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Northeast Division Watch (March 17)

Scott Gomez, Zdeno Chara

Referees keeps Montreal Canadiens’ Scott Gomez away from Boston Bruins’ Zdeno Chara (33) after hitting Canadiens’ Max Pacioretty during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, March 8, 2011, in Montreal. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson)

AP

Every week, we’ll provide updates for each division. The biggest contenders and/or closest races will receive the greatest amount of attention.

Bold = playoff contender; Italics = likely lottery fodder.

Northeast Division outlook (March 17 -March 24th)

1. Boston Bruins (39-21-10 for 88 pts; 70 Games Played)

Current streak: One loss.

Week ahead: Away vs. Toronto (Saturday), home vs. New Jersey (Tuesday) and home vs. Montreal (Thursday).

Thoughts: Eight of the Bruins’ last 12 games are on the road, so their chances of winning the Northeast Division are pretty good. They’re going to face some desperate teams this week, including a big - maybe bloody? - game against the Canadiens.

2. Montreal Canadiens (39-25-7 for 85 pts; 71 GP)

Current streak: One win.

Week ahead: Away vs. Rangers (Fri), @ Minnesota (Sun), home vs. Buffalo (Tues) and @ Boston (Thurs).

Thoughts: While Boston only has four road games left, the Canadiens only have four home games remaining. If Montreal manages to come back and win the Northeast, it would be one impressive feat.

3. Buffalo Sabres (34-28-8 for 76 pts; 70 GP)

Current streak: One loss.

Week ahead: Home vs. Atlanta (Sat), home vs. Nashville (Sun) and @ Montreal (Tues).

Thoughts: If the Sabres manage to make it to the playoffs - and there’s a good chance they will - they could be a dangerous team to face. That’s because they are remarkably better on the road (19-12-5) than they are at home (15-16-3).

4. Toronto Maple Leafs (31-31-10 for 72 pts; 72 GP)

Current streak: One loss.

Week ahead: Home vs. Boston (Sat), @ Minnesota (Tues) and @ Colorado (Thurs).

Thoughts: The Maple Leafs aren’t dead by any means, but for them to make the playoffs, they’ll need to play outstanding hockey (and get really lucky). If they don’t manage to get four out of a possible six points this coming week, it will be tough to imagine them making it.

And even then, it’s no guarantee.

5. Ottawa Senators (26-36-9 for 61 pts; 71 GP)

Current streak: One win.

Week ahead: Home vs. Tampa Bay (Sat), @ Carolina (Tues) and @ Rangers (Thurs).

Thoughts: The Senators might as well embrace their role as spoilers, because the next six games on their schedule provide ample party pooping opportunities. Consider it a win-win situation, as they’ll either be a thorn in the side of playoff teams if they win or they’ll improve their chances of getting a top draft pick if they lose.