The Skinny on the Playoff Chase (through March 4th) Magic Number: 36

With 36 days left in the regular season, it's time for the first edition of "The Skinny on the Playoff Chase"

	Metropolitan			GP		PTS
1.   Washington		64			95
2.   Columbus		63			86
3.   Pittsburgh		63			86
	Atlantic		GP		PTS
	1.      Montréal		66		82
	2.      Ottawa		63		76
	3.      Boston		65		74
	Wild Card		GP		PTS
	1.      NY Rangers		65		84
	2.      ISLANDERS		63		71
	3.      Toronto		64		70
	4.      Florida		64		69
	5.      Philadelphia		64		68
	6.      Tampa Bay		64		68
	7.      Buffalo		65		66

The Isles Magic Number to clinch a playoff berth is 36 (over Toronto).  As a refresher, the magic number is the points gained by Isles/lost by opponent that guarantee the Isles will finish ahead of the team in question.  Toronto can finish with 106 points, meaning the Isles need 36 more points to lock them out.

Sunday's games (top 13 only):

Isles @ Calgary 4pm

Buffalo @ Pittsburgh 5pm

Columbus @ New Jersey 5pm

The Isles magic number is dependent only on their result.  It will be 34 if the Isles win, 35 if they lose in extra time and 36 if they lose in regulation.

Monday's games:

Rangers @ Tampa Bay 7:30

Dallas @ Washington 7:30

Boston @ Ottawa 7:30

The Isles magic number will not change on Monday.

Tuesday's games:

Isles @ Edmonton 9:00

Rangers @ Florida 7:30

Philadelphia @ Buffalo 7:30

New Jersey @ Columbus 7:00

Detroit @ Toronto 7:30

Montreal @ Vancouver 10:00

Wednesday's games:

Pittsburgh @ Winnipeg 8pm

Ottawa @ Dallas 8pm

Detroit @ Boston 8pm

Thursday's games:

Isles @ Vancouver 10pm

Rangers @ Carolina 7pm

Philadelphia @ Toronto 7:30

Minnesota @ Tampa Bay 7:30

Montreal @ Calgary 9pm

Washington @San Jose 10:30

Friday's games:

Minnesota @ Florida 7:30

Buffalo @ Columbus 7:00

Pittsburgh @ Edmonton 9:00