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Sure, the Nashville Predators don't play until tomorrow, but that doesn't mean there isn't important hockey going on. While their hold on 4th place is secure for at least tonight, there are a host of teams looming large in the rear-view mirror, looking to make up ground:
St. Louis Blues vs Buffalo Sabres (6:30 p.m. Central)
The Blues are falling out of touch with the playoff contenders, and recently put goaltender Jaroslav Halak on injured reserve. They do have games in hand on everyone above them, however, so they're still in the hunt.
Detroit Red Wings vs Florida Panthers (6:30 p.m. Central)
Can Mike Santorelli, Tomas Vokoun, and the rest of the Florida Panthers do the Preds a favor tonight?
Anaheim Ducks vs Minnesota Wild (7:00 p.m. Central)
This is a classic please finish this in regulation! battle, as we don't need to see both teams earn points here. The Ducks, too, will be without their regular starting goalie as Jonas Hiller's on the shelf.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Chicago Blackhawks (7:30 p.m. Central)
With 11 points in their last 7 games, the Blue Jackets are hanging around, and if they can beat the defending Stanley Cup champs tonight in Chicago, they'll pull even with the Blackhawks in the standings.
Former Predator Vern Fiddler leads the Phoenix Coyotes into town on Saturday, so take the OTF Discount on Nashville Predators tickets for this, or any other home game!