With just one game remaining each, the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers sit tied with 91 points for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Both teams finish their seasons Saturday and hope to find that their destiny leads them into the postseason.
For now, the 'Canes sit inside in the picture while the Rangers are stuck in ninth. By way of a 35-34 tiebreaker edge in terms of non-shootout wins and a 6-4 points victory in the season series between the two teams (the second tiebreaker), Carolina is on top.
However, that may be very likely to change. New York hosts the New Jersey Devils at 12:30 ET, needing at least a point to stay alive. Then, the Hurricanes face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the RBC Center at 7:00 ET with the knowledge of what they need to do to get in.
The 'Canes need a regulation loss by the Rangers or a win in their own game to make the playoffs, in all likelihood. If both teams earn just one point, they will also go into the postseason.
On the other hand, the Blueshirts need a win and a Carolina loss or one point and a Carolina regulation loss for their dreams to be fulf ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Mark Jones
NHL Playoff Race: Hurricanes, Rangers’ Hopes Hang in the Balance Saturday
April 9th, 2011 by Mark Jones Leave a reply »
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