NHL Eastern playoff race a scramble among five teams for two spots

5 groups have a sensible probability of capturing the ultimate wild-card spot within the Japanese Convention with two weeks remaining within the common season. These 5 groups are separated by 5 factors.

This is a have a look at every crew.

NEW YORK ISLANDERS

New York is third within the Metropolitan Division, which might robotically grant a playoff spot as one of many high three groups in a division after successful 4 straight, the newest a 2-0 dwelling victory over the Nashville Predators on Saturday. However with 85 factors, the Islanders are only one level forward of the Crimson Wings, who maintain the ultimate wild-card spot after play on Sunday. 

New York is the third Metropolitan crew to occupy third place within the division within the final 10 days. The Flyers had been there for a lot of the season and the Capitals briefly moved into that spot. If the Isles fall out of third place, one of many the considerations is that their 26 regulation wins are the fewest among the many 5 groups. Variety of regulation wins is the primary tiebreaker. New York has 5 video games remaining.

DETROIT RED WINGS

Detroit is at the moment within the playoffs with 84 factors regardless of stumbling for over the month. The Crimson Wings — for the second, no less than — righted themselves with a 3-1 dwelling victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday as Lucas Raymond, Patrick Kane and Dylan Larkin scored within the first eight minutes and goalie Alex Lyon made these tallies arise with 37 saves. 

Not like the opposite 4 groups, who might additionally make the playoffs by ending third within the Metropolitan, the Crimson Wings — of the Atlantic Division — can solely make the playoffs through the second wild-card spot. 

The Wings’ 27 regulation wins are the second least of the group. Detroit now prepares for probably its greatest sport of the season, internet hosting the Capitals on Tuesday evening at Little Caesars Enviornment. Detroit has 5 video games remaining.

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

After it appeared that Pittsburgh was out of the playoff image, the Penguins have gone 6-0-2 to barge again into the race. Pittsburgh defeated the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning 5-4 at dwelling on Saturday as Michael Bunting broke a 4-4 tie with 5:28 left. 

The most important causes for the Penguins’ resurgence has been 36-year-old captain Sidney Crosby and goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic. Pittsburgh has 83 factors and is tied with Washington, one level behind the Crimson Wings, however have 31 regulation wins to the Capitals’ 28. Pittsburgh has 5 video games left.

WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Except for the regulation wins, Washington has the very same 36-30-11 report as Pittsburgh. The Capitals squandered the prospect for an vital level and stretched their winless streak to 6 (0-4-2) in a 3-2 extra time loss to the Ottawa Senators at dwelling on Sunday. 

Washington’s Ridley Craig tied the competition 2-2 with 7:11 remaining in regulation, however Ottawa ‘s Jake Sanderson bought the winner simply 41 seconds into the 3-on-3 further session. The Capitals have 5 video games remaining.

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

After a shocking quantity of success in what was anticipated to be a rebuilding season, Philadelphia has struggled the longest of the 5 groups. The Flyers have misplaced 17 of their final 24 (7-12-5) and 7 in a row after dropping 4-2 to the Buffalo Sabres on Friday and 6-2 to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday. The Flyers even have 83 factors, however solely have 4 video games left.