Isles lost a point last night. With games in hand (3) we are 5 up on them. We already own the TB despite playing 3 less games. I would be surprised if we didn't finish ahead of the Isles now. But to me I don't think it is a huge deal. Most likely 1st means the Caps, they are the most obvious choice to be 4th. 2nd we play the Isles or Pens. I truly don't see a huge difference. I would like home ice round 1, so 1st or 2nd I am fine. And I think we'll get that. With that said, I get your point as a lucky goal with 1.1 left gives the Isles a point. By itself that is very annoying...I agree...LOL.
It changes weekly, but right now I don't think we'll play the Pens round 1. They can be 2 up on the Isles and they have the easiest remaining schedule of any team. I think we are going to be locked into 1 or 2 in the Met. We have a 3 point lead on the Pens (own the TB) and potentially a 5 point lead on the Isles (3 games in hand and own TB already). The odds that we finish behind the Pens AND the Isles are slim to me unless we really struggle. I think us or the Pens finish 1st. Us, or the Pens, or the Isles finish 2nd. Isles or Pens finish 3rd (most likely the Isles). Our most likely 1st round matchup is the Caps. Next I would say the Isles. Then I would say the Bruins (if we catch Montreal we'd get the lower WC the Bruins). Last is the Pens because I just think one of us finishes 1st, which means we cannot play in round 1. That's how I see it with 20 left.
Be careful what you wish for. Coming in as one of the top 2 seeds adds more pressure. Always felt the Rangers were a better playoff road team. Only time I want a home game at all cost is game 7.
I've talked about this before...............LUCK. It happens way too often. Throw the puck at the net and anything can happen............ and that's why when I watch the Rangers on their pass precision PP game, I'm yelling "....... shoot that puck at the net!"
Luck reared its ugly head in a bad way as recently as last year's Finals. The Kings got several bounces on goals that ultimately decided the series Here is to us getting that in this year's postseason