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NHL on NBCSN: Huge playoff implications as Red Wings host Flyers

Sean Couturier, Ryan White, Petr Mrazek, Kyle Quincey

Philadelphia Flyers’ Sean Couturier, left, and Ryan White, right, try to dig out a loose pucks against Detroit Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek and Kyle Quincey during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, March 15, 2016, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

AP

It’s been clear for some time, but Tuesday made it official: the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers will battle it out for the East’s two remaining playoff spots.

With that in mind, plenty of eyeballs will be on NBCSN as the Red Wings host the Flyers, including those of the Bruins.

As of right now, the Flyers and Red Wings stand above the Bruins because of tiebreaker advantages, yet all three teams are obviously close at 91 standings points. More than anything else, you can safely wager that Boston wants this game to end in regulation.

Here’s a look at the East standings, or at least the portion relevant to these teams:

eastwildapr5

James OBrien

If that isn’t thrilling enough, consider how much control the Red Wings hold over this race. Detroit isn’t only facing Philly tonight, they’re also taking on the Bruins on Thursday.

As the above graphic shows, the Flyers hold a significant edge in games in hand with four games remaining, but they’ll need to earn it. They finish the season with a daunting set of four games in five days, with two back-to-back sets.

Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol probably says it best: “We’re in work mode.”

Really, there’s not much separating the Bruins, Flyers or Red Wings. It really might come down to which team works the hardest (and/or works “the smartest”).

It all makes for fascinating viewing on NBCSN tonight.