By my math, they were eliminated on the 25th when they lost to Boston. They had a maximum of 87 points after losing to Boston. They could still catch 8th place SJ (86 points), but San Jose was playing Colorado the next day (also at 86 points), thus eliminating them.

Sounds right. Btw in my analysis of the Stars last night I skipped a bit ahead forgetting the game against Vancouver. That will be a tough one but would be a very valuable win for Dallas. I'm not quite sure who I want to win the Phoenix-San Jose game tonight. Phoenix winning helps the Stars more in the division race but San Jose winning makes it that much more likely that Dallas will make the playoffs regardless and Dallas can still control their destiny against San Jose by beating them head to head. Ultimately I guess I prefer San Jose winning.

All 16 playoff teams can be set tonight (and possibly, all Eastern first round matchups will be set, too)

I kind of want Dallas to just go ahead and lose tonight. If they win it only gets my hopes up that something miraculous can happen. They've got to beat Nashville and St. Louis (their two worst matchups in the West both playing for something) and have either Phoenix lose to St. Louis and Minnesota tomorrow and Saturday (doable given that both are on the road) OR have either LA or San Jose sweep the other. I actually don't think part two of the equation is that hard. Just part one that is the problem.

Predictions Time.

First Round
West
Vancouver vs. LA 4-2
St. Louis vs. San Jose 4-1
Phoenix vs. Chicago 2-4
Nashville vs. Detroit 4-3

East
NY Rangers vs. Ottawa 4-1
Boston vs. Washington 4-1
Florida vs. NJ 2-4
Pittsburgh vs. Philly 4-2

Second Round
West
Vancouver vs. Chicago 2-4 (reach I know)
St. Louis vs. Nashville 4-3

East
NY Rangers vs. NJ 4-2
Boston vs. Pittsburgh 2-4

WCF
St. Louis vs. Chicago 4-2

ECF
NY Rangers vs. Pittsburgh 3-4

Stanley Cup
St. Louis vs. Pittsburgh 4-3

I just really like what I've seen from the Blues this year, like their goaltending depth, and think Hitchcock's style will play well in the playoffs.

Hell of a Game 1, right?

Ilya Kovalchuk is great player, many strong goals!

Unfortunately given my limited watching time tonight (and having got home after the Penguins were up 3-0) I split my time between Detroit v. Nashville and the (Texas) Rangers game tonight. Didn't realize what a great game it was until I saw the final.

Oh and way to thug it up Canucks.

excited for the bruins tonight, not expecting this to be an easy series tough. prob gonna end up going at least 6.

Poor Blues. They completely and totally dominated the Sharks but lost in OT. Neimi was a beast. If the Sharks intend to win they better step up their game or hope to get ridiculous goal tending the whole time.

a'ight penguins time to get fucked up

ughughugh I was on the edge of my seat from the tying goal (that made it 1-1) until the game winner. So many great chances, such consistently as you said dominating play; our best just wasn't better than Niemi's, I guess. I was fucking gutted. I've missed Blues playoff hockey for so long, even though they lost, it was fucking awesome to watch. Hope they turn things around.

Awww, fuck yeah. Fuck yeah, Fuck Yeah!

Someone bring me booze.

Pittsburgh really thugged it up today.