Final playoff push

A lot of great hockey last night. Penguins-Senators on HDNet was a most entertaining game. Pens won it with a goal with less than 10 seconds left in the game on Ottawa's home ice. That prevented the Senators from clinching home ice advantage against the Penguins, as the two teams have locked up the 4th and 5th spots in the East. The Pens are at home against the Rangers, while Ottawa is in Boston for the final game; if Ottawa wins, they get home advantage.

Judging from last night's game, though, the Pens will have to be considered favorites. Ottawa allowed Zdeno Chara to leave as a free agent, and they miss the big guy on D. I like Pens offensive consistency and their young goalie (Marc-Andre Fleury) more than I like the Senators' offense and goalie Ray Emery.

Rangers clinched playoff spots for themselves and Tampa Bay by defeating Montreal at home, 3-1. Only question left is which team will finish 6th and get the more favorable matchup with Atlanta Thrashers and which will wind up 7th and meet the Devils, whose goalie Martin Brodeur broke Bernie Parent's 35-year-old record for wins in a season, with his 48th. Brodeur has had a great season, with 12 shutouts. And Devils defensive style will make them a tough go for either Rangers or Lightning. Rangers play in Pittsburgh on Saturday, while Tampa Bay plays at home against Florida tonight and then at Atlanta on Saturday.

In the West, the Avalanche won last night and Calgary lost, leaving slim hopes for Avs to squeak by Calgary. They must win at Nashville and hope Calgary loses to Edmonton before both teams meet Sunday in their season finales. If Avs win and Calgary loses before they meet, the Sunday game will mean playoffs or out for one of them.