Important Games on the Docket Tonight

Despite the playoffs still being a ways away, the close knit standings have brought the playoff atmosphere to the forefront. Tonight, 10 games will be played, here is what to make note of:

Montreal Canadiens v Pittsburgh Penguins:

Montreal is fighting hard to hold onto the 6th seed however, they sit with a comfortable lead of 7 points. Factor in 4-1 in their last 5 games, they are just looking to keep the ball rolling.

Pittsburgh is missing their top 2 stars, Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. Only one of them may only come back though come playoff time. This has been a minor setback, if one at all. The team holds onto 4th spot currently and they will not catch Philadelphia for the division lead. No worries, no problems, they are in coast mode.

Tampa Bay Lightning v Florida Panthers:

Tampa Bay is trailing big brother Washington Capitals for the division lead. They are really looking to get the mojo going, especially going 4-4-2 in their last 10. Playoff bound should not be an issue.

Florida comes into tonight’s action 14th in the conference. At this late in the game and this low, they’re just looking forward to some nice golf this summer.

Atlanta Thrashers v Philadelphia Flyers:

Atlanta is on the bubble fighting for the 8th seed. Losing in overtime to New Jersey last night might make them a bit sluggish today, but put the excuses aside and look for them to play hard.

Philadelphia, 4-5-1 in their last 10 has really turned some heads. Are the conference leaders losing their muster?

New York Islanders v New Jersey Devils:

Islanders are a young team, still finding their way. That path however is a dissapointing season leaving them out of the playoffs. Maybe next year boys.

Never say never, but let’s be honest, can the Devils really make the playoffs? The Devils have shown great improvement since firing their head coach and righting the ship, going 8-2-0 in their last 10 games. They need to keep up this pace, and maybe have a little luck on their side of other teams dropping down, but we will not know if they will make the playoffs, not until the fat lady sings.

Columbus Blue Jackets v Carolina Hurricanes:

Columbus is 3-4-3 in their last 10, and it does not look like they will be turning that around anytime soon. They had a glimmer of hope of making the playoffs, but by their own hands, they have shot themselves in their own foot and now are out of playoff contention.

With a win tonight Carolina can tie up the Rangers for 8th spot in the conference. Playing last night against the Capitals will not help their cause, but I’m rooting for you Carolina, so get it done.

Buffalo Sabres v Toronto Maple Leafs:

Buffalo’s injuries are not helping, but they are 3-1-1 in their last 5 games. The trade for Brad Boyes looks to be paying off, 6 points in the last 6 games, one of them being a game winning goal. I think they have what it takes to make the playoffs but I have been wrong before.

Toronto, why the press have such a love for them I do not know. They have yet to show any signs of being a good team, especially with another possibility of them not making the playoffs this year. Enjoy the golf boys.

Detroit Red Wings v St. Louis Blues:

A lot of criticism is being directed towards net-minder Jimmy Howard. Going 1-1-2 in his last 4 is not very good, but a .923 save percentage over those games tells you otherwise. The team as a whole needs to step up, especially now that division competitor the Chicago Blackhawks have found their stride.

The Blues are out of playoff contention but look to play the role of spoiler. They always play the Wings well. Look for them to make it tough for their opponent tonight.

Colorado Avalanche v Nashville Predators:

Colorado is 1-7-2 in their last 10. It would be an understatement to say they are struggling. Can the off season come soon enough? Maybe they will fire their GM this summer for trading away star forward Chris Stewart. I know your defense sucks, but Erik Johnson is no the answer. Third time is a charm, hence Johnson’s -2 rating 3 games in a row to make him a -5 in an avalanche uniform.

Barry Trotz is one of the most under appreciated coaches in the league. Nashville is currently in 10th, but no neck Trotz will look to snag the 8th spot before the season is done.

Vancouver Canucks v Calgary Flames:

For a brief moment people were wondering what has happened to the Canucks who were in a funk. Going 5-1 in their last 6 answers that question; nothing.

Calgary has a hold of the 8th spot but has 2 games up on 9th and 10th. It will be a fight to the finish, one I don’t think they have the talent nor the heart to win.

New York Rangers v San Jose Sharks:

The Rangers, a team you love to hate because of Sean Avery. Currently in 8th spot, the team desperately needs star Marian Gaborik to step up and lead them to the promised land.

The Sharks will be in the playoffs no doubt but look to fight for home ice advantage over division opponent the Dallas Stars. Goaltender Antti Niemi is playing well and looks to get the nod tonight, hence me playing him on my fantasy team. Come on Sharks.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *