Closing in

The Eastern Conference playoff picture is narrowing again. Barring a remarkable turnaround, you can pretty much count Boston Bruins out. Rangers pasted them 7-0 on Saturday. The Hurricanes and Rangers, at 80 and 79 points, occupy the 7th and 8th playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. The Islanders, Canadiens and Maple Leafs are at 78. Rangers make up a game in hand tonite and can leapfrog past the 'Canes if they beat the Penguins.

Pens are on 2nd night of back-to-back and could be ripe for taking if Rangers are sharp. Should be a fun game and it's on VS. That's channel 56 on your cable dial. And 608 on DirecTV. Only 9 games left after tonite for both Rangers and 'Canes as both to look to return to playoffs for consecutive seasons.

Interesting battle for NHL overall points lead Nashville is back on top of Red Wings, but Wings have a game in hand. Buffalo and Anaheim also are right there. Top team, of course, clinches home ice throughout the playoffs. That might not be as important in early rounds where talent differential shows more, but as 'Canes know from last year, home ice can be critical in the last two rounds.