The New Jersey Devils may not have been in action last night, but their chances of earning a playoff berth this season improved by a couple percent.
Thanks to losses from the Maple Leafs, Capitals and Red Wings, the Devils remain just five points out of both wild card spots, which are currently held by the Blue Jackets and Red Wings.
SportsClubStats gives the Devils an 18.3% chance of making the playoffs this season when they entered last night having just a 16.1% chance. It wasn't a big boost, but it was a step in the right direction.
The Devils still have a long way to go and need seven wins (with a loss or two - maybe all three - coming in OT/SO) to give themselves a realistic shot at making the playoffs, but their schedule will allow them a chance to do so.
As I mentioned the other day, the Devils have just two games left against current playoff teams: Thursday against Phoenix, and the season finale against the Bruins.
The teams in between are a nice mix of the Flames, Sabres, Islanders x2, and Panthers, with a couple mediocre non-playoff teams mixed in as well.
New Jersey has a history of finishing seasons strong, and if they're able to go on a bit of a run down the stretch they just might squeeze into the playoffs.
Prospect Updates
- Ben Thomson was held off the scoresheet for the third consecutive game as his 2nd seeded Battalion fell to the 7th seeded Niagara IceDogs 2-0. The IceDogs now lead the series 2-1 with Game 4 taking place in Niagara. If the Battalion are to win this series as expected, they'll need more production from their big guns. That includes Thomson.
- Ben Johnson scored once again as his Windsor Spitfires were embarrassed by the London Knights, 10-2, on home ice. Johnson has three goals and in assist through three Spitfires losses.
- Ryan Kujawinski picked up his 2nd point of the series, recording the primary assist on the game-winning goal as his Kingston Frontenacs managed to slip by the Peterborough Petes once again. The Frontenacs now have a commanding 3-0 series lead.
- In the WHL, Graham Black was held pointless for the fourth consecutive game after a 97 point regular season. Black's Swift Current teammates managed to pick up the slack, though, as the pulled out a 3-1 win over Medicine Hat. The Broncos still trail the series 3-1.
- The Kelowna Rockets suffered their first loss of the series as they lost, 4-3, to the Tri-City Americans. Damon Severson had an assist while Myles Bell recorded a goal and an assist in what turned out to be a losing effort. Kelowna leads the series 2-1.
- In action tonight: Severson, Bell and Black.
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Email: NHLToddCordell@Gmail.com