Notable Games on tap tonight (25 04 08)

With the playoffs almost upon us, here are four noteable games on tap tonight:

Buffalo v Carolina

Buffalo (91 points) hosts Carolina (57 points). Carolina is out of the playoff picture but can try to play spoiler on the Sabres. Buffalo is 3 points back of Detroit for that 1st wildcard spot and only 4 points up on the Capitals for the 2nd wildcard spot. The league can gain substantial clarity on what the Eastern playoffs may look like with a regular season win for Buffalo, and the picture becomes murky if the Canes win in regular time.

Detroit v Montreal

Detroit (94 points) appears able to clinch a playoff spot with a win tonight against Montreal (84 points). Montreal badly needs this win to keep their hopes alive for a wildcard spot. If Detroit takes this one in regular time it’s probably curtains for the Habs’ playoff chances.

Utah v Seattle

Utah (82 points) and Seattle (81 points) are both on the outside looking in for a wildcard in the West (currently hovering around 86 points). While it is unlikely either team sneaks it, it’s not impossible and if one of them wins in regular time, I think it’s the death knell for the other on this season.

Nashville v New York I

Nashville (87 points) is facing the New York Islanders (76 points). The Isles are on a 3 game losing streak and out of the playoff picture. Nashville, however is alive and in the fight of the league for those final western wildcards. It goes without saying this is the biggest game of the season as of right now for the Preds. A win keeps them with a healthy lead in the wildcard. A loss sets them up with an unknown future if Winnipeg, Minnesota, Calgary and Anaheim all vying within 1-3 points as well.