Costly Loss for Panthers and Canadiens–The Sabres and Stars Loss Hurts More
The NHL playoff chase is proving to be a really tough fight right to the end of the regular season. Usually in past seasons most playoff slots are filled at this point in the season, but as of this morning the Buffalo Sabres who are desperately trying to hang in the race for the last playoff spot in the eastern conference lost last night to the New York Rangers 5-3. Buffalo is still 5 points out of the final playoff spot. The Montreal Canadiens and Florida Panthers who are locked in the battle for that last spot both lost last night. The panthers were beaten at home by the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1. Florida missed a chance to pick up two points and move into the last playoff slot ahead of Montreal yesterday when the canadiens were dropped by their arch rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs. The leafs won 5-2 sending the habs to their 7th loss in their last 10 games.
The Western Conference’s playoff picture is alot more mirky than their eastern foes. Their are 6 teams battling for the last 2 playoff spots. The Dallas Stars were the only team to play last night and they lost to the San Jose Sharks 5-2. The loss is a major blow to Dallas’ playoff chase. The stars remained 3 points behind the Nashville Predators for the 8th and final spot. With the other five teams having a game in hand, it looks like the stars playoff hopes are fading fast. The Sharks however with the win pulled within 1 point of the Detroit Red Wings for first place in the west and overall NHL lead.
Mar 22nd, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Whoa, the Canadiens, I give up. They should have been in a fighting spirit last night. The game was played in Montreal. Komisarek, and Kostitsyn were led to believe that they were both to watch the game from the press box. But at the last moment G.M and coach Bob Gainey decided to play them. Oops, Gainey thought he would get some production out of them, but alas they were both lost on the ice. Super star Alexi Kovalev seemed to be lost as well. I believe they could all benefit from a firecracker being shoved up their a$$. Not much has changed for the positive since Gainey relieved Carbonneau from the head coaching position. They are 1-3-2 since he took over. I believe they are going backwards. The power play was 0/3 and has been 1/16 in the last 4 games. I’m sure Price will be back in nets on Tuesday against Atlanta, continuing with flip-flopping goalies. Let’s hope that the Atlanta Thrashers players goes down to Crescent St. the night before the game and leaves all their energy there.