While the Eastern Conference wildcard race is FAR from a done deal at this point, a lot of people have the sneaking suspicion that the final week of the season could see the BIG remaining race being the one for third place in the Atlantic between Detroit and Boston.
In just the last day, Detroit went from ninth in the East to leapfrogging three teams in the standings-- wildcard teams NY Islanders and Philadelphia plus Boston -- to switch places with the Bruins. The final week of the season could see the Bruins and Red Wings flip flop spots a couple more times.
Actually, it's setting up a VERY interesting situation where it's possible that the team that automatically gets because it finishes third in the Atlantic could have fewer points than either wildcard team (both Metro clubs). Does that seem right or fair? I go back and forth about that aspect but it sure makes for great drama and isn't that really what it's about?
Just now the Bruins came two-thirds of the way back from a 6-0 deficit to the Chicago.... AKA a 6-4 loss... so they gain no ground on anyone, whether Detroit or a wildcard team. The Bruins and Wings both have three games left, including a head-to-head. If that one ends in an OT win for Detroit, we could be looking at the MAJOR possibility that not even the ROW tiebreaker is going to decide that race.
Great stuff, as I see it.