It's a pretty light night for the NHL, with only 4 games on the schedule. Let's take a look at what's on tap.
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Tampa Bay Lighting (7:00pm ET): The Leafs wrapped up a playoff spot over the weekend, their first since 2004, and a win tonight would put them within two points of Boston for first in the division. Winger Phil Kessel has been hot, with 5 points in his last 2 games. Tampa is already looking ahead to next season, but Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis are going to continue to push for the scoring title. Prediction: 4-3 Leafs
Los Angeles Kings @ Detroit Red Wings (7:30pm ET): It can't be understated how absolutely crucial this game is for Detroit's playoff hopes. Sitting just one point back of Columbus for the final playoff spot, and with a game in hand, the Wings needs to win in order to control their own fate. They'll face a Kings team that has already clinched a playoff spot but is still fighting with San Jose and St. Louis for home ice advantage in the first round. Prediction: 3-2 Wings
Chicago Blackhawks @ Edmonton Oilers (9:30pm ET): The Hawks are looking to rebound after a loss to Vancouver in which they looked disinterested and were easily outplayed. Winger Patrick Kane continues to lead the way with 5 points in the last 4 games and 51 on the season. Edmonton meanwhile has sunk lower and lower in the West, with just one win in the last 9 games and and have now lost forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for six months due to shoulder surgery. Chicago can clinch the President's trophy win a win tonight. Prediction: 4-1 Hawks
San Jose Sharks @ Phoenix Coyotes (10:00pm ET): The Sharks head to Phoenix after going 3-1 on a four game home stand, the only loss a surprise upset to Columbus. Logan Couture (6 points in 3 games) is leading a hot San Jose offense that has put up 19 goals in it's last five games. The Coytoes offense has been just as bad as the Shark's has been good recently, scoring only 3 goals in their last 4. It's been a season to forget in the desert where absolutely nothing has gone right. Prediction: 3-1 Sharks
That's all the games for tonight's NHL action. I'll be watching the Wings/Kings game with particular interest. I would love to hear your predictions for the games, you can tweet them to me @CanuckPuckHead. And as always, please share on the social media platform of your choice if you like the content here at WAAP.
You evening gif is this absolutely HUGE hit by the Sens' Jared Cowan on Jeff Skinner of the Canes. HUGE!
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