Big Games on tap

We have some pivotal games tonight, but let's start with the most important game:
Buffalo at Carolina
That's right. It's important because me and my daughter will be there :) Other than that, it is less than meaningless - except for Jack Eichel.

St. Louis at San Jose
Both teams are battling for playoff seeds. Both teams are having an impressive March - Sharks are 7-3-0, Blues 6-2-0. True meaning of the game? Really only if both teams are playing hard, it will be a good indication of what to expect from them in the playoffs. St. Louis is deep and it will be interesting to see how San Jose does against a team like this, if they get down. The inverse is true as well, can San Jose keep St. Louis from notching a goal if they get a lead. So many players for both teams can make a difference.

Dallas at Chicago
These teams are not playing dominant hockey. Both have a shot at winning their divisions. They have opposite problems - one team can score, the other can eliminate scoring. Should be a fun game. Dallas is without Tyler Seguin - so it will be interesting to see who steps up - Jamie Benn can make anyone a bit better.

Detroit at Tampa Bay
Detroit is hanging on by the skin of their collective teeth...or maybe just the skin of Justin Abdelkader's. Philly wants them to lose. I know one Philly fan that probably wants them to win - because Philly probably won't do much in the playoffs and he wants better draft position. Regardless, Tampa Bay should be hungry for a win here - they need to start showing some consistency down the stretch as they gear up for the playoffs.

Los Angeles at Minnesota
This is for the wild what the above game is for Detroit. Gotta win this. It won't be easy against an LA team that is coming off a pretty ugly loss to Nashville last night. The Kings hadn't given up five goals in a game since February 11th - a loss to the Islanders. Remove Anaheim and NEW JERSEY from LA's schedule and they are 14-3-1 since the all-star break. New Jersey...it's weird, but matchups matter.

Anaheim, Washington, and Philadelphia have kinda "must-win" games. Can't win them all, but should!