Eastern Conference Playoff Race

[ktang 34]

Similar to the West last year, there are only 4 points separating the Rangers, Hurricanes, Leafs, Habs, Bruins, and Panthers for the final playoff spot with about a dozen games to go.

Who gets that last spot? Who do you want to get it?

I think the Rangers get the last spot, if Shanahan returns (did he already?), but I want the Bruins to get it (Tim Thomas would have to get and stay hot). The Habs are falling apart.

[Hooah4 12]

As much as I'd want the B's to take it(Thomas must be exhausted) I think the Rangers will take just due to Lundquist stealing games. Habs are falling and the Leafs are not far behind. Canes will suffer cup hangover.

[drisco487 0]

As much as I'd want the B's to take it(Thomas must be exhausted) I think the Rangers will take just due to Lundquist stealing games. Habs are falling and the Leafs are not far behind. Canes will suffer cup hangover.

Yes, Thomas must be exhausted but there new backup guy McDonald, he seems pretty good. Hes only played one game though and it was a game against the devils where he only let in one goal. I know its just one game but he still impressed me.

[chris68 0]

i hope the rangers make it

[Vapor 0]

The rangers have games in hand and play all of the teams they are fighting with. It is in their hands... oh how will they blow this?

[Eazy_b97 1]

I think the Rangers will, MTL is falling off and the Leafs schedule is extremely difficult. Carolina might have a shot because of their division though, I don't really consider the Bruins or Panthers "in it".

[gp3r 0]

I think the Canes get in, though I wish the Habs would. Montreal just doesn't have the leadership to get it done.

[kobcc 0]

Canes or Rangers will be the 8th , the leafs and Habs are not playing all that great. Bruins no chance.

[Michael9 57]

Rangers get the 8th spot, with the leafs and carolina following

[Chadd 916]

I think the Rangers will, MTL is falling off and the Leafs schedule is extremely difficult. Carolina might have a shot because of their division though, I don't really consider the Bruins or Panthers "in it".

The Southeast is tougher than most people think. With the exception of the Caps, any team can win on any given night.

[Eazy_b97 1]

1 poor team already brings them in line with Pitts division, but their top and middle end are much further below. It's not the complete cake walk it has been, but it's still easily the weakest division in the East.

On a side note Ward is apperantly done for the year and Grahaeme will take over in net.

[DamnLocust 0]

I want the Rangers to make it, but honestly I'm worried as injuries are starting to mount. Shanny's out, and Hossa, who was playing very well, is out a month. Jagr and Straka are both playing hurt. Mara's shoulder isn't 100%, but he's been pretty good. The upside is, others are actually stepping it up a notch. Cullen has been excellent, and Prucha has been all over the ice. Isbister's play has impressed me as well. Hell, even Marek Malik looked like he knew what he was doing in the offensive zone today. Lundqvist is giving them a chance to win every game, they just need a bit more offense.

I think the Panthers, Habs, and Bruins just have too many teams to jump over at this point. They'd just have to count on too many teams not doing well over this last stretch.

Carolina is a deep and talented team, but losing Ward will hurt them. Their fate lies in the hands of John Grahame at this point (He looked good this afternoon). Toronto's in a tough spot as well, with Kaberle out. They have been in tight races in the past though, and that experience may help them this year to step up their game. Any way you look at it, it’s going to be fun to watch.

[Super Star 0]

The final spot will go to Caps when they catch fire and go on 13 games winning streak. It will happen any day now. :D

