Speculation: The race for 97 points AKA the playoff push thread.

[dcv2002]

You are correct, I ment wouldn't.

As for us making the playoffs

National Hockey League Playoff Chances - Sports Club Stats

Has us at 99.5%. I believe they use a system that every team has an equal 50-50 shot of winning a game

The weighted system relies heavily on Goal Differential for which we are 6th in the league at +32. The 50/50 system would have us at 98.4% chance. Also, it has not been updated for last nights CBJ, PIT, and MTL wins.

 

[boredmale]

A big part of me hopes we finish second. For starters we get home ice advantage in the first round and secondly it still will put or draft pick in a decent position(21-25th)

 

[BrockLobster]

A big part of me hopes we finish second. For starters we get home ice advantage in the first round and secondly it still will put or draft pick in a decent position(21-25th)

I want to see a new banner for the 1st time in my adult life. I want the division!

 

[kmo429]

I want to see a new banner for the 1st time in my adult life. I want the division!

I want a new banner for the first time ever! Washington is very hot right now but lost a game they led 2-0 late in the 2nd last night to a division rival. Would love to see them drop a few in a row. as someone mentioned, would be awesome to jump them when we play them the last wee of the season.

 

[BelovedIsles]

We are 2 points out of first place with a game in hand. Sure they have been struggling lately, but every team goes on hot and cold streaks. For a team that has sucked lately, they have still managed to win 3 of their last 4 games. Washington has a tough schedule the rest of the way, if the isles play like they have most of the season, they will have a shot at stealing the division.

Idk, I’m not as convinced. We’ll see how it plays out.

 

[BelovedIsles]

Burned out? The only reason that is your observation is because of the timing. Every single team not named the Lightning have gone through a rough patch (or 5) during the course of the season. I personally feel the exact opposite. I think this rough stretch came at the right time. They have some time now to course correct and regain focus for the final push.

You definitely could be right but I think it is unlikely the team is burnt out after 69 games when Cup winning teams regularly play somewhere between 96 and 108 games. If by burnt out you are referring to mental over physical, you may be on to something, but I think mental energy and focus is easier to regroup and regain at this time of the season than physical would be

Just a theory. Could be mentally and physically, they’ve invested a lot in this season of adjustment.

 

[Uncle Duke]

The next game is the most important one of the year. And then the next game is, and then the game after that.

One at a time.

 

[kmo429]

On Monday, 3/18, no team relevant to our playoff chances will be in action. Today through Sunday, here's what everyone has:

Islanders - MTL, @DET, @MIN
Penguins - @BUF, STL, PHI
Habs - @NY, CHI
Capitals - @PHI, @TBLightning
Hurricanes - @CLB, BUF
Jackets - CAR, @TBLightning

 

[Islanders4Cups]

On Monday, 3/18, no team relevant to our playoff chances will be in action. Today through Sunday, here's what everyone has:

Islanders - MTL, @DET, @MIN
Penguins - @BUF, STL, PHI
Habs - @NY, CHI
Capitals - @PHI, @TBLightning
Hurricanes - @CLB, BUF
Jackets - CAR, @TBLightning

Prediction - mixed bag but Isles separate themselves from the wild card teams and 9th place but remain very tight with Caps and Pens for top 3 in the Metro.

Caps. 1-0-1. +3 points = 92
Islanders 2-1. +4 points = 91
Pens 2-0-1 +5 points = 90

Canes 1-0-1. +3 points = 86
Jackets 1-1 +2 points = 83
—————————————————
Habs 0-1-1. +1 point = 82

 

[BMOK33]

Just a theory. Could be mentally and physically, they’ve invested a lot in this season of adjustment.

I think we will see tonight if the 2 days off helped them. Of course they immediately have 3 games in 4 days again. However they have an advantage on Sunday in that they have off 6 additional hours than the Wild and will basically be in St. Paul before the Wild even take the ice against the Rangers

 

[doublechili]

Suppose there is a NYI-WAS series this year. Anyone think having their old coach as our coach might help us out in the strategery department?

 

[BMOK33]

Suppose there is a NYI-WAS series this year. Anyone think having their old coach as our coach might help us out in the strategery department?

Not really. The Caps play a more open style now. IMO they are easier to beat in a playoff series now than under Trotz because they’re just not that great defensively. They’ve mostly beaten bad teams in the last two weeks and haven’t looked spectacular in many of those games either. If you asked me right now I think Pittsburgh might win the division

 

[PK Cronin]

Not really. The Caps play a more open style now. IMO they are easier to beat in a playoff series now than under Trotz because they’re just not that great defensively. They’ve mostly beaten bad teams in the last two weeks and haven’t looked spectacular in many of those games either. If you asked me right now I think Pittsburgh might win the division

Despite the style they're playing, he will have insight into each specific players' strengths and weaknesses a bit more than someone who is just watching footage. I think that could be a pretty big factor.

 

[BrockLobster]

Magic #15.

 

[Tres Peleches]

On Monday, 3/18, no team relevant to our playoff chances will be in action. Today through Sunday, here's what everyone has:

Islanders - MTL, @DET, @MIN
Penguins - @BUF, STL, PHI
Habs - @NY, CHI
Capitals - @PHI, @TBLightning
Hurricanes - @CLB, BUF
Jackets - CAR, @TBLightning

While not currently directly against us, the Leafs matter as well. Unless the Flyers have a remarkable stretch here if you finish above the Leafs you make the playoffs regardless of what MTL does

 

[islesfan186]

I want to see a new banner for the 1st time in my adult life. I want the division!

Question about the division banner. Is it the team that finishes first in the regular season to get the division banner or the last team standing from the division in the playoffs?

 

[BrockLobster]

Question about the division banner. Is it the team that finishes first in the regular season to get the division banner or the last team standing from the division in the playoffs?

Im pretty sure its a regular season banner.

 

[SI90]

4 more wins! Lol

 

[Uncle Duke]

Suppose there is a NYI-WAS series this year. Anyone think having their old coach as our coach might help us out in the strategery department?

Maybe a teeny, tiny bit. And don't forget, Reirden and his players know Trotz tendencies as well. Not a pivotal factor at all IMO.

 

[Kevin27NYI]

I want first, and it’s very attainable. Washington has a rough schedule rest of the way

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

I want first, and it’s very attainable. Washington has a rough schedule rest of the way

Does going 6-5 over the last 11 get it done?

 

[Kevin27NYI]

Does going 6-5 over the last 11 get it done?

I mean, 1-11 could get it done in theory.

But I think that gives us a 50-50 shot.

8-3 could be a realistic option. Just need to beat Washington in or matchup to close it out

 

[doublechili]

It will be tough, but I'm still hoping we win the division and come in 2nd in the conference so that we have home ice in the first 2 rounds and then even the 3rd round if someone knocks off TBL. Think big.

 

[MJF]

I want first, and it’s very attainable. Washington has a rough schedule rest of the way

And we have that last game of the year in Washington.....

 

[bstash19]

And we have that last game of the year in Washington.....

That game is a must win for us. As long as we go into that game within 2 points of the caps, I believe winning it would get us the division. (A win would have us split the season series and I believe the tie breaker is goal differential, of which ours is currently better)