With only five or six games left to play, the race to make the playoffs is crazy in the Eastern conference.  The Sabres, the Red Wings, the Caps and the Rangers are pretty much guaranteed to make it but only two points separate the Panthers, the Canadiens, the Lightning, the Bruins, the Penguins, the Devils and the Islanders.  Only four of those seven teams will make it.

 

Florida Panthers:

Remaining games: Sens, Bruins, Caps, Islanders and Devils

 

The Panthers do not have an easy schedule.  They must win their next game against the Sens but even though Ottawa is not making the playoffs, they will not be an easy prey as they have a 34-32-10 record so far.  Then, they have three games against three of the teams fighting for a playoffs spot and a game against the Caps who are currently first in the Metro division.  One advantage the Panthers have is that they currently have 40 ROW wins.

 

Montreal Canadiens:

Remaining games: Blue Jackets, Jets, Lightning, Caps and Leafs

 

The Habs have an easier schedule.  They are playing against three teams out of the playoffs picture.  They also have one game against the Lightning, who are also fighting for a playoff spot, and the Caps.  The Canadiens also have 40 ROW wins so with a schedule like this, there is a good chance they clinch a playoff spot.

 

Tampa Bay Lightning:

Remaining games: Caps, Senators, Canadiens, Leafs and Bruins

 

The lightning have their destiny in their own hands since they are playing two teams out of the playoffs picture but they need to win those two games to have a chance to make it as they are also playing the Canadiens and the Bruins, who will bring their A game to make it to the big show, and the Caps.

 

Boston Bruins:

Remaining games: Rangers, Panthers, Wings, Blue Jackets, Wild and Lightning

 

The Bruins have a game in hand but they have to win an extra game since they are two points behind four of the teams fighting for a spot.  They play two teams who are currently in the playoffs in their next three games.  I think those games will be the deciding factor if the Bruins make it of not.  If they can manage to win two of those games, they have a good chance to make it as they play two teams out of the playoffs for their last three games.  One thing to consider is that the Bruins have the lowest numbers of ROW wins.

 

Pittsburgh Penguins:

Remaining games: Predators, Hurricanes, Wings, Wings and Rangers

 

The Penguins do have a really tough schedule.  They have a winnable game against the Hurricanes but that's about it.  The other four games are against three top teams.  If the Penguins want to make the playoffs, they will have to play their best hockey to finish the season, that's for sure.

 

New Jersey Devils:

Remaining games: Wings, Blues, Rangers, Hurricanes and Panthers

 

The Devils also have a really hard schedule as their next three games are against teams with at least 98 points so far.  They will need to manage to get at least two or three points in those games.  Then they play the Hurricanes which should be an easier game.  Their last game of the season against the Panthers might be the one which decide if they make it or not.

 

New York Islanders:

Remaining games: Jets, Sabres, Leafs, Panthers and Caps

 

The Islanders have two must win games against the Jets and the Leafs, two games against top teams and one against the Panthers who are also fighting for a spot.  They have to win those two must win games and then get at least maybe three points in the other three games to have a chance to make it.

 

Prediction:

Well, you guys are just crazy if you think I am going to predict who will make it haha.  Anything can happen at this point.  Too many good teams fighting for the remaining spots.  The only thing I know is that the ones who will make it will be very dangerous in the playoffs as they would have fought very hard until the end of the regular season and will enter the playoffs will a lot of momentum.

 

	Pts	ROW
Panthers	92	40
Canadiens	92	40
Penguins	92	36
Lightning	92	33
Devils	90	35
Islanders	90	32
Bruins	90	29