NHL: Rangers making a run at the Devils

Currently in the midst of a 10-0-3 run, the New York Rangers are moving up the standings.  After a shootout win at Buffalo, the Rangers are now tied with Ottawa for fifth in the conference.  In their division, the Rangers sit in third place with 83 points behind the Devils (86 points) and Penguins (85 points). 

The win over Buffalo also gives the Rangers some separation in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race.  With only eight points separating the 13th place Maple Leafs from the eighth place Flyers, the final spots are still up for grabs.  Realistically, the Thrashers and Lightning are not going to make the second season.  It is still far fetched that Toronto will get there but anyone can get hot.  The Sabres benefited from the point they gained tonight to move within three of the Flyers for that final spot.  Here is how the East looks (bold=division leaders):

1. Devils…………….86
2. Canadians………85
3. Hurricanes…….79
4. Penguins……….85
5. Rangers………..83
6. Senators……….83
7. Bruins…………..80
8. Flyers…………..78
9. Sabres………….74
10. Capitals………..72
11. Panthers………72
12. Islanders………71
13. Maple Leafs….70
14. Thrashers…….68
15. Lightning……..60