Eastern Conference Playoff Race

[Vapor 0]

Best news I've heard all day.

[DarkStar50 679]

The reason people question Luongo's ability to play in the playoffs is because he has not played a minute of NHL playoff hockey. I'm looking forward to his coming out party with the Canucks next month.

[kosydar 0]

Thanks for the update. I thought Ward was toast. Better Cam than Grahame!!

After tonight's performance, who knows.

[Michael9 57]

habs have been on a role lately, i think they will get in.

[Eazy_b97 1]

I'd like to see the standings without the SO and it may have a huge impact with not only the points, but also wins since thats the first tie breaker.

[ktang 34]

Kovalev has back-to-back 2-goal games, the first 2-goal games of his season.

Now it looks like Atlanta might be in danger of missing the playoffs, and Tampa Bay.

[kosydar 0]

Damn this race is going to get intense. Nine-eleven are all tied and have a game in hand over six (three points ahead) and seven/eight (two points ahead). Hard to believe the Habs have won five in a row after they looked like they'd be the first team to bow out of the race.

[Eazy_b97 1]

It's possible that none of the SE teams could finish in the top 9 for points, but one will have to be the 3rd seed in the division.

[mack 44]

That system has been bunk ever since they implemented it. The division winner should be guaranteed a spot but be ranked in accordance to their point totals.

[DarkStar50 679]

SE games remaining:

ATL- @ Fla, Tor, @ Bos, Wash, @ Car, TB

CAR- @ Phi, TB, @ Fla, @ TB, Atl, Fla

TB- @ Car, Was, Car, Fla, @ Atl

Its a mess. Lots of tension in the room now.

[GoHawks 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.

I saw a couple games this year with Rask. He's pretty damn impressive, and only 18 or 19... Is he for sure going to be playing in Boston, or on another NHL team, or is there a chance he'll play SM-liiga next year?

*sorry for kinda hijacking the thread*

EDIT: Too bad for Rask that Ilves got knocked out in the first round of the playoffs, but Jokerit was/is on a long winning streak now, dunno if anyone will be able to stop them, except Karpat maybe.

[DarkStar50 679]

Pardon me, but you are using common sense as a solution to a problem. In professional sports, common sense is not applicable.

[Eazy_b97 1]

Carolina drops a HUGE game to PHI tonight.

[kosydar 0]

Being outscored 11-2 in their two biggest games of the year? Looks like they might be done. Did Ward play?

[Eazy_b97 1]

Grahaem started and CAR was flat.

ATL loses in a SO.

[Eternal 0]

if carolina doesn't make it does anyone know how longs its been since both cup finalists from the previous season failed to make the playoffs

[Eazy_b97 1]

It's going to be the first time in history.

[althoma1 575]

It would be the first time both finalists didn't make it as Eazy indicated. I think that's a likely scenario. My predictions for the teams fighting for a spot are:

3. Atlanta (sure they haven't been playing well, but they're a good team and have a lead in points)

6. New York Rangers (they've also been playing well. They lost their last game to Montreal, but they've been playing well and do have a great goalie.)

7. Montreal (they're really on a roll lately, Kovalev is playing like he cares, Halak has played well and Huet is close to a return. They currently have the second most wins out of the teams fighting for spots. I'm a habs fan so this one is a little biased, but I do believe they'll make it)

8. Tampa Bay (they've struggled, but I think Lecavalier, St. Louis and Richards will help them scrape together just enough points to get in - they also have the most wins out of the teams fighting for spots so should win tie breakers).

9. NYI (with Diepeitro out I think they'll make a push, but come up short. Maybe even tie with Tampa in points, but Tampa will win the tie breaker based on wins).

10. Toronto (Raycroft has been inconsistent all year and I wouldn't count on him and guys like Kilgour to get a team into the playoffs. Wellwood is playing hurt and Sundin has 1 goal in 14 games)

11. Carolina (the goalies have stunk it up and the team has looked horrible the past two games after playing quite well before that...I don't think they'll be able to right the ship in time)

12. Florida (they're playing well now, but it's just too little too late for them).

Of course with a race this tight I could be completely wrong, but that's my best guess at the moment.

[teamhystyk 0]

What do you guys think of Montreals chances Friday and Saturday night? They are playing two top tier teams, if they win Friday which will be tough how much energy will they have for Saturday? I am driving from detroit to go the Saturday game I didnt realize they were back to back with two great teams. Hopefully they can at least split the two. What are your guys thoughts?

[kosydar 0]

Merged with this thread.

[Hidious 0]

It's almost impossible for me to give my thoughs on the habs chances because my brain, my guts and EVERYBODY around me want them to win and to make it so bad. My opinion is 110% biased.

[Eazy_b97 1]

The Cup finalists (Edmonton) won't make it this year...I believe the Cup Champs have always made the playoff the next year and Carolina would be the first to miss after winning. I think that's a likely scenario.

The Devils missed the playoffs in 95-96 after winning the cup the year before. I believe they needed to beat Ottawa on the last day of the season to edge out TB and they couldn't pull it off. Ottawa was last place that year and had 18 wins.

[althoma1 575]

The Devils missed the playoffs in 95-96 after winning the cup the year before. I believe they needed to beat Ottawa on the last day of the season to edge out TB and they couldn't pull it off. Ottawa was last place that year and had 18 wins.

Yep, you're right...it'll be the first time both finalists miss as you answered earlier.

[ktang 34]

What do you guys think of Montreals chances Friday and Saturday night? They are playing two top tier teams, if they win Friday which will be tough how much energy will they have for Saturday? I am driving from detroit to go the Saturday game I didnt realize they were back to back with two great teams. Hopefully they can at least split the two. What are your guys thoughts?

I think that Montreal matches up pretty well with Buffalo, so they might get a point or two out of it under normal circumstances. But this time they would be in the 2nd game of a back-to-back, so it will be tough for them.

Ottawa (Friday, 1st game of the back-to-back) has been as hot as Montreal lately, so I think it can go either way.

[Vapor 0]

Montreal outplayed the rangers in the second period, but not the entire game. If the rangers did not put Valiquette in, Gotham would have won the game in OT, no doubt.