The Rangers went into play tonight in Long Island knowing that a victory against their bitter rivals would propel them into the postseason. With two more games, after tonight, remaining in their regular season schedule, that meant that the boys would have three chances to "win and get in," as well as potentially making the playoffs even if they lost all three (depending on what happened to various teams around them in the standings). Fortunately for cardiac-challenged fans like myself, the Broadway Blueshirts took care of business on this night, winning 3-0 against the cross-town Islanders. That takes the pressure off for games 81 and 82 (against those same Islanders, and then the Devils, respectively) but leaves lots of opportunities for movement up and down the standings as more than a half dozen Eastern Conference teams remain log-jammed in positions 3 through 9, with very few points separating them. As of right now, the Rangers are in 5th; but who knows where they'll be when the final bell sounds on the 2007/08 NHL season. I'm just thrilled that they'll get to play some more games next week!
Boneman will be disappointed that Washington won (again!) tonight, and probably not pleased to see Ottawa smoke the Leafs... but on the other hand, Buffalo is on the verge of being eliminated (down 3-0 to the Canadiens in the 3rd) and that probably improves the prospects for Boston's final game of the season, against those same Sabres. Prior to that, the Bruins will face the Senators and hope that Ottawa completely shot their wad tonight in Toronto. While it's not likely that Boston and New York will face each other in the postseason this year, it's always a possibility if the Bruins can clinch in the next several days. To the best of my memory, in the nearly two decades that Boneman and I have known each other, I don't believe our two teams have met up in the playoffs. In other words, our friendship has yet to be put to the ultimate test!
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3 comments:
It's Party Time!
Yes...those chumps from Toronto once again didn't do me any favours (they could have beaten Buffalo the other night, and Ottawa last night..but nooooo!).
And finding out that Washington owns the tiebreaker on EVERY team from 5th thru 9th (since Washington is currently 8th and Philly is currently 9th) didn't make me happy.
Boston is the master of its own destiny. The bottom line is they need to win against Ottawa tonight and Buffalo tomorrow..but a part me wants to see Philly lose to New Jersey and Pittsburgh (a much tougher schedule for them).
My oxygen continues to keep me conscious on these last few days of the regular season!!
It is so tough being a fan at this time of year. Lot's 'o you holding your breath! My fingers are crossed for you Jason.
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