If the jubilation didn't match that expressed the night before, when Greece improbably defeated Russia to earn a berth in the quarterfinals of the European soccer championships, it was, at least, more buoyant than most.

WSJ: Greece Backs Bailout

Captain Ryan Callahan scored 2:55 into overtime, and New York rallied to clinch a third straight playoff berth by beating the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 on Thursday night.

WSJ: Late bounces push Rangers back into playoffs

Michael Grabner scored twice and Evgeni Nabokov made 26 saves as the Islanders moved closer to a playoff berth with a 5-2 victory over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night.

WSJ: Grabner scores 2 in Islanders' win over Panthers

Carmelo Anthony scored 37 points, Martin had 19 points and 11 rebounds, and the Knicks clinched a playoff berth with a 99-94 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.

WSJ: Anthony scores 37, Knicks clinch playoff berth

Reimer put in a monstrous effort with 49 saves and the Toronto Maple Leafs earned their first playoff berth since 2004 with a 4-1 victry over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night.

NPR: Maple Leafs Earn First Playoff Berth Since 2004

After getting past preseason No. 1 Indiana, Syracuse (29-9) will face No. 3 seed Marquette on Saturday night in an all-Big East matchup, assuring the soon-to-be-reconfigured conference a berth in the Final Four.

WSJ: Syracuse's D, Carter-Williams beat Indiana 61-50