playoff possibilities

Looking at the Eastern Conference standings, there is a two-way tie for sixth place. This is of great interest to the Carolina Hurricanes, who are likely to finish second. Despite Ottawa's loss last night, Carolina couldn't help their own cause, because they also lost. Carolina is currently three points back of first place Ottawa, and the Sens are holding a game in hand. They are eight points in front of third place Rangers.

Ottawa actually has a tough road to hoe in April while Carolina has a considerably less difficult path. Although it is still unlikely, I shouldn't rule out the possibility of a first place finish for Carolina.

Here's a glance at the upcoming games for both teams:


If the season ended today, Carolina would be in the second seed and would face Montréal. They are presently in a tie with New Jersey, and have the exact same record, but the Devils would win the tiebreaker because of their 2-0 head-to-head matchups. The two teams have two more meetings, both in Montréal.

Technically, New Jersey is in the midst of losing a game, so they would slip into the seventh spot just won in overtime, so they would have the six spot if the season ended today.

However, the season doesn't end today. It ends on April 18. And how's this for a great bunch of matchups? On the final day of the season the East's top four teams will beat each other up, and two of the West's top four will be doing the same.

Buffalo(4) @ Carolina(2) on national TV (OLN).
Ottawa(1) @ Rangers(4)

Meanwhile in the West:
Detroit(1) @ Nashville(4).