By: Mike Dunshee
Hockey Stats at www.mikedunshee.com
As the NHL regular season makes the turn into the final week, there is one great playoff race left in the East. The standings Monday AM;
6 NYR 79G 91PTS
7 TBL 79 90
8 MTL 79 88
9 TOR 79 87
10 CAR 79 86
The Islanders and Panthers are mathematically alive but would need a ton of help. The Rangers can finish off the Isle Tuesday; the Blueshirts then face the Habs and Pens. The Rangers should need to grab 3 points to clinch a spot, so they are pretty much in.
The Lightning face the Canes and Panthers at home and then travel to Atlanta to face the Thrashers. Four points clinches a spot and even two could do it. More interesting is if the Lightning can win the first two games and the Thrashers struggle, the season finale could be for the division.
Montreal currently hold the 8th and final invite to the playoffs. Their final home game is against the Bruins and then they finish on the road against the Rangers and Leafs. The Habs have been red hot at home the last month and red hot against the Bruins the past century so they should grab the much needed 2 points Tuesday. With only a one point lead over the Leafs, this week is essentially the playoffs for the Habs.
The Maple Leafs are on the outside looking in but have the most favorable schedule this week with a tilt against the league worst Flyers and the reeling Islanders. If the Leafs are able to take care of their own business they will control their own destiny as they finish the season hosted the Canadians in what could be a huge game for the final spot.
The defending champion Hurricanes have been a disappointment and a bit of a mystery this season. They finish up with the Lightning, Thrashers and Panthers. They need all 6 points and help to reach the postseason.
