Can New York Islanders Clinch Unexpected Playoff Berth Over Habs, Rangers?
The New York Islanders just one point back from Montreal Canadiens for second wild card spot in Eastern Conference
The Eastern Conference Playoff picture is pretty much locked up with only remaining spots being the two wild card spots.
The Ottawa Senators occupy the first wild card spot with a four-point lead over the next closest team in the Montreal Canadiens, who sit in the second wild card spot. The race behind them is very tight with the two New York teams in the Rangers and Islanders just one point behind them with 74 points a piece.
The Islanders, up until recently, looked dead in the water but thanks to a 7-3-3 record since late February, their hopes are alive once again.
However, with the third-hardest remaining strength of schedule, they may have a hard time reaching their goal as they are headed towards matchups against the Rangers, Hurricanes and Wild as well as a pair of matchups versus the Bolts and Capitals.
Things won't be easier for the Rangers as they also have tough matchups ahead with the same list of upcoming opponents with the Panthers instead of the Capitals. The Blueshirts will also have to overcome both the Habs and Islanders having two games in hand over them.
Fan favorite Matt Rempe may be in some part responsible for the Rangers recent losing skid with 15 penalty minutes over his last eight games in which New York has gone 3-5-0 with seven power play goals allowed. This comes as a surprise for a Rangers team that has the second-best net penalty kill in the NHL, operating at 88.4 per cent.
It's believed by many that it's simply Rempe's reputation that is warranting the calls but the downward spiral of what was once a strong suit for the team makes me not as interested in an investment with the Rangers unless they find their game once again.
It appears the best case is being made for the Habs as they have the easiest remaining schedule of the three teams with several layup opportunities like matchups versus slumping teams like the Bruins and Blackhawks as well as two games versus the Flyers.
All but one of the games will be at home and should provide easy points for a Habs team that has to turn things on after losing their last three straight.
Luckily for us, Montreal is still listed at a great value with +180 odds to make the postseason. The time to take this is now as the Habs next matchup is against a Philadelphia team that has lost six straight games. A win would keep them ahead of the pack and certainly drag down the odds in the process.