Ouch, Sens.....

0-3 to the Canadiens. At home. That one has got to hurt. Although it looks like the Sens are going to make the playoffs, that loss must have been bitter. But they had the chance in ten (!) powerplays last night (the eleventh two minute minor for the Canadiens came at 19:57 of the third, so we're not "counting" it). That sort of inefficiency is what makes you loose matches, and in the long run: It doesn't give you a chance to play with the big boys.
Nothing is done yet, though. There are two matches left. And this will be a photo finish. For the Canadiens this must just have added more fuel to the tank. They're in good form and are just looking forward to the playoffs right now. Corey Price has really shown that the trade of Huet (to the Caps) wasn't a mistake. He stopped all 32 shots last night.

In the West, the Avalanche clinched their playoff spot, by beating the Canucks, 4-2. It was a game neither team could afford to loose. Sorry, Canucks. But things aren't looking good now, are they? The Avs' win was much thanks to returning Super Swede, Peter Forsberg. He had an assist at the 2-2 goal, and scored the game winner, 3-2, himself. The result means that the Flames almost has clinched their playoff spot. They're four points clear of the Canucks, since they beat the Oilers last night, 3-2.

Back to the East, the Caps has not given up their chase for a much desired spot in the playoffs. Last night they beat the Hurricanes, 4-1. Rookie Swede got an assist at the last goal, scored by - yes, it's him again - Alexander Ovechkin. The Caps are really putting the pressure on the Flyers. They're one point behind, but they have played one more match than the Pennsylvania based team, who are playing the Penguins (away) tonight. If they loose that one, there will be hell to pay. Because the Caps are in a good form. And the pressure is all on the Flyers. And on the Bruins, actually. They have the same amount of points as the Flyers (91, compared to the Caps at 90 pts). The Bruins are playing the Devils (away, in "The Rock"). I'm really looking forward to those clashes.

To be continued....tomorrow.