A to the O

So, with a single point tomorrow, the Capitals can oust the Hurricanes from the playoffs and take claim of third place and some sweet sweet home ice advantage. All this time, I've been hoping that the Caps would accumulate enough to somehow squeak into eighth, so this is certainly a welcome surprise. I love that they have their fate in their own hands; I can only hope that they seize the opportunity, down Florida, and sail softly into that sweet, sweet playoff light.

I actually find it really funny that it's either third or ninth for the Caps. Beyond being the difference between playoffs/not playoffs, that's just...well, six whole places (hooray for my mathematical skills).

I also love how, with one game left to play, pretty much nothing is decided in the Eastern conference. Both Pittsburgh and Montreal can still place first, New Jersey and the Rangers can still place fourth, Philly could place sixth. Ottawa could sink to eigth. One game left to play (with the exception of the Sens, who are done) and there's just so much potential movement.

Let's talk ideal playoff match-ups. For me, they go something like this:

Montreal (1) vs. Ottawa (8)
Pittsburgh (2) vs. Philly (7)
Washington (3) vs. Boston (6)
NJ (4) vs. NYR (5)

So, in order for this to happen, I'm:
* Hoping that Montreal beats Toronto (I feel dirty)
* Hoping that Philly beats Pittsburgh (I feel even dirtier)
* Hoping that Washington beats Florida (YES)
* Hoping that Boston beats Buffalo

From what I understand, in this particular scenario, the Devils and Rangers can pretty much do whatever during their game and maintain 4-5, so yeah. Go nuts.