From HockeyRodent.com - ( one of the better blogs out there )
The only possible way Buffalo earns a berth is if NYR folds completely and the Sabres run their table and the Panthers get two points or fewer. If NYR gains so much as one point, it's over upstate.
The Rangers can clinch a berth with one more victory, be it in regulation or extra time. Even if Florida wins out, the Blueshirts would have one more victory than the Panthers and that's the first tiebreaker.
Now earning two points with consecutive overtime or shootout losses to Philadelphia won't necessarily work for New York. If Florida beats Atlanta and Washington, they'd match NYR with points and wins. But the cats own the season series with Gotham. So they'd vault MSG's Finest in the standings.
That might still work out okay as long as Montreal loses both their games in regulation. The Canadiens own the season series with New York by way of goal-differential. So two points for NYR against none for Montreal drops the Canadiens out of contention.
What if NYR gains just one standings point by Sunday night?
That clinches a berth for Montreal, ends the Sabres' season and leaves Gotham at the mercy of Florida who could edge out your heroes with a four-point finish.
What if NYR loses both remaining games in regulation?
Habs are in, fersure. Florida would need just three more standings points to oust the Broadway Blues. Or... Buffalo could do that with three wins
No comments:
Post a Comment