so what do we have for playoff matchups and what is to be settled?
In the West the Bruins are making an attempt at making the 8th and final spot in a battle with the Jackets with only 1 point separating them. The Avs are still within range as well but with 3 games left it would be surprising to see them in it.
The Bruins have the Oilers, Leafs and Ducks ahead of them and the Jackets have the Wild 3 times and the Canucks left. It certainly is there for the Bruins unless the Wild rest players down the stretch.
The Avs have LA, Anaheim and the Yotes left, so there is a chance if either the Bruins or Jackets slip.
The Blues and Flames along with Ducks and Wild are the only other positional fights going on in the West.
Right now the matchups are:
1. Stars vs 8. Jackets
2. Sharks vs 7. Oilers
3. Wild vs 6. Blues
4. Ducks vs 5. Flames
In the East things are a bit tighter at the bottom with all of the Wings, Islanders, Canes and Senators within shooting distance of the 8th with the Wings in the drivers seat.
Detroit has the Pens twice along with the Flyers, the Isles have the Caps, Oil and Flyers left the Canes have NJ, Tampa and the Oil and Senators have Buffalo twice along with the Ducks. Who has the easiest path?
Philly and the Habs are still fighting for the 4/5 slot and Tbay and the Leafs for 6/7.
Right now the matchups are:
1. Jersey vs 8. Wings
2. Pens vs 7. Lightning
3. Panthers vs 6. Leafs
4. Montreal vs 5. Philadelphia
