By Stevo, AllHabs.net

MONTREAL, QC. — With teams having just three to four games left in their respective NHL schedules, the playoff picture is starting to shape up in the Eastern Conference.

Teams currently sitting in positions one to five will undoubtedly remain within those positions, barring a minor shuffle. (1. Philadelphia, 2. Washington, 3. Boston, 4. Pittsburgh, 5. Tampa Bay)

As for the teams currently sitting in positions six to ten, things are getting slightly interesting down the stretch. (6. Montreal, 7. NY Rangers, 8. Buffalo, 9. Carolina, 10. Toronto)  Yes, with a less than 1% chance of making the playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs are still in it, respirators and all.

Here are these teams schedules until season’s end, and what is needed to secure a playoff spot:

6.  Montreal Canadiens – 91 points

• April 5 – Chicago Blackhawks – Home game
• April 7 – Ottawa Senators – Away game
• April 10 – Toronto Maple Leafs – Away game

Toronto can not pass Montreal but mathematically speaking, every other team still in the race could.  If the Carolina Hurricanes win their final three games, it will put them two points ahead of the Canadiens’ current 91 points.  The Canadiens therefore need an additional two points to secure a playoff spot, as they would win a tie break over the Hurricanes.  (Wins)

Habs need 2

7.  NY Rangers – 91 points

• April 4 – Boston Bruins – Home game
• April 7 – Atlanta Thrashers – Home game
• April 9 – New Jersey Devils – Home game

If the Toronto Maple Leafs win their final three games, they can max out at 90 points, and the Carolina Hurricanes at 93 by doing the same. The Rangers would edge out the Hurricanes in a tie break because of wins, therefore as long as the Rangers pick up another 2 points, their playoff spot is secure.

Rangers need 2

8.  Buffalo Sabres – 90 points

• April 5 – Tampa Bay Lightning – Home game
• April 8 – Philadelphia Flyers – Home game
• April 9 – Columbus Blue Jackets – Away game

If the Sabres were to lose their final three games in regular time, and if the Maple Leafs were to win their final three games, they would both be tied at 90 points and 40 wins a piece, however the Leafs would get by having won the season series three to two. (One of the Sabres’ victories was in a shootout and must be subtracted)

If the Carolina Hurricanes were to win their final three games, putting their season total to 93 points, the Sabres would need to pick up at least another three points between now and season’s end to edge out the Hurricanes in a tie break over goal differential.

Sabres need 3

9.  Carolina Hurricanes – 87 points

• April 6 – Detroit Red Wings – Home game
• April 8 – Atlanta Thrashers – Away game
• April 9 – Tampa Bay Lightning – Home game

The Carolina Hurricanes are on the outside looking in, and are not in control of their own destiny.  They will need some luck to get in. The best they can hope for with regards to what they do control is to win their final three games, bringing them to 93 points.  If either of the Sabres (90), NY Rangers (91) or Canadiens (91) fail to make that mark, that would put the Hurricanes into the playoffs.

Canes need 6 and help

10.  Toronto Maple Leafs – 84 points

• April 5 – Washington Capitals – Home game
• April 6 – New Jersey Devils – Away game
• April 9 – Montreal Canadiens – Home game

:)
Ok, with the Rangers winning over the Bruins tonight, there is now only one scenario that could put the Maple Leafs into the playoffs, better make a wish before you read on if you’re a Leafs fan. The Toronto Maple Leafs can max out at 90 points if they win their final three games.  With the current standings, this would put them tied with the Buffalo Sabres.  The Leafs would actually win the tie break over the Sabres therefore the scenarios is as follows:

• The Leafs must win their final three games, the Hurricanes must not pick up more than three points in their three final games, and the Sabres must lose their final three games in regular time.

Leafs need 6 and a miracle on ice

On a final note, I found it interesting to notice that over their last ten games, all teams in the Eastern Conference still in the playoff race have a winning record with the exception of one team, the Montreal Canadiens (4-6-0).  They’ve won two of their last three games, let’s hope they are on a roll which will give some much needed momentum going into the playoffs.

(Graphic: AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)