NHL Eastern Conference Standings as of 11AM, 3/26/10

The official magic number to clinch a playoff spot is 3.

A win tonight would give BUF 92 points, equaling the maximum for the 9th place ATL.  However, it would also give BUF 41 wins–  one more than the Thrashers’ maximum of 40, assuring BUF would win the tiebreaker and, therefore, earning BUF a playoff berth.

So, the magic number is still 3, but a win clinches a postseason spot for BUF.

As far as the Northeast Division is concerned, the magic number is 10.  A regulation win for BUF tonight would cut that number to 6 (2 points up for BUF, 2 points missed by OTT), an OT win would cut it to 7, an OT loss cuts it to 9, a regulation loss leaves it at 10.

Any questions?  Feel free to comment below.