Saturday's movers and shakers in the 2018 MLS playoff race

As we close on the upcoming Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs, each week's results are amplified and the emotional swings feel more fluid, tending toward the extreme over the everyday. Week 29, which featured several matchups with direct-impact results, pulled on the crazy cord to shake out a crucial series of results.

Supporters' Shield

At the top of the table, Atlanta United romped over Colorado, their 3-0 victory putting them back atop the Supporters' Shield standings. They hold a two-point advantage on the New York Red Bulls, who in turn lead Sporting Kansas City by four and FC Dallas by five. The Red Bulls play rising D.C. United on the road Sunday (1pm ET | ESPN, TSN - Full TV & streaming info), and an away victory would retake the table.

Eastern Conference

While Toronto FC managed to seal a crucial victory and the New England Revolution took a road point at LAFC, it was the Montreal Impact routing the Philadelphia Union that created the biggest ripple in the playoff pond. The 4-1 victory kept Montreal nine points ahead of Toronto with five games left on their schedule; they are also five points clear of both New England and D.C.; the latter hold a pair of games in hand, and will make up one Sunday at home against RBNY.

Western Conference

A Saturday slate heavy on Western Conference matchups -- 4 of 9 total MLS contests on the night; only one of the others features two East teams -- left shifting sands. Here's a rundown: