The Nashville Predators can only sit by and watch tonight as several teams take the ice hoping to make headway in these ridiculously tight Western Conference standings:
Phoenix Coyotes vs Tampa Bay Lightning (6:30 p.m. Central)
The Coyotes hold a slim 1-point lead in the Pacific Division, and face a very dangerous Lightning team tonight. Shane Doan will set the Coyotes franchise mark for games played in this one, passing defenseman Teppo Numminen.
San Jose Sharks vs Pittsburgh Penguins (6:30 p.m. Central, on VERSUS)
The Sharks are right behind the Coyotes, and 4 points ahead of the Preds in 4th place. They've gone 8-2 in their last 10 games, and face a Penguins squad lacking both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Edmonton Oilers vs Colorado Avalanche (8:30 p.m. Central)
OK, this doesn't really have any playoff implications, since the Avalanche have really tumbled their way down through the rankings over the last few weeks.
Los Angeles Kings vs Anaheim Ducks (9:00 p.m. Central)
It's Escape From L.A. night on the West Coast, as the 8th & 9th teams do battle. Gee, what are the odds that this one goes to OT so each team earns at least one point?