MONTREAL

Daily Hab-it: Morning playoff check-up

By Arpon Basu
Published Tuesday, March 22, 2011 12:00AM EDT Last Updated Saturday, May 19, 2012 3:10AM EDT

Pittsburgh Penguins' James Neal (18) celebrates with teammates, from left, Pascal Dupuis (9), Chris Kunitz and Jordan Stall after scoring the only goal in a shootout, giving the Penguins a 5-4 win over the Detroit Red Wings in an NHL hockey game Monday, March 21, 2011, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

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It was enthralling to watch, but when it came to the Eastern Conference playoff race, the fact the Detroit Red-Wings erased a 4-0 deficit to comeback and tie the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday meant absolutely nothing.

James Neal scored the shootout's lone goal to allow the Penguins to save face and get the win 5-4, allowing Pittsburgh to solidify its hold on fourth in the conference and home-ice advantage in the first round.

But while Monday night was a quiet in the race, Tuesday night will be anything but with five of the six teams listed here in action.

The Canadiens could end the night leading the Northeast Division if they can beat the Buffalo Sabres at home and the Boston Bruins lose at home to the New jersey Devils.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers host the Washington Capitals in a game that is pivotal to the Capitals chances of catching the Flyers for the number one seed.

Finally, Tampa Bay welcomes the New York Islanders as the Lightning attempts to keep pace with Pittsburgh in the fight for fourth.

Philadelphia, 1st place, 44-19-8, 96 points (3 shootout wins)

Last night: Did not play

Next game: Tonight at home to Washington

11 games remaining, 6 against playoff teams

Home (6) – 3/22 Was; 3/24 Pit; 3/27 Bos; 3/31 Atl; 4/3 NYR; 4/9 NYI.

Away (5) – 3/26 NYI; 3/29 Pit; 4/1 NJ; 4/5 Ott; 4/8 Buf.

Washington, 2nd place, 42-21-10, 94 points (3 shootout wins)

Last night: Did not play

Next game: Tonight in Philadelphia

9 games remaining, 3 against playoff teams

Home (4) – 3/29 Car; 3/31 CBJ; 4/2 Buf; 4/6 Fla.