Six teams.
Three spots.
And one week to stake your claim in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Just days ago, it seemed as if the postseason race to the finish in the East might be fizzling out, but a few results in the right direction and suddenly we have six teams, or probably five teams, fighting for the last three playoff spots in the East's field of eight teams.
The top five spots in the Eastern Conference have already been clinched, and their order is the only variable left to determine. The Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Ottawa Senators have already guaranteed themselves a slot in the playoffs.
Down in the cellar of the conference, four teams have already been realistically and nearly mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. We're going to have to look for the New York Islanders, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Toronto Maple Leafs in the draft lottery instead.
However, with nine teams having already secured their fate, that leaves us with six teams sitting on the edge of their seats, wondering which side of the line they're going to end up on. The Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Mark Jones
2010 NHL Playoffs: Breaking Down the Eastern Conference Playoff Race
April 3rd, 2010 by Mark Jones Leave a reply »
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