Here's my thoughts on what we need to do and my guess on what will happen.
Devils - 82 points - 5 gms left - Car, Cgy, Ott, NYI, Bos
Jackets - 85 points - 5 gms left - NYI, Phx, Dal, TBL, Fla
Leafs - 84 points - 4 gms left - Wpg, TBL, Fla, Ott
Caps - 81 points - 5 gms left - NYI, Stl, Car, Chi, TBL
Arguably the Caps have the toughest schedule left and may win 3 at most would be my guess. It's completely possible they win only 1. Prediction: 85 points
The Leafs are 1 game short on everyone and have the 2nd easiest schedule. However, they are the Leafs and injuries in net don't make them look as likely to string together too much. I'd say they may win 2 of 4 but we have a game in hand and own the tie breaker. Prediction: 88 points
Jackets have the 2nd toughest schedule though they've been playing hard. Phx, Dal, and TBL are the tough games for them and if they lose any 2 games during the stretch, it opens a big door. They also play 4 games in 5 nights so fatigue is bound to play a factor Prediction: 89 points
We have the, on paper, easiest schedule. However, injuries suck and that plays a role. The teams we are playing have also been relishing their spoiler role so we can't expect anything to come easy. After the heart we showed last night and the effort, we can win these games but we're going to have to play like that every night and Schneider is gonna have to Schneid the hell out of everything. He's looked good since getting out of his post-Olympic funk so let's hope ol' Pete will do the smart thing and keep him in net. Prediction: 90 points
Optimistic, certainly but if anything this team has shown they just won't die and it'll keep things interesting down the stretch. I still have a sneaky suspicion we drop one of the next few games and it will come down to the final game in Boston. Had the feeling for a while now. Oh well, let's enjoy the ride!
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