There aren’t many certainties, it seems, when it comes to the three-team race for the Eastern Conference’s two unresolved playoff spots.
That said, it seems like we can count on the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers to at least keep things interesting.
As you can see here, the Bruins thwarted the Red Wings’ attempt to clinch yet another playoff berth on Thursday. It seems like everything was coming up Millhouse for the Bruins with the Flyers trailing the lowly Toronto Maple Leafs heading into the third period of that game ... but it couldn’t be that simple, could it?
Nope, instead, the Flyers managed to force the game into overtime before falling 4-3 in OT to Toronto.
Fittingly, Wayne Simmonds scored his 30th goal at an opportune time for Philly:
The #WayneTrain is always on time. #TORvsPHI pic.twitter.com/wJlK9YgJvO
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 8, 2016
That's the Leafs' revenge on the Bruins, served cold.
— Jason Brough 🙁 (@SadClubCommish) April 8, 2016
So, you might wonder how things look. First, the standings view:
OK, now let’s roll out the clinching scenarios for each team.
For the Flyers: They can clinch a spot by winning their two remaining games.
For the Red Wings: Can clinch by beating the New York Rangers in regulation or overtime.
For the Bruins: Can clinch with any kind of win against the Ottawa Senators AND any kind of loss for the Red Wings.
Also:
All remaining clinching scenarios for the @DetroitRedWings (an ROW Saturday clinches, otherwise they’ll need help): pic.twitter.com/UE4Zj5mXXX
— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) April 8, 2016
As you can see, the Red Wings and Flyers can “control their destiny” while Bruins will need a little help.
Of course, there are some other scenarios depending upon wins and losses, especially beyond regulation ... but the simpler version is to win.
