Playoff Race Clusterf**k, Apr. 7

The only game that mattered to the Eastern Conference playoff bubble ended in favor of the Hurricanes, who shut out the Red Wings in Raleigh by a score of 3-0. This win moves Carolina within a single win of tying the Rangers in 8th.

The only two spots still up for grabs are 7th and 8th, occupied by the Sabres and Rangers. The magic numbers for each team are 2 and 3, respectively. The Hurricanes can only get in by winning out and getting some help.

There are two Eastern Conference games on the schedule tonight and both have an impact on the Sabres, albeit in differing capacities. Sabres fans will want to see the Thrashers somehow pull off a victory over the Rangers in regulation, helping keep them in 7th. That doesn’t seem plausible whatsoever. However, a Senators win over the Canadiens seems like a distinct possibility and would help to further muddle the placement of teams in 6th, 7th, and 8th.