NHL Eastern conference playoff race.

This is the playoff race before tonight's matchups. Note that only 3 tiny points separate 6th from 11th spots. Tampa Bay and the Islanders have slowed down lately and now are in danger to miss the playoffs.

6	NY RANGERS	77	39	29		9	87	223	204
7	TAMPA BAY	77	41	32		4	86	237	245
8	MONTREAL	77	40	31		6	86	231	239
9	CAROLINA	76	38	30		8	84	226	230
10	TORONTO	76	37	29		10	84	238	243
11	NY ISLANDERS	76	36	28		12	84	227	221