Penguins' Conference Title Pending on Montreal

If the Pittsburgh Penguins hope to claim the Eastern Conference title, then they'll have a better idea by Saturday night. The Montreal Canadiens, tied with Pitt for first with 102 points, will challenge their contention for the top in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto, who just lost 8-2 to Ottawa Thursday night, may have just doubled their fan base. Everyone in Pittsburgh is a Toronto fan for this game.

Here's why.

If Toronto beats Montreal in regulation, thus leaving them pointless on the night, then the Eastern Conference title is firmly in the hands of the Penguins. Although both teams would still have 102 points on the season, Pittsburgh would edge out the title because they have more wins as a team. Reminder, this game must end in regulation.

Or...

It could end in an OT loss, whereby the Canadiens are exactly one point ahead of Pittsburgh. The only difference in this situation is that Pittsburgh must gain at least a point in their meeting with Philadelphia on Sunday to take the title.

And of course, there's always the Montreal winning situation. This would, of course, require Pittsburgh to beat Philly on Sunday to tie with Montreal and take the title.

So there you have it. Toronto wins in regulation, Pittsburgh takes the title. If Montreal gains a point, Pittsburgh must gain a point and, if Montreal wins, so too must the Penguins in their Sunday match-up against Philly.

Not to be completely pessimistic, but there's also the Montreal and Pittsburgh both lose scenario. In which case Pittsburgh still wins the conference.

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Steel TownDraft Pick

585 days ago

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I'd hate to have to count on a win against Philly. Historically they have the Pens number and after the last to games, I see them being fired up and I would think their coach has talked to Hartnell about keeping his cool next time. Either way it's a great final week of the season.

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Steel TownDraft Pick

585 days ago

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Last two games.

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FrankDDiv-I Stud

585 days ago

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I agree. Nothing, except maybe the cup of course, beats a nice end of the season hunt for first.

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DeutscherRed-Shirting

585 days ago

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Sorry to all the Pens fans but for Montreal to clinch the East by beating the loser leafs on national television is too much.

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FrankDDiv-I Stud

585 days ago

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Well Philly may have one the first four against Pitt, but Pittsburgh is en route to a final four sweep over the Flyers. If both Montreal and Pitt win this weekend then Pittsburgh is still the Eastern Conference champion. I will admit though - Montreal definitely has the easier route.

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FrankDDiv-I Stud

585 days ago

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ugh "May have WON" ...not one.

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JuTMSY4Legend

585 days ago

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here ya go fellas

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CityhockeyfeverVarsity Captain

584 days ago

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The Penguins already have the Atlantic Division title. They'll be second in the East at the very worst. But remember this... home ice hasn't meant a whole lot in the grand scheme of things. The only thing going for Pittsburgh right now is a winning streak on home ice, something that can help them achieve success in the playoffs.

The Rangers need to defeat the Devils tomorrow if they're to have home ice in their opening round series. But I already am pessimistic that if the Devils win, it will have much more meaning than the previous seven meetings all won by New York and that will be wiped out. That's the significance of tomorrow's game. Plus, I don't want to even think of what damage it will have on the Rangers' chances to win their series if tomorrow goes New Jersey's way.

My point is, but right now, Pittsburgh and Montreal are rightfully and fittingly the top teams in the conference. Both are good enough to win without home ice advantage in let's say the Eastern Conference Finals. The Rangers and Devils don't have that luxury.

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