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| One or both teams can clinch a spot on Thursday. Or neither. (Getty Images) |
The Pregame Skate is back. Every morning for the rest of the season we're going to take a look at the games that have the greatest significance in the push for the postseason for you to digest while you drink your java. We'll throw in some miscellany for the fun of it.
7 ET, Florida at Washington (NHL Network)
It probably shouldn't have come to this, but it has. The Panthers have been given ample opportunity to wrap up the division crown but are still in need of just one point after blowing a three-goal lead on Tuesday at home vs. the Jets.
However it does set up a game dripping with drama. Because the door is still cracked for the Caps to slip through and take the Southeast. They need to win this one outright, defeat the Rangers on Saturday and have the Panthers lose in regulation to the Hurricanes. It's not all that far-fetched of a scenario.
Consider that the first two times this season the Panthers have visited Washington they have been dominated by the Caps. The combined score of those two games is 7-0. For a team that is 1-2-5 in its last eight games, it's not setting up to be a bubbly type of night.
Seeing as though Florida only needs one points, wouldn't it just be fitting if the Panthers clinched the division crown with an overtime loss?
Also, the Capitals can wrap up a postseason berth tonight with a win and a loss from the Sabres in regulation.
10:30 ET, San Jose at Los Angeles
The above drama for that Panthers and Capitals game? Move it about 3,000 miles Westward and this is what you get.
Thanks go out to whoever in the NHL offices had the vision to put these two Pacific Division rivals in a home-and-home series to end the season. Yes, it had a good chance to have a battle for the division crown but who knew it would actually some drama regarding just a playoff spot?
This much we know: Whichever teams wins tonight's battle will clinch a playoff spot. Which one it will be is still to be determined, but they will have a spot at the dance. The loser is going to have to sweat it out until the final day ... perhaps.
Regardless of the outcome on Thursday night, if the Stars don't win the Kings are playoff-bound. But you better believe both sides are relishing the idea that they could knock the other team out. The problem with that is that both are in very good positions and will need "help" from other teams to lose their playoff positions.
At least one team will clinch a berth in this game, but there's a chance both do.
7 ET, Buffalo at Philadelphia
The Sabres might hold the key to two playoff berths being locked in tonight. And their own hopes ending.
Because they are behind to the Capitals in a tie-breaker situation, the Sabres can't make up two points with one game left in the season. A Sabres regulation loss and Caps win puts them in that spot and thus ends their season.
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The bad news for them is that their opponents still have something to play for. The Flyers have a playoff spot and have had one for a little while but they are three points back in the race for the fourth seed and home-ice advantage against the Penguins in the second round. If the Pens lose to the Rangers in any fashion and the Flyers win, Philly can take the fourth seed when the two teams go head-to-head in the season finale. So yes, there's quite a bit for Philly to still grab.
But that's not a desperation that should match what the Sabres will bring. The only way they can stay alive with a loss is for the Capitals to lose too. Regardless, while they play in Philly they'll be quietly cheering for the Panthers too. That might change on Saturday but for tonight that would best suit their interests.
Others worth watching
8 ET, Dallas at Nashville: This is the Western Conference's version of Buffalo at Philly. One team is fighting for its playoff life, the other for home-ice advantage. The only thing for Dallas is there is no escape valve: Lose this game and they are finished. Here's one time when "must-win" is truly fitting.
9 ET, Columbus at Colorado: Did you know that the Avalanche are still alive? They need the final four points available (in regulation), starting with the game against the Blue Jackets, and they need the Kings to beat the Sharks twice. That happens and the Avs might be in, depending on Dallas' results. That would be a sleeper story.
9 ET, Vancouver at Calgary: This one is about the Presidents' Trophy. Along with the Rangers, who host the Penguins, the Canucks are at 109 points this season. The Rangers have the ROW advantage so they have the edge. The Canucks still need three points to guarantee the West's top spot, too.
Your promised miscellany
- Wednesday's Winners & Losers
- The CBC is making some budget cuts; could Coach's Corner be something to go? (Canada.com)
- You can cross Vincent Damphousse off the Canadiens GM list, assuming you had him on it to begin with. (Yahoo!)
- Don't forget about the Frozen Four. The semifinals start today with Ferris State vs. Union and BC vs. Minnesota in Tampa. (NCAA.com)
- From last night, Ryan Reaves received a five-minute major and game misconduct for this hit on Brad Stuart last night. Suspension-worthy?
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