After five big games today, we came closer to getting a clearer picture in the Eastern playoff free-for-all. Pittsburgh’s win coupled with the Bruins and Habs’ losses put the Pens in comfortable position for the top seed in the East, while the Northeast remained as is with the Habs one point ahead of the Bruins for the #2 seed.
1. Pittsburgh 64 points (29 ROW), 6 games left
2. Montreal 57 points (23 ROW), 7 games left
4. Boston 56 points (22 ROW), 7 games left
In the Southeast, a wild game between the Caps and Tampa saw the Caps get an all-important two points with a 6-5 OT win against the Lightning, despite blowing a 5-1 lead! With each team having six games remaining, the Caps are now four points ahead of the Jets for the #3 seed.
3. Washington 48 points (20 ROW), 6 games left
— Winnipeg 44 points (20 ROW), 6 games left
Toronto further solidified their playoff position with a convincing win against the Habs, while in the night’s biggest game the Rangers squeezed out a 1-0 OT win over the rival Islanders on Long Island in a spirited contest even I got into a bit (especially when you have Jiggs McDonald doing the Isle telecast). I’m sure Derek will have more on that game when he comes down from cloud nine.
5. Toronto 51 points (23 ROW), 7 games left
6. Ottawa 48 points (17 ROW), 7 games left
7. Islanders 47 points (18 ROW), 6 games left
8. Rangers 46 points (17 ROW), 7 games left
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9. Winnipeg 44 points (20 ROW), 6 games left
(yes I’ve now removed the Devils from the bubble, now a de facto seven points behind of the eighth seed and having to pass the Jets too with just seven games remaining, their chances are slim and none just like the other East teams who are just waiting to be eliminated)
Results:
Toronto 5, Montreal 1
Washington 6, Tampa Bay 5 (OT)
Carolina 4, Boston 2
Pittsburgh 3, Florida 1
Rangers 1, Islanders 0
Upcoming games (4/15 – no relevant East games tomorrow)
Devils at Toronto 7 PM
Ottawa at Boston 7 PM
Philadelphia at Montreal 7:30 PM
Both the Isles and Rangers don’t play again until Tuesday, when the Isles take on the Panthers in their home finale before finishing the season with five straight on the road, while the Rangers head to Philly against a comatose Flyers team that may or may not decide to awaken to try to play spoiler.
hasan4978
Derek
Battle Of Hudson 
Thanks again. I'll break it down further maybe tomorrow. I might do another award article. Tonight was great. It's always more fun when you win. Even if they stole it.
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