The Skinny on the Metro/Wild Card Playoff Race - Magic Number still 5

The Isles lost in Columbus while Montreal beat Florida and Washington beat Carolina.  The most positive part of the evening: no 3-point games)

Metro/Wild Card Playoff Watch 

1. Caps 98 points/77 games/41 ROW (Thursday at Carolina, Saturday at Tampa Bay)

2. Penguins 95 points/77 games/40 ROW (Friday vs. Nashville, Sunday vs. Carolina)

3. Isles 95 points/77 games/40 ROW (Thursday at Winnipeg, Saturday vs. Buffalo)

Wild Card Race

WC1. Hurricanes 91 points/76 games/40 ROW (Thursday vs. Washington, Saturday vs. Philadelphia)

WC2. Canadiens 90 points/77 games/39 ROW (Thursday at Columbus, Saturday at Winnipeg)

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WC3. Blue Jackets 88 points/76 games/41 ROW (Thursday vs. Montreal, Saturday at Nashville)

Magic Numbers:

The Isles Magic Number to clinch a playoff spot remains 5 as the Isles still have 95 points. While either Montreal or Columbus could still get to 100 points by winning all their remaining games, they play each other on Thursday, so one team is guaranteed to finish with 99 or fewer.

There are only 6 unique results for Thursday -- Isles will earn 0, 1, or 2 points  while the MTL/CBJ will either end in regulation or not.

The Magic Number to clinch a playoff spot after Thursday's Games will be:

2: If Isles win in any manner and MTL/CBJ game ends in regulation

3: If Isles win in any manner and MTL/CBJ game is tied after 60 minutes 

                                               OR

    If Isles lose in OT/SO and MTL/CBJ game ends in regulation

4: If Isles lose in regulation and MTL/CBJ ends in regulation

                                                OR

    If Isles lose in OT/SO and MTL/CBJ game is tied after 60 minutes

5: If Isles lose in regulation and MTL/CBJ game is tied after 60 minutes

(The Magic Number after Thursday's game will be against whichever team loses the MTL/CBJ game)

Looking Ahead to Saturday

Saturday will be a potential clinch date for the Isles UNLESS the Isles lose to Winnipeg in regulation while MTL/CBJ is tied after regulation. 

Tie Breakers:

Head-to-Head

Isles will need a regulation win in Washington on April 6th to tie this tie-breaker.  Isles have tied season series with Pittsburgh and won season series from Carolina. 

Goal Differential

Pittsburgh +33

Washington +29

Isles +24