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

Islanders remaining games - 6 home 8 away

Home: Pens, Rags, Devils, Sens, Rags, Leafs

Away: Habs, Sens, Panthers, Lightning, Flyers, Sabres, Flyers, Devils

Currently in 7th with 78 points

Rangers remaining games - 6 home, 7 away

Home: Sens, Bruins, Penguins, Flyers, Leafs, Habs

Away: Thrashers, Bruins, Islanders, Habs, Flyers, Islanders, Pens

Currently in 8th with 76 points

Carolina Remaining games - 7 home, 5 away

Home: Panthers, Devils, Caps, Sharks, Lightning, Thrashers, Panthers

Away: Devils, Leafs, Flyers, Panthers, Lightning

Currently in 9th with 76 points

Toronto remaining games - 7 home, 5 away

Home: Lightning, Devils, Sabres, Hurricans, Pens, Flyers, Habs

Away: Caps, Habs, Sabres, Thrashers, Rags, Isles

Currently in 10th with 75 points

Montreal remaining games - 7 home, 5 away

Home: Islanders, Leafs, Bruins, Caps, Rags, Sabres, Bruins

Away: Pens, Bruins, Sens, Rags, Leafs

Currently in 11th with 74 points

Boston remaining games - 6 home, 7 away

Home: Caps, Habs, Rags, Pens, Thrashers, Sens

Away: Rags, Habs, Pens, Sens, Devils, Habs, Sabres

Currently in 12th with 71 points

Florida remaining games - 7 home, 5 away

Home: Sabres, Islanders, Sens, Devils, Thrashers, Capitals, Hurricanes

Away: Flyers, Lightning, Caps, Lightning, Hurricanes

Currently in 13th with 71 points

That is from 7th through 13th. The isles are 2 points up and have a game in hand, but are also away more than home. If the Canes can take care of their own division (6 of their final 12 games against the SE) they might make it. They are 1-1 with the devils this season, so if they can get a split in the remaining 2 that will help.

While most think they are out of it, Florida have points in 11 of their last 13 and have won 6 of their last 7. I don't think they will make it, but may play spoiler to the canes as they have them twice before the end of the season.

I am going to go with the Isles holding their spot at 7, and the Leafs taking the Canes taking #8

[Vapor 0]

Here is an interesting chart:

http://www.hockeyrodent.com/RODBERTQ.HTM

[KYHockey3 0]

im going with the rangers.

i think they will steadily earn points to get themselves a spot in the playoffs.

[djinferno 2]

I pray everyday but I think Montreal falls short

[Vapor 0]

The rangers have earned 12 out of the last 14 points. In each of there last 4 losses (2 in OT and 2 in regulation) they have given up 2 goal leads... which sucks. They have not been outplayed in a while. The rangers have the games in hand and hold their own destiny, but they are banged up. We will see what happens.

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

Vapor, I am going to sound like a dummy here, but that chart, can you tell me more.

Is green for teams they should beat, or have a winning record against this year, yellow for equal and red for teams they lose to?

I'm sure it should be obvious, but I am pretty dumb

[Eazy_b97 1]

The rangers have earned 12 out of the last 14 points. In each of there last 4 losses (2 in OT and 2 in regulation) they have given up 2 goal leads... which sucks. They have not been outplayed in a while. The rangers have the games in hand and hold their own destiny, but they are banged up. We will see what happens.

Everyones banged up. Carolina and Montreal lost their starters, while Toronto has lost the most man games due to injury this season.

[RadioGaGa 162]

The rangers have earned 12 out of the last 14 points. In each of there last 4 losses (2 in OT and 2 in regulation) they have given up 2 goal leads... which sucks. They have not been outplayed in a while. The rangers have the games in hand and hold their own destiny, but they are banged up. We will see what happens.

Everyones banged up. Carolina and Montreal lost their starters, while Toronto has lost the most man games due to injury this season.

On the other side of that Tampa has like 12 games lost to injury all year...It might even be less than that.

[ThePurpleCobra 0]

I think the Bruins season is done, With Tukka Raasks (S/P?) team loosing in the playoffs the Bruins are free to sign him, they might do that and have him around to see what he can do and to give Thomas alittle rest.

[Vapor 0]

Vapor, I am going to sound like a dummy here, but that chart, can you tell me more.

Is green for teams they should beat, or have a winning record against this year, yellow for equal and red for teams they lose to?

I'm sure it should be obvious, but I am pretty dumb

lol, I was confused at first also. Red, Yellow, and Green are games played already. Red is a loss, green is a win and yellow is an OT loss. I am not sure about the Purple/Blue though.

[DamnLocust 0]

there's a key at the bottom, boys. Blue is a home game not yet played, Purple is an away game not yet played.

I love the rodent. He's always spot on.

[ktang 34]

With this tight race, I think whoever pulls off getting the 8th spot in the East this year will be more than ready for the playoffs and could give Buffalo problems in the 1st round, or even pull off the upset. Like Edmonton last year in the West.