Playoff Push: March 14th

Although it was nothing all too devastating by the numbers, last night's slate of games effecting the Buffalo Sabres' playoff odds couldn't really have had a worse outcome.  All three games went the opposite way the Sabres needed them to.  I knew we couldn't depend on the Islanders and Leafs, but the not even the Bruins could do us a favor.  Here's how the night turned out with the Sabres playoff odds percent change listed in parentheses:

Eastern Conference Standings - March 14
(Sabres.com)

Washington Capitals defeat New York Islanders in SO (-1.8%).  Washington trailed by three goals late in the second period, but the Islanders failed to hold on to their lead as Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals came storming back for a 5-4 shootout win.  The Capitals (36-28-6) have won four straight and lead the Sabres by four points through an equal number of games played.

Florida Panthers defeat Toronto Maple Leafs in regulation (-1.1%).  Sean Bergenheim found the back of the net twice and the Panthers defeated the Maple Leafs 5-2.  The Panthers still hold the Southeast Division lead, one point ahead of Washington.

Tampa Bay Lightning defeat Boston Bruins in regulation (-0.3%).  The NHL goals leader, Steven Stamkos scored two more goals to reach 50 in a season for the second time in his four-year career.  The Lightning were on top of the Bruins in a flash with a big early 4-0 lead after the first period, before easing their way to a 6-1 victory.  Tampa Bay now trails the Sabres by three points with a game in hand.

With no help from the Islanders, Leafs or Bruins, the Sabres' playoff odds decreased 3.6 to 11.6% on Tuesday night.  The Sabres are in action tonight and a win can reverse the percentage loss from last night.  Here are tonight's match-ups and possible percentage changes:

Colorado Avalanche at Buffalo Sabres

BUF - Reg Win (+4.0%)

BUF - OT Win (+4.0%)

BUF - SO Win (+3.6%)

COL - Reg Win (-5.5%)

COL - OT Win (-1.7%)

COL - SO Win (-1.7%)

Dallas Stars at Winnipeg Jets

WPG - Reg Win (-0.8%)

WPG - OT Win (-0.8%)

WPG - SO Win (-0.7%)

DAL - Reg Win (+1.1%)

DAL - OT Win (+0.3%)

DAL - SO Win (+0.2%)

Ottawa Senators at Montreal Canadians

MON - Reg Win (+0.4%)

MON - OT Win (-0.1%)

MON - SO Win (-0.1%)

OTT - Reg Win (-0.3%)

OTT - OT Win (-0.3%)

OTT - SO Win (-0.3%)