The Clump and the Slump

What we have this year in the NHL's Eastern conference is an 8 car pileup right at the finish line. That is - there are 8 teams all within 2 points of each other all clustered around the 6th, 7th and 8th playoff spots.

it's a shame our Rangers are part of it. It took us 4 straight regulation losses to get here. We were like a sprinter who got a fast start but then was caught by the pack. And now we're right in the middle of it.

Still, like a rainbow - its odd and fun to look at.

Above the clump are the Caps, Devils, Penguins, Sabres and Senators.

Leading The Clump right now are the Thrashers with 56 points. That is before last night's action.

Just below them at 55 points are the Rangers, Flyers, Canadiens and Panthers. And right behind them with 54 points are the Islanders, Bruins, and Lightning. It's a big and interesting mess.

The Rangers take their troubles out west this week - starting with a visit to the Phoenix Coyotes on Saturday night.

Phoenix is the 4th best team in the West - with a 31-18-5 record for 67 points. They've scored 9 more goals than us this year - and have let up exactly 9 less.

And if it is any consolation - Cam Ward and the Hurricane beat the Islanders 4-1 on Thursday. So Carolina is actually a hot team right now - even though they are all alone in last place in the Eastern conference and still 11 points back of "the clump"

Dave Pucks Predicts - a hockey game. I have no idea what will happen - we have to snap out of this slump sometime - but I'll be watching and rooting Rangers.