Hey! Look at what's happening in the East.

The West isn't the only conference that has an air-tight playoff race.

Three teams (Florida Panthers, New York Rangers, and the Pittsburgh Penguins) are tied at 76 points in the East for playoff seeds six through eight. The Montreal Canadians are sitting in the fifth spot with 77 points while the Carolina Hurricanes lurk in ninth (one spot away from postseason play) with 75 points.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers were both involved in what they considered "must-win" situations today, with playoff hopes on the line. Both teams played very tough opponents and after excruciatingly exciting hockey games, both teams emerged victorious.

Pittsburgh defeated the Washington Capitals 4-3 after a shootout, keeping their own playoff hopes alive and stopping Washington from overtaking the New Jersey Devils for second place in the Eastern Conference.

In what could conceiveably be a first round matchup in the playoffs, the New York Rangers held on to beat the Boston Bruins, who currently reside atop of the Eastern Conference, 4-3.

Puck heads can't ask for anything more. A month of hockey where for eight or so teams, every win is absolutely critical, and a single loss could mean expulsion from the top eight of their conference.

Stap in, and enjoy the ride.