Sometimes It's Good To Be Wrong

Given my history of making bad predictions hereabouts, it shouldn't come as any surprise that I blew Tuesday's death knell of the boys from Broadway.

And yet, I couldn't be happier to be wrong!

As Boneman knows, my only goals for the Rangers this year were that they make the playoffs, and improve on last year's embarrassing first round sweep at the hands of the Devils. With a 3-1 win at home against the Canadiens tonight, they've accomplished the first, and most important, part of that goal. Whether they'll comport themselves better in the playoffs remains to be seen, but at least they won't be heading there on a five game losing streak like they did last year.

My thanks to those who offered words of support earlier in the week - it was greatly appreciated - and I've vowed not to care (so much) what happens the rest of the way. One thing I thought of today, that I refused to dwell on for fear of getting my hopes up, was that there were 9 possible outcomes tonight of the two big games (Mtl/NYR and Tor/NYI): NYR get 2 pts, Tor get 0 pts; NYR 2, Tor 1; NYR 2, Tor 2; and so on. Of those 9 possibilities, the only two that didn't clinch the playoffs for the Rangers was NYR getting 0 pts and Tor getting 2 pts, and NYR getting 1 pt and Tor getting 2 pts. Therefore, statistically, the odds were greatly in their favour, and yet it still felt like not only would they not clinch tonight, but they'd repeat that feat again on Saturday night. Fortunately, the odds won out!

For those who care, the Leafs are losing 5-2 to NYI in the final seconds, so Toronto has to beat Montreal in regulation on Saturday night and then hope NYI doesn't win both of their remaining games (Sat & Sun). The Habs get in with a win. One of Mtl, NYI and Tor will get the final spot in the Eastern Conference... Tampa Bay and the Rangers already have their ticket, although who finishes where is still up for grabs.