The Playoff Scenario: Elimination looms....

                If you didn't catch the scores last night, the B's KOd Lalime, not Miller, and the Sabres, 3-1, and the Habs fell to the insanely-hot Hurricanes, 5-2.

               So a regulation loss to Philadelphia at MSG tonight spells doom. The train stops running. End of the line.

                 For the Rangers (37-33-10, 84), the simplest route to the post-season is one we've discussed for days: beating the Flyers twice, at least once in regulation, at the Garden and Sunday at Wachovia Center. Won't be easy.

                 The Bruins (37-30-13, 87) need two points total Saturday against the Hurricanes and Sunday at Washington.

                 Montreal (39-33-9, 87) is vulnerable, with one game left, hosting the Leafs on Saturday. They need a point, but against the Original Six rivals, uh-oh. 

                 The Flyers just need two points in two games.

                One scenario: If the Bruins lose two and the Rangers grab three points against the Flyers, the Rangers would have one more win and qualify.