Tonight is going to have major division race implications. If the Carolina Hurricanes can knock off the Washington Capitals, they will clinch the Southeast Division. That would also put Alