Tonight's Big Matchups 04/22

Via: theprovince.ca

Winnipeg Jets @ Buffalo Sabres (7:00pm ET): The Jets continue to keep their playoff hopes alive, going 5-0-1 in their last six. It may be too little, too late to save their season, but they're sure to keep pushing as hard as they can. They face a Buffalo team tonight that has been eliminated from playoff contention and suffered a brutal 8-4 loss in their last game against the Rangers. Prediction: 4-2 Jets

Pittsburgh Penguins @ Ottawa Senators (7:30pm ET): Even without Crosby and Malkin, the Pens continue to roll, picking up 6 straight wins and clinching first seed in the Eastern Conference. Malkin won't play tonight but is expected back soon. The Senators will be looking to bounce back after a 4-1 loss to Toronto, only the second time in 21 games this season that goalie Craig Anderson allowed more than three goals. The Sens can clinch tonight with a win and a Jets regulation loss. Prediction: 3-2 Sens

Phoenix Coyotes @ Detroit Red Wings (7:30pm ET): This will be a crucial matchup tonight between two desperate hockey clubs. Phoenix currently sits 5 points out of a playoff spot and will need the win tonight to have any glimmer of hope for snagging the 8th seed. Detroit is in a slightly better situation, as they control their own playoff destiny and can guarantee they make it if they win out their schedule. It begins tonight at home against a Yotes squad that has had trouble scoring lately. Prediction: 3-1 Wings

Chicago Blackhawks @ Vancouver Canucks (10:00pm ET): Games between these two rivals are always intense and entertaining, I expect more of the same tonight. The Hawks are on their way to the President's Trophy and have lost only 2 games in regulation on the road all year. Vancouver, despite getting points in 7 of their last 9, have not played well lately and hope to get things rolling before the playoffs start. With a single point tonight, the Canucks can clinch their 5th straight Northwest division title. Prediction: 4-3 Canucks

Thanks for reading everybody! Please feel free to comment on who you think will win tonight's games, and share on the social media platform of your choice if you like the content here at WAAP. Tonight's gif pretty much sums up what happens when you don't have Nick Lidstrom anymore: