Islanders Clinch & Rangers Capture Presidents' Trophy, But Red Wings, Capitals, Penguins, And Flyers Set Up Incredible Wild Card Scenario
Most of the NHL has played 81 games (out of 82) as of Monday night’s conclusion, and we still don’t know who owns the final wild-card spot in the East. It was a successful night for New York teams as the Rangers clinched the Presidents' Trophy and the Islanders clinched the playoffs with a win over the Devils, but one Eastern Conference wild card spot remains. The Flyers weren’t in action Monday, but they’re still mathematically alive. Three other teams — Red Wings, Capitals, and Penguins — were all victorious in must-win games, and we’ve got a four-way showdown this week for the final playoff bid. Tiebreaker scenarios are determined by regulation wins, which makes things quite interesting.
East Wild Card Scenarios
Red Wings: 89 Points (40-32-9)
Regulation Wins: 27
Final Game: @ Canadiens
Detroit got an overtime winner from Lucas Raymond last night after they rallied from three goals down to beat the Canadiens (5-4, OT). They’ll end the season tonight against Montreal (again). It’s win-and-pray for Detroit who needs a victory and a loss (or overtime) for the Capitals to clinch the wild card.
Capitals: 89 Points (39-31-11)
Regulation Wins: 30
Final Game: @ Flyers
Washington was also a winner last night, putting the Bruins to rest (2-0) on a night where Boston appeared to rest some players before the postseason. The Caps will end the season tonight in Philadelphia against the Flyers. A regulation victory will secure the final wild card, but any myriad of outcomes is possible in the event of a loss or overtime.
Penguins: 88 Points (38-31-12)
Regulation Wins: 31
Final Game: @ Islanders
Sidney Crosby won’t go quietly. There’s still some fight left in the Penguins. Pittsburgh beat the Predators (4-2) last night to set up a last-ditch effort against the Islanders on Wednesday. They’ll need a win and a lot of help against the Red Wings and Capitals. The Pens haven’t made the playoffs for the past two seasons.
Flyers: 87 Points (38-32-11)
Regulation Wins: 30
Final Game: vs. Capitals
Never say never! Philly is still mathematically breathing, but the Flyers will need all the help they can get. A regulation victory tonight leaps them over the Capitals, but they’ll need both the Red Wings and Penguins to fall. Philly only has itself to blame after an eight-game skid (0-6-2) from March 24 to April 9.
The NHL regular season ends on Thursday.
Read More
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NHL: Raymond’s Heroics Keep Red Wings Alive in Wild-Card Scramble
