Numbers show Pens have best path to playoffs

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – In the span of a few days the Pens went from being tied for the last playoff spot to having the easiest schedule down the stretch. Here is a look at the standings and remaining games for each of the teams around the Pens.

The top three teams in the Metropolitan Division make the playoffs, almost assuredly Carolina will win the division. The Hurricanes currently have 100 points with eight games to play.

The second and third place teams in the division qualify for the playoffs and then the Wild Card goes to the two best records in the Atlantic or Metro division that aren’t in the top three.

For this, we will focus on the division.

PENS

Currently in second place in the Metro with 92 points

Remaining schedule (7 games)

• Thursday at Tampa Bay (98 points)
• Saturday & Sunday home to Florida (75 points)
• April 9 at New Jersey (78 points)
• April 11 home to Washington (85 points)
• April 12 at Washington (85 points)
• April 14 at St. Louis (73 points)

Islanders

Currently in third place in the Metro with 89 points

Remaining schedule (6 games)

• Friday home to Philadelphia (86 points)
• Saturday at Carolina (100 points)
• April 9 home to Toronto (77 points)
• April 11 home to Ottawa (86 points)
• April 12 home to Montreal (96 points)
• April 14 home to Carolina (100 points)

Blue Jackets

Currently in the final Wild Card spot with 88 points

Remaining schedule (7 games)

• Thursday at Carolina (100 points)
• Saturday home to Winnipeg (76 points)
• April 7 at Detroit (86 points)
• April 9 at Buffalo (100 points)
• April 11 at Montreal (96 points)
• April 12 home to Boston (94 points)
• April 14 home to Washington (85 points)

Flyers

Currently 3 points behind the Islanders with 86 points

Remaining schedule (8 games)

• Thursday home to Detroit (86 points)
• Friday at Islanders (89 points)
• Sunday home to Boston (94 points)
• April 7 at New Jersey (78 points)
• April 9 at Detroit (86 points)
• April 11 at Winnipeg (76 points)
• April 13 home to Carolina (100 points)
• April 14 home to Montreal (96 points)

Capitals

Currently 4 points back of the Islanders with 85 points

Remaining schedule (7 games)

• Thursday at New Jersey (78 points)
• Saturday home to Buffalo (100 points)
• Sunday at New York Rangers (71 points)
• April 9 at Toronto (77 points)
• April 11 at PENS (92 points)
• April 12 home to Pens (92 points)
• April 14 at Columbus (88 points)

TAKEAWAYS

• Opponents currently in a playoff spot—PENS-1, Islanders-3, Columbus-5, Philadelphia-4, Washington-4
• Average points by opponents—PENS (81.2), Islanders (90.8), Columbus (91), Philadelphia (88.1), Washington (85.4)

While there are no guarantees, the Pens endured the busiest month in team history and with a late flurry came out with the best schedule going forward.