @ Philadelphia Sunday
1 games remaining, 1 against teams in playoff spot
Home (0)
Road (1) – Pha April 11
Posts
10 comments:
The MOST important issue for the Habs is AVOIDING Washington NOT JUST making the playoffs. And a win over the Leafs will do the job. Getting one point means most probably playing 4 games and SEASON OVER.
And I repeat again, on a loss or overtime loss the Habs will have snuck in the back door to Washington and with their tails between their legs with absolutely no confidence.
With a win tonight , they will be re-energized by the crowd and will have made the playoffs on their own and selected their next opponent A TEAM WHO GOT 20 LESS POINTS THAN WASHINGTON DID - i.e. - a MUCH weaker team.
Actually, the MOST important is making the playoffs. period. it doesn't matter if it takes them 60 games to clinch a spot, or if they do it on game 82. Playoff time is a brand new season.
Personally, Washington doesnt's scare me as much as the Devils or Sabres. Traditionally, the habs play better with offensive style teams than they do defensive ones. Also, we've done pretty well against Washington this year. So i say bring them on.... assuming we make it through!
Regardless, I predict Washington will not make it out of the east.
- CS
Bruins scored 3 shorthanded goals today on the SAME 2 MINUTE PENALTY to start the 2nd period as they lead 3-0 after 30 minutes as I post this.
BEFORE the game on NESN, Andy Brickley said "at least if Bruins win today, they will have WON THEIR WAY IN not backed in and therefore have confidence to start the playoffs." EXACTLY what I said for the Habs.
Then when asked who is best to avoid in the first round he stated in order
1-Washington
2-Pittsburgh
3-New Jersey
4-Buffalo
EXACTLY what applies to Habs!
But what does Andy Brickley know either!
what is with the OVERZEALOUS use of CAPS?
And now after the 2nd period Canes close gap score now Boston 3-2.
In intermission, this time Gord Kluzak a former defenseman, said in response to Habs needing a point tonight to clinch a playoff spot.
Kluzak said, "it's not just making the playoffs that is important it is for the Habs finishing 6th or 7th and not having to play Washington in the first round and thus have to play a "much" easier team.
BTW
Are quotation marks allowed?
Re: Personally, Washington doesnt's scare me as much as the Devils or Sabres. Traditionally, the habs play better with offensive style teams than they do defensive ones."
--
Say what? Habs haven't even won a 2nd round series in 17 years against any and every kind of team.
I'll bet you thought Habs did great finishing 1st in east 2 years ago with about 20 "fewer" points than this excellent Washington team. Yeah right, it's just a fluke Washington has won 2/3 of their games and Habs have won less than half of theirs. That's the kind of team a sub-.500 team wants to play in the playoffs. And to think, once Montreal Canadiens fans were the most intelligent ones in hockey.
Well Bruins lucked out and won clinching a playoff berth, but if Habs win tonight Bruins are still forced to at least get to overtime in Washington tomorrow afternoon to beat Habs out of 6th place.
It's all in Canadiens own hands tonight.
Clear now
If Rangers win Habs play Buff or NJ
If Flyers win Habs face Washington.
Overtime or not.
Don't listen to that guy- 2nd, 3rd are not all decided yet... NJ plays Buffalo on Sunday.
CJ
CJ
Do you have a problem understanding ENGLISH?
C/P
If Rangers win Habs play Buff or NJ
If Flyers win Habs face Washington.
Overtime or not.
--------
And the reason on the first line that in event of a Rangers win the Habs will face EITHER Bufalo or New Jersey pricisely because they are still to play Sunday.
And if the Flyers win then the Habs will play Washington.
Seems to be as clear as mud to you as you don't know what in h*ll you are talking about.
Post a Comment