The Skinny on the Playoff Chase

The Standings:

• 3 Washington (SE Leader) 42 games 23-17-2 48 points (20 ROW) Next game: Tuesday vs. Toronto
• 5. Toronto 41 games 23-13-5 51 points  (23 ROW) Next game: Monday vs. New Jersey
• 6  Ottawa  41 games 20-14-6 48 points  (17 ROW) Next game: Monday at Boston
• 7  NY Islanders 42 games 21-16-5 47 points  (18 ROW) Next game: Tuesday vs. Florida
• 8  NY Rangers 41 games  21-16-4 46 points  (17 ROW) Next game: Tuesday at Philadelphia
• 9  Winnipeg 42 games 21-19-2 44 points (20 ROW) Next game: Tuesday vs. Tampa Bay
• 10  New Jersey 41 games 15-16-10 40 points (13 ROW) Next game: Monday at Toronto
• 11 Buffalo 42 games 17-19-6 40 points (12 ROW) Next game: Sunday vs. Tampa Bay

What's a ROW?

Regulation or Overtime Wins. Wins earned in a shootout do not count towards the first tiebreaker.

What are the tie-breakers?

• Fewest games played  (That's why the New Jersey is 10th and Buffalo 11th)
• Most ROW
• Head-to-Head record
• Goal differential for the entire season

Isn't it Magic?

The Islanders' magic number (points earned by the Islanders or lost by the team that is not in a playoff position but has the highest possible points) for clinching a playoff spot is 10. Of the teams currently not in a playoff spot, Winnipeg can reach the highest total (56 points). 

Clinch #s:

The Isles will qualify for the playoffs if they can finish ahead of 7 other teams.  Here are the maximum point totals, and respective Clinch #s for the seven teams currently not in a playoff spot.

Winnipeg 44 points in 42 games.  Maximum points: 56.  Clinch #: 10

New Jersey 40 points in 41 games. Maximum points: 54.  Clinch #: 8

Buffalo 40 points in 42 games. Maximum points: 52.  Clinch #: 6

Philadelphia 37 points in 41 games. Maximum points: 51. Clinch # 5

Tampa Bay 37 points in 41 games. Maximum points: 51. Clinch #: 5

Carolina 36 points in 41 games.  Maximum points: 50. Clinch #: 4

Florida 32 points in 41 games. Maximum points: 46. CLINCHED -- Isles would win ROW tie-breaker

Upcoming Games:

Sunday, 4/14:

Tampa Bay at Buffalo--Sabres look to move with 4 points of the 8th place Rangers.  Buffalo will be first team in conference to play their 43th game,

Monday, 4/15:
Philadelphia at Montreal
Ottawa at Boston
New Jersey at Toronto

Tuesday, 4/16:

Florida at Islanders

Toronto at Washington
Carolina at Ottawa
Rangers at Philadelphia
Tampa Bay at Winnipeg

Wednesday, 4/17:

Montreal at Pittsburgh

Buffalo at Boston

There are 14 days remaining in the NHL season.  The season ends on Saturday, April 27th, with 12 Eastern Conference teams in action.  The Jets play their final game on April 25th while the Islanders face the Sabres in their final game on Friday, April 26.