The plan was to take two games from the Islanders, have the Flyers defeat the Devils and head into Sunday’s game to determine who’d get home ice advantage in the 4th-5th seed match-up. The Flyers came through, but the Rangers managed just three of four points, which mean’s the Rangers could finish anywhere from fourth through sixth.
While fourth gives the Rangers home ice, and fifth seed a chance to play just across the Hudson for their road games, the sixth seed could well be less appealing. With Carolina’s loss last night, the Capitals can clinch the third seed today with a single point against the Panthers…the Caps have won six in a row and fourteen of their last seventeen (eleven of those wins in regulation).
So here’s the updated scenarios:
Fourth Seed
Rangers win in regulation on Sunday against the Devils
Fifth Seed
Rangers win in OT/SO or lose in OT/SO
Sixth Seed
Rangers lose in regulation
Bruins beat Sabres today
In terms of their opponent, the Rangers will play either the Devils (if Rangers get 4th or 5th seed) or will play one of either the Hurricanes or Capitals (6th seed).
The Rangers have won all seven match-ups with the Devils this season, with three going to OT or the shootout. The Devils haven’t won in regulation since March 15th (3-5-1) and lost 3-0 to the Flyers last night.
Still if there’s any lesson to be learned it’s that history doesn’t always predict the future. The Devils had won six straight against the Flyers before last night.
CAR
PIT
CBJ