With the post-season looming, every night is going to produce some big games, but to this point of the season, tonight could be the biggest. With 9 games in total, and 18 teams in action, the standings could change significantly, either making everything tighter, or perhaps some teams fall further out of contention. So I will go game-by-game, and make my best educated guesses at the winners and losers.
Colorado @ Atlanta
The Avs should take this one. With 7 wins in their last 10, and making a serious effort not only for play-offs, but also for the Northwest Division title, they can’t afford to lose. Atlanta on the other hand, winning only 1 of their last 10, appear to be heading for the lottery.
Chicago @ Detroit
I like the Wings at home here. With a wicked 23-8-2 record at home, the Wings shouldn’t fall to an away record of 15-15-5.
New Jersey @ Montreal
This is a massive game, winner takes the Eastern Conference lead. Even though Montreal is at home, I am going with the Devils. Brodeur will shine again, like he’s done all week. This is a complete guess though, it could go either way. Look for it to end 2-1 or 3-2.
Boston @ Ottawa
If the Sens lose again, they are going to be really close to the cut-off, although they still have a size-able lead over 9th place Buffalo. However, I think the tide is just about to turn in Ottawa. They’ve finally named their No. 1 goalie, and put their trust in Gerber. Gerber shouldn’t choke until play-offs. Sens take this one.
NY Islanders @ Tampa Bay
The weather must be beautiful is Tampa Bay these days… so nice that I think the team quit early to go play golf, having lost 5 straight. It just so happens to be raining in Tampa today (I checked the forecast), so they might actually show up. Going with the upset tonight.
Philadelphia @ Toronto
I am going with the Maple Leafs, but only because they are idiots, and they still think they have a shot at getting into play-offs. If they win this one, look for Vesa to play again tomorrow, if they lose, Raycroft should get the nod. I believe however that these two team will split this home-and-home.
San Jose @ Nashville
This is a tough one too, big match-up for both squads. San Jose is 1 point out of the division lead, and Nashville just on the out-skirts of play-offs. The Sharks have however won 9 streak games, who knew? I didn’t until now. I think that streak ends tonight though, Nashville wins to make the West more interesting.
St. Louis @ Oilers
The Oil are probably going to play this game into sleep mode, and bring into the Shoot-out to win again. Oilers in a shoot-out.
Anaheim @ Phoenix
I wish I could say that Bryzgalov will come back to haunt the Ducks tonight, but the Ducks are just so powerful, even with Corey Perry out. Ducks to win this one, but look for some fights, no doubt Carcillo will look to add to his 244 PIM.
