Sorting out the playoff possibilities

                With the 4-3 win, the Rangers have 86 points (38-33-10) and are tied with the Flyers with the regular-season finale on Sunday in Philadelphia at 3 p.m.

                A win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would put them in the playoffs for the fifth straight season. A regulation loss and they are pretty much done.

                Two games Saturday will be factors in the race also. 

                The Bruins (37-30-13), with 87 points, host the Hurricanes at 1 p.m. 

                If Boston gets two points, they’ll have 89 (38-30-13) and cannot be caught by the Rangers. If Boston gets one for 88 (37-30-14), the Rangers can catch them with two points on Sunday and a Boston loss against Washington on the road Sunday at noon.  Even if Boston loses in regulation, (37-31-13, 87) they have another shot to grab a spot against Washington.

                 The Canadiens (39-33-9, 87) close their regular season at home against the Maple Leafs at 7 p.m.

                Montreal needs a point to secure a spot. If Montreal loses in regulation, the Rangers, with a win Sunday, would pass them too.