Ok the old NHL thread we had in here seems to have died so here's a new one because there is just about a month to go before the dance of 16 teams begins for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. So many tight races, especially out west! The race is on for the final 2 playoff spots in the east as well with about 6 teams fighting. Montreal and Tampa are playing tonight, Montreal holding 7th and Tbay holding 8th but only 2 pts up on Atlanta.... Toronto and the NY Islanders are both 6 pts back. I am going to see the Leafs play the Bruins tomorrow night, if the Bruins lose then they are pretty much out of it. Slim hopes for my Leafs still making it but I have sorta resigned to the fact that they won't just too many hot teams and the leafs have a tough sked, 15 of the last 19 games against teams with better records then them.... time to blow up Leaf Land...

ugh Canucks lost

I think its over in Vancouver at least Edmonton will get in.....

It aint over till its over.

Vancouver can get if they win their 3 remaining games against San Jose (2) and Colorado (this one is more likely than the latter two), so long as Edmonton doesn't win all 3 of their final 3 games.

If Edmonton wins tonight against Detroit, than Vancouver HAS to win at least 2 of their remaining 3 games.

If Edmonton loses tonight to Detroit, Vancouver can win all 3 of their remaing games and end up clinching the final playoff spot over Edmonton (because Vancouver has the tiebreaker).

Also if Edmonton loses all 3 of their remaning games (in regulation) Vancouver only has to win 1 of their remaining 3.

If Edmonton wins all 3 of their games, than no matter what Vancouver does, they can't get in, Edmonton will clinch.

Vancouver could do it, I don't think they will. WTF happened to Naslund?

Its not over no I just think the odds are stacked against them....

Well the Canucks once again have their destiny in their own hands and will not need to rely on other teams in order to make the playoffs...that is IF they can win ALL of their remaining 3 games against San Jose, San Jose and Colorado.

Edmonton lost tonight to Detroit and only has 2 more games left (1 with Anaheim and 1 with Colorado). Vancouver NEEDS to win tomorrow night now OR the following night and we gotta hope and pray that Edmonton just doesn't win anymore.

If Van wins tomorrow night the move to 8th place and knock the Oilers to 9th (even though both teams will have played the same amount of games and will have the same number of points - Van has tie-breaker over Edmonton in # of wins).

Detroit gave Vancouver a gift tonight (something St. Louis did two nights ago that the Canucks blew away), I think I will kill my self if they blow this 2ND CHANCE!

Mitch, I love ya but beating San Jose back to back is almost impossible the way the Canucks have played as of late. I dont see the Canucks getting in the playoffs and if they do it will be an 8 seed, and you aint getting past the Red Wings regardless.

Yeah the Canucks control their own destiny but I agree with Kirk, beating SJ two straight nights.... a team that has hardly lost at all in the 2nd half of the season wow tough task...... I am pulling for them though. The Canucks that is.

Here's hoping Sens win tonight and keep #1.

Sens are slowly starting to get all their injured players back. They should be fine in time for playoffs.... they still need Haske 100% though to get over the hump... Emery as solid as he has been will not take them on a long cup run.... IMO.

Sens are slowly starting to get all their injured players back. They should be fine in time for playoffs.... they still need Haske 100% though to get over the hump... Emery as solid as he has been will not take them on a long cup run.... IMO.

Definately not. And I don't think we can play Montreal and win the first round with the team we have now. Hasek is a must.

We can beat Tampa Bay with Emery though.

YAY for Edmonton!! Do u like that Mitch?

With Edmonton's 2-1 victory over Anaheim tonight coupled with Vancouver's heartbreaking 5-3 loss to the Sharks, the Canucks are officially elimated from playoff contention and the Oilers clinch the 8th and final playoff spot.... sorry Mitch

Calgary also with a 2-0 win over Colorado clinched their first division title in 11 years.

Canucks TRADE BERTUZZI

Canucks TRADE BERTUZZI

Who would want him?

After all this Vokoun drama, Nashville has held their ground as of late, although they played mostly Chicago and St.Louis, but Mason is holding his own the last 4 games. I doubt this will continue, but I am really lookign forward to the Preds/Detroit game this coming up Monday to end the regular season.

The Preds clinched the #4 spot tonight, so hell yeah to having home ice in the first round of the playoffs! If the Preds win out in their next 2 games at home, Nashville will have the fewest losses at home in the ENTIRE NHL(32-9, right now Carolina has only 9 as well)!

Canucks TRADE BERTUZZI

Really? Where?

Sens can never play Morrison again. Honestly that game was so brutal, Alfie scored and forced Overtime and then the goalie just ruined it all by letting one weak goal in. Sad. Ah well, playoffs are the focus anyway.