In order to make the playoffs, the Sabres have the magic number of seven. The number of points earned by the Sabres PLUS the number of points missed out on by the Capitals must be at least seven in order for the Sabres to get in. The following scenarios can all occur and give the Sabres a playoff berth:

Sabres go 3-0-0, Capitals go 1-0-1. Sabres earn six points, Capitals miss out on one. 6 + 1 = 7
Sabres go at least 2-0-1, Capitals go 0-0-2 OR 1-1-0. Sabres earn five points, Capitals miss out on two. 5 + 2 = 7
Sabres go at least 1-0-2, Capitals go 0-1-1. Sabres earn four points, Capitals miss out on three. 4 + 3 = 7
Sabres go at least 1-1-1 OR 0-0-3, Capitals go 0-2. Sabres earn three points, Capitals miss out on four. 3 + 4 = 7

At the very minimum, the Sabres need to pick up at least points but a single Washington win would eliminate them. Ideally, Washington drops at least one of their next two and the Sabres manage to pull off three wins.

It's not over yet, folks.

Simply put, the Capitals have to drop at least one. If it's in OT the Sabres have to win out. If it's in regulation, the Sabres need five out of six points. If they drop two games in OT, the Sabres need to pick up five. If it's one in regulation, one in OT, they need four. If it's both in regulation, the Sabres need three points.

If Washington manages to take their division, then our magic number switches to an eleven against Florida. We would have to win out and the Panthers would have to lose out, with only one loss being in OT.

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i feel like the orchestra on the titanic. its been a pleasure gentlemen.

I'm going out tonight and buying a bunch of Lucky 7 scratch tickets. One per period.

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Wheelhouse

Bottom line, Washington needs to lose a game. LET'S GO FLORIDA/RANGERS

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"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

FLA must lose tonight then they need a win against WSH.

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HOCKEY IS BACK!

Yeah if Florida beats Winnipeg tonight, they wrap up the division and have ZERO motivation or reason to play well and all their starters. Also, by the time NYR plays Washington they will probably wrap up their division...and also have no reason to play hard or all their starters. I would guess that if NYR is facing the scenario of a 1st rd match-up with Washington, they'll probably WANT to lay down, rest everyone, and not give Washington any useful film from their last game.

And of course, Buffalo has to win out...not good people. But here's the silver lining, no matter what happens Buffalo can't beat Pittsburgh this year. So we may as well save the agony of bitter playoff defeat and take a better draft position instead...lol.

being 9th really doesn't give you all that good of a spot in the draft. Another prospect that needs years of development

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our draft position wouldnt change much if we made the loffs vs not making it. now if u made this remark during trade deadline day then it would have an actual argument point.

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"If you want to know what I've been doing lately, I've been driving around from Tim Horton's to Tim Horton's, rolling up the rim. Haven't won anything yet. Thanks." - Lindy Ruff

i'm not sure how much more obvious it could be that 1980 was joking...