It is pretty funny that we get no help. We have to preface this all by saying it is on us. We win and we'll be fine, so we need to take care of our own business, but that still doesn't change the fact that it is pretty darn funny how this has all been going down recently.
I am not too concerned about Montreal because they are in the other division, and we'd still be in WC position over the Wings anyway. But yes that was comical.
The Flyers may have a tough schedule, but it matters what those top teams have to play for, the Flyers are really playing well right now, and they are getting a HUGE break dump. Home and home this weekend with the Pens and Neal gets hurt a few days ago, and Kunitz does as well. These games mean something to Pitt IMO. They are battling Boston for home ice, and I think that means something. But of course Philly gets an even more beat up Pens team with Neal and Kunitz gone. If Philly beats them again today in Pitt, that is really bad for us IMO.
The BJ game was the best of them all. Minny was up 2-0 in the SO going to the bottom of the 2nd. That means they need a save OR a goal OR a save and Minny wins. Just 1 of those 3 things and they win. I bet the % to win up 2-0 into the bottom of the 2nd in a SO is like 90% or 95%. Unreal they blew that. Huge 2nd point is right. CBJ has been the 2nd best team in the NHL, behind Boston, since early Jan. They concern me.
Here is where we are. I do think we get in, BUT as I have been saying for many weeks you want 2 or 3 in the Met division, not just a WC (really you want 2nd in the Met).
If you look at the WC standings we would be 4 ahead of the Caps. Even in games. Own the TB. That is solid IMO. The team that would be our biggest competition is the Wings. We are 3 up on them, BUT they have 2 games in hand, so they could be 1 up on us (we do own the TB).
Now I think we hold on against the Wings, but that is our main comp for the 2nd WC. BUT the 2nd WC also means the Bruins at the moment. Anyone feel good about us beating them...thought so...LOL.
So we need to man up now. We REALLY want 2nd in the Met, and worst case 3rd in the Met. It has come down to us, CBJ, and Philly. 2 get to play each other in the Met 2/3 battle. The other gets most likely Boston, but maybe Pitt in CBJ or Philly's case.
If you asked me where do I think we finish right now, I say the 2nd WC, and most likely Boston. That's just the truth of it. Now a win today against a red hot Shark team, and a loss today by the Flyers at Pitt and maybe I change that, but at the moment I feel like the 2nd WC is where we are headed.
Plus is we get the Flyers one more time, in our place. Downside I guess is our only game against CBJ is in their place. And CBJ doesn't have a really difficult schedule either. Right now my money would be on them getting 2 in the Met. Philly getting 3 (very small edge over us...pretty much a toss-up). Us getting the 2nd WC.
