4/2/09: Recap and tomorrow's games that matter

by RickyRage on Apr 2, 2009 10:14 PM EDT Comment 7 comments

Notes about tonight's games and tomorrow's preview as it relates to the playoffs.

Tonight's games (involving Eastern Conference teams):

Canes 4 - Rangers 2: A loss of any kind by Carolina would have clinched the division for the Caps. As it stands, the Canes move up to the 4 seed while the Rangers fall to the 8 seed (and hold a tiebreaker over the Panthers given their 3-0-1 record head to head). Bottom line, the Caps still need 1 point to clinch the division.
Canadiens 5 - NYI 1: With the win, the Canadiens now control the 7 seed. They have 1 point and 1 game in hand on the Rangers. How does everyone feel about facing them in Round 1?
Bruins 2 - Senators 1: The Bruins need only 2 points to clinch the conference and now have a 9 point lead on the Caps. This game also eliminated the Sens from playoff contention. Flags in Ottawa fly at half-staff eh? (Note: Ray Emery's house not included) NJD has officially been eliminated from contention from the 1 seed.

Tomorrow's games (involving Eastern Conference teams):

Sabres @ Caps: Of note, the Sabres should come into this game hungry. They are not yet eliminated though it's looking dicier by the day. Their tragic number is 7 (Rangers). One point for the Caps clinches the division. Our boys need 8 points won by us/lost by NJD to clinch the 2 seed.
'Ning @ NJD: The Devils are still chasing the Caps for the 2 seed. The Ning were eliminated several games back. Root for the Ning to help the Caps clinch the 2 seed.
Leafs @ Flyers: The Leafs have been eliminated, but the Flyers are fighting for home ice in the first round. They also have an (extremely) outside shot at passing the Devils for the 3 seed. Despite the screwy standings, the Flyers actually control the #4 seed over Pittsburgh (MN is 11 for the 4 seed).
Thrashers @ Panthers:Panthers need a win to put the pressure on the Rangers for the 8 seed. Who would you rather see Boston face? NYR, Florida or Montreal?

You can also see the updated Playoff Tracker here. Note that in the tracker, I don't account for tiebreakers. Actually, the Rangers control the 8 spot, though they currently have to win out.

Best case Scenario for tonight:

Win for the Caps, regulation loss for the Devils. The Caps would clinch the Division and be only 4 points from the 2 seed.

If this FanPost is written by someone other than one of the blog's authors, the opinions expressed in it do not necessarily reflect those of this blog or SB Nation.

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The Stars will beat the Flames tonight!

After 2

Dal 1
Cgy 2

by Robertsfan on Apr 2, 2009 10:20 PM EDT reply actions

He said “games that matter.” As in matter to us.

Anyway, all the sweeter to clinch at home.

And I feel great about getting the Habs in Round 1.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Apr 2, 2009 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I think the caps could handle the Habs plenty fine, so they are at the top of my list for the first round.

by Ovechwin on Apr 2, 2009 10:33 PM EDT reply actions

I’m okay with Carolina winning. Nice to clinch at home, and softening up the Rags is no bad thing. I don’t know if Montreal will stay in that seventh seed; there’s too much shuffling right now, but getting them would be kind of nice.

"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri

by gotsparkly on Apr 2, 2009 10:34 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks again for doing these…

by Gould Old Days on Apr 2, 2009 11:16 PM EDT reply actions

Habs in Round 1 would be great.

As for Boston, I would have to check their H2H records against the likely candidates in order to be really sure (I’d want them to face the team that has played them toughest), but off the cuff I’d say the Rangers?

by fat_daddyo on Apr 3, 2009 9:25 AM EDT reply actions

Interesting that we play the Sabres tonight and then tomorrow they play the Devils. Here’s hoping for a win (no OT) tonight so that the Sabres are even more desperate tomorrow…

Let's go Caps!

by MikeL-Caps on Apr 3, 2009 10:24 AM EDT reply actions

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Southeast Standings

	GP	W	L	OTL	PT
Washington Japers' Rink	82	54	15	13	121
Atlanta Bird Watchers Anonymous	82	35	34	13	83
Carolina Canes Country	82	35	37	10	80
Tampa Bay Raw Charge	82	34	36	12	80
Florida Litter Box Cats	82	32	37	13	77