Big week in the Atlantic division

[Mel]

The Rangers are fortunate to have a 4-day rest after last night's road loss to Ottawa. With only 8 games remaining, they sit 4 points ahead of Philadelphia, who has 2 games at hand, both to be played this weekend against the Islanders and Devils. The game counts big for New Jersey, who have crept only 7 points behind the Flyers.

The Rangers and Flyers will then meet Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden and one more time after that in Philly. Should be a great finish to the season. I'll be at MSG next Thursday for the Ranger/Islander game :)

[wildboy26]

I wonder how big a deal it is for the Rangers to be the 3rd seed vs 5th seed? Well they would get home ice, and they would play one of Montreal, Tampa, or New Jersey in the first round as the 3rd seed. As the 5th seed they would play a team that might be considered an easier first round than a proven playoff performer like New Jersey, and to a lesser extent Tampa Bay though.

[Mel]

The team I'd like to draw right now if the playoffs started today is Buffalo. Ice cold at the wrong time.