Eastern Conference Wild Card Watch

[Boyon90]

Habs will clinch against the Hawks. Demidov will score.

3 times

 

[Strangle]

Boston died so that Ottawa could finally make the playoffs

 

[CauZuki]

3 times

Only 3? Bust...Even Sam Gagner can do better than that!

 

[CBJx614]

All the pressure is back on Montreal...

 

[stevo61]

Columbus dug themselves too deep of a hole but good on them for finishing with a strong effort

 

[Frank Drebin]

Columbus dug themselves too deep of a hole but good on them for finishing with a strong effort

i don’t like the look of it

 

[Rebels57]

Columbus catching Montreal and knocking them out would be absolutely hilarious

 

[SteelCityCannon]

Columbus catching Montreal and knocking them out would be absolutely hilarious

I really don't see Montreal losing at home to Chicago, but it would be epic if this came down to the last game of the season.

 

[CarolinaBlueJacket]

Jackets are not going to make the playoffs, but at least they are putting up a fight. They just feel apart after the stadium game. If only...

 

[MVP of West Hollywd]

I think Blackhawks and likely resting players Hurricanes is too easy an end for Montreal for Columbus to get in here.

 

[Kudo Shinichi]

In Demidov we trust

 

[SteelCityCannon]

Not sure either team deserves it at this point, but we shall continue...

 

[Frank Drebin]

Not sure either team deserves it at this point, but we shall continue...

If cbj wins 6 or 7 in a row yeah they deserve it

 

[WarriorofTime]

Neutral but rooting for Columbus to get a regulation win to make the last day more interesting

 

[ViD]

Man it sucks the last games for both teams are on different days. Would’ve been a much more epic drama if they played at the same time

 

[CBJx614]

Man it sucks the last games for both teams are on different days. Would’ve been a much more epic drama if they played at the same time

If it plays out that CBJ are still in it come Thursday, Nationwide arena will be absolutely ELECTRIC. It's gonna be a playoff atmosphere...

 

[Frank Drebin]

Man it sucks the last games for both teams are on different days. Would’ve been a much more epic drama if they played at the same time

In a way it’s better
All eyes on cbjs last game vs nyi ( if necessary)

 

[Rockomax]

If it plays out that CBJ are still in it come Thursday, Nationwide arena will be absolutely ELECTRIC. It's gonna be a playoff atmosphere...

I'll be surprised if this scenario doesn't materialize; I don't see Colombus losing against the Flyers the way they are playing right now; I also don't see Montreal getting a point against the Hurricanes the way they are playing of late. At this point, the Blue Jackets deserve it more too: Gaudreau, playing extended periods of time without key players due to injuries, etc.

The Canadiens seem exhausted; they don't look like they have it in them, especially after losing to Chicago at home.

 

[chaz4hockey]

I'll be surprised if this scenario doesn't materialize; I don't see Colombus losing against the Flyers the way they are playing right now; I also don't see Montreal getting a point against the Hurricanes the way they are playing of late. At this point, the Blue Jackets deserve it more too: Gaudreau, playing extended periods of time without key players due to injuries, etc.

The Canadiens seem exhausted; they don't look like they have it in them, especially after losing to Chicago at home.

Well, Donnie in Columbus is probably going to be disappointed. If Donnie had made the Necas for draft pick trade (Canes would have drafted Demidov), then Jackets would be in a playoff spot right now (not that I blame him for a non guarantee extension from Necas)

The Canes are talking about resting a bunch of players (leaving them in Raleigh today) and using Chicago wolves call ups for the Canadian trip.

 

[stevo61]

That period where Columbus couldn't score, couldn't get a save and Evason overplaying guys who had no right put them in a pretty deep hole but the way this team always comes back fighting is pretty admirable. Dont know how it ends but the way this team keeps finding ways to make things interesting has been fun

 

[Habsfunk]

As a Habs fan, it's frustrating to watch them throw away a nearly guaranteed playoff spot. At the same time, I'm just happy to see the team make so much progress this year and have Hutson and Demidov emerging as future stars. With how tired they look right now, I can't see them making much of an impact in the playoffs anyhow. Not to mention Columbus has such a good story, I can't be mad if they beat us out as they will truly deserve it. If it were any other team, I would be more pissed.

 

[Ghost of Murph]

As a Habs fan, it's frustrating to watch them throw away a nearly guaranteed playoff spot. At the same time, I'm just happy to see the team make so much progress this year and have Hutson and Demidov emerging as future stars. With how tired they look right now, I can't see them making much of an impact in the playoffs anyhow. Not to mention Columbus has such a good story, I can't be mad if they beat us out as they will truly deserve it. If it were any other team, I would be more pissed.

Very much my feelings as well. This has been a great season for the Habs and has shown that the future is very bright. I really want the young guys to get some playoff experience even if it's only one series.

Both Columbus and Montreal have had more than enough chance to make the playoffs, but lacked the consistency to seal the deal. Columbus, much like Montreal, has played its heart out despite lacking the talent of upper-tier teams. Kudos to whichever team makes it, even if it burns a little if the Habs fall short.

Similar feelings toward the Flames and Blues. Would be great if the Flames can pull a rabbit out of the hat, but the Blues and Montgomery have been an awesome story this season, so in the end congrats to them if they hold onto the WC spot.

 

[SteelCityCannon]

That period where Columbus couldn't score, couldn't get a save and Evason overplaying guys who had no right put them in a pretty deep hole but the way this team always comes back fighting is pretty admirable. Dont know how it ends but the way this team keeps finding ways to make things interesting has been fun

Yup. I'm proud of them either way.

Honestly one of CBJ or Montreal will make it but they should both feel this way. Two teams with very bright futures.

 

[Rockomax]

Well, Donnie in Columbus is probably going to be disappointed. If Donnie had made the Necas for draft pick trade (Canes would have drafted Demidov), then Jackets would be in a playoff spot right now (not that I blame him for a non guarantee extension from Necas)

The Canes are talking about resting a bunch of players (leaving them in Raleigh today) and using Chicago wolves call ups for the Canadian trip.

The Canadiens didn't exactly face an A team last night either, yet found a way to lose. It this point, I have no expectations; what happens happens. I think it's a coin flip.

Plus, I'm not sure what I prefer; a team full of vets who don't care about the outcome and play not to get injured or a team full of less talented players eager to prove themselves.

 

[LiseL]

TV audiences, Florida teams don't reflect what New York does nationally, not really close. New York-Washington brings in at least 2 of the top metropolises in the U.S. to the tv/screen.

It's good that St. Louis will be in, but having Boston, Philly, Detroit, Pittsburgh and Chicago on the outside could have a downturn in viewership this playoff, competing with the NBA. Philly fans well they have the Super Bowl at least. Out West 4 markets will be competing with NBA in their arenas and on TV.

If Ottawa or Winnipeg make the Cup, Gary is going to have to expand the league to decrease the odds of that ever happening again.

Imagine Ottawa and Winnipeg in the finals .