Devils could face elimination tonight

The Devils could be eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs as early as tonight
if they do not beat the Isles. (They are mathematically alive no matter what
happens in other games if they win.)

If the Isles win in OT/SO: (Maximum points for NJ would drop to 86)
==> The Devils would be eliminated if Buffalo beats the Rangers (any type) --
eight teams would have at least 87 and the most the Devils could reach is 86)

If the Isles win in regulation: (Maximum points for NJ would drop to 85)
==> The Devils would be eliminated if Buffalo earns a point vs. Rangers (eight
teams would have at least 86), OR
==> Carolina beats Montreal (giving the Canes 84 points and guaranteeing that
either Buffalo or Carolina reach 86 - they play each other on Sunday)

(The Regulation OT win tiebreaker does not factor against NJ in any of these
situations)

Buffalo would jump over the Rangers with a regulation win tonight; both teams
would have 87 points in 77 games, but the Sabres would have one more ROW.

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home
telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on
Twitter @ehornick