The Stanley Cup won't be handed out until June, but this is the time we see teams make a run at the playoffs. You can't win the Cup if you don't make the playoffs. Follow us daily to find out where your favorite team stands as the season dwindles.We keep waiting for playoff teams to separate themselves from the non-playoff pack, and nothing seems to be happening. Races are still exceptionally close, as it seems at least some teams aren't capable of getting on the kind of roll they need in order to sew up a playoff spot. Others look to be in meltdown mode at the worst possible time.
In the East
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The Canadiens beat Atlanta 6-3 to reclaim sole possession of eighth place in the Eastern Conference. They're two points ahead of fading Florida.
John Tortorella's New York Rangers continued their rebound, beating Minnesota 2-1. For the Rangers, fourth place in the East might not be attainable, but they can make a run at it if they keep playing well.
Yes, the Maple Leafs beat Washington in a shootout, but Montreal's win means Toronto's still eight points out of the eighth spot. They've had a nice little run going here in the second half, but it's hard to imagine they'll make the playoffs.
In the West
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With the West staying close, every regulation loss is killer for the Wild. Making matters worse is Michael Russo hinting that Mikko Koivu might have skated his last shift of the season. If that's the case, it's time to unpack the golf clubs.
The Stars' free-fall continues. They dropped a 5-2 decision to Vancouver and are now four points out in the West. It doesn't sound like much, but it's going to be really tough to make it up, especially if they keep playing like they've been.
Edmonton blew a third-period lead and lost to Detroit. While losing to the Red Wings is hardly shameful, it's a lost opportunity for the Oilers, who are only one point clear of ninth-place Nashville.
It was a fantastic night for Anaheim, as they looked like the Ducks of old in a 2-1 shootout win over Nashville. A strong defense held the Predators to 13 shots in the first two periods, and Jean-Sebastien Giguere was fantastic in the third period before stoning Nashville in four rounds of the shootout. With the win, Anaheim now holds the eighth spot in the West.
Patrik Berglund scored two third-period goals in the Blues' 2-0 win over Los Angeles. St. Louis is now one point out of the eighth spot.
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What's Next
You hate to say it at this point, but Florida-Buffalo could be a playoff elimination game, especially if it's decided in regulation.
Carolina and Ottawa are both on fire, and any chance the Senators may have of being a real factor in this race probably hinges on them continuing to win. They take a 9-1 record over their last ten into Wednesday night's game in Raleigh.
Sadly, despite their consistently inconsistent play, Minnesota heads to Long Island in the thick of the playoff race.
x - Clinched Playoff Spot, y - Division Champ, z - Conference Champ; green - Rise in the Standings, red - Fall
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-25-2009 @ 3:41PM
John said...
"any chance the Senators may have of being a real factor in this race probably hinges on them continuing to win."
Brilliant!
Reply