Tonight, the Montreal Canadiens travel to the Big Apple to take on the New York Rangers and gain more ground in their chase for home-ice advantage. It wasn't long ago people were wondering if the Canadiens would even make it to the post season, and now people are wondering if they'll finish top 4, which is not exactly wishful thinking anymore.
Montreal sits in 7th with 3 games remaining at 92 points. The Flyers sit in 4th with 4 games remaining at 95 points. If the Flyers lose 3 of the 4 games, and Montreal can go 3-0-0 for the stretch, they would pass the Flyers. Also, if the Flyers go 1-2-1, and the Habs go 3-0-0, the Habs would still leap frog them due to more wins on the season. But there is something that stands in the way for the Habs: injuries, and the New York Rangers.
The Rangers are in a battle of their own. They currently hold the fort on the 8th and final seed for the post-season, but behind every bush and tree, there rest ye ole jungle cat. The Florida Panthers are effectively keeping pace with the city slickers, and coincidentally, they play the Flyers tonight.
If Florida manages to upset the Flyers in Philadelphia tonight, and Montreal gains a win, the Panthers will jump the Rangers for 8th, and Montreal will creep within 1 point of the Flyers, threatening to steal home-ice advantage. The Habs should be on top of this game like a Golem on the ring.
But the same strategy is exactly why the Rangers will be more than ready tonight. They need to hold off those Panthers and keep the post-season dreams alive, otherwise they are potentially doomed for a playoff run and that makes Ric Flair said. Right Ric?
I think he's already prepping.
So tune in tonight for some great hockey, good discussion and of course a whole whack of trivia on the liveblog. Hosted by The Score, it's a game you don't want to miss!
Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Liveblog: Rangers and Habs on The Score
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Hawks and Habs Pre-Game
The Blackhawks and Canadiens will battle it out tonight in a matchup that features some former teammates. Carey Price, who skated alongside Johnathan Toews in the World Juniors, will get the nod in net for the Habs, while the former Red, Blue and White, Cristobal Huet, will get the start for the Blackhawks.
Montreal needs the win tonight to stay ahead of the Sabres and Panthers who are creeping up on them for the 8th seed. Any point tonight for the Habs will also knock off the Maple Leafs officially from post-season contention - a feat the Leafs pulled on the Habs just 2 seasons ago. Montreal is just 1 point ahead of the 9th placed Panthers, but they do have a game on hand; a game they need to put to good use tonight against the Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks, on the other hand, are currently tied in points (91) with the 5th placed Vancouver Canucks, with a game on hand as well. They, too, will look to put it to good use tonight and maintain a position of home-ice advantage in the playoffs. Their recent game against the Canucks was a physical and emotional game that saw a lot of frustration from both sides and a few fights.
If the playoffs were to start today, the Hawks would face Vancouver in the first round, while Montreal would meet Boston - their first round original six rivals from last year's post-season, but instead of the Habs on top, it would be the Bruins.
It's starting to shape up for some great first round series'. I, for one, am counting the days.
You can follow the liveblog with me, tonight, on The Score. Tune in for some great hockey discussion, a great game, and a whole lot of awesome.
Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com
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