Recaps: Boston Wins, Montreal Loses
Going to stick to recaps that have playoff implications from now until the end of the season.
One of the games the Rangers were certainly watching was the Boston Bruins versus the Buffalo Sabres, since the Rangers have a chance to catch them by the end of the season, as long as they won out. The Bruins beat the Sabres, 3-1, to help cement their playoff chances. Miroslav Satan (9), Dennis Wideman (6), and Mark Recchi (18) had goals for the Bruins. Tuukka Rask made 31 saves, earning his 21st victory of the season. The Bruins (6th place) now have 87 points, with two games left to play, and 37 victories. (Rangers also have 37 wins, but just 84 points).
The Carolina Hurricanes helped the Rangers somewhat by defeating the Montreal Canadiens 5-2. Eric Staal (29,41) had a hat trick and two assists, while Chad LaRose (11,16) had two goals and two assists. The Canadiens (7th place) have 87 points, one game left to play, and 39 wins on the year.
The Rangers best chance at getting into the playoffs is by beating the Flyers twice (at least once in regulation).
Here’s the rest of the scenarios, stated succinctly by Andrew Gross:
- The Bruins need just two points in their final two games – Saturday against the Hurricanes and Sunday at Washington.
- The Canadiens need one point in their season-finale hosting the Maple Leafs on Saturday
- The Flyers need two points in two games against the Rangers.
