Valentine's Day hockey guide for Nashville Predators fans

What better way is there to spend Valentine's Day than cuddling up with your sweetie to watch hockey? Heck, you can even get one of these just for that purpose (I know, too late for this year, but you can always plan ahead for next year):

While there are only 3 games on tap this evening, all of them have an impact on the Nashville Predators' playoff positioning. If you're wondering about the impact of tonight's games on the Western Conference standings, SportsClubStats.com has you covered. So here's what's on the schedule...

Washington Capitals vs Phoenix Coyotes (7:00 p.m. Central on VERSUS)
The Coyotes are getting solid goaltending from Ilya Bryzgalov (who had back-to-back shutouts earlier this month), and dynamic play from Keith Yandle, who leads all NHL defensemen in scoring. Can the enigmatic Caps bust out for a few goals tonight and help the Preds' cause?

Vancouver Canucks vs St. Louis Blues (7:00 p.m. Central)
The Canucks (who play the Predators here on Thursday) are running away with the Northwest Division, but are shorthanded thanks to a foot injury to Alexandre Burrows. The Blues are in danger of losing contact with the playoff contenders in the West, but they do have games in hand on the rest of the pack.

Calgary Flames vs Colorado Avalanche (9:00 p.m. Central)
You've got to feel bad for Avalanche fans, since Peter Forsberg retired this afternoon before they even got a chance to see him play on home ice. Losers of seven straight, one has to wonder if Colorado will be able to put up much of a fight against the resurgent Flames. Calgary looked dead & buried a few weeks ago, but now they're back in the playoff hunt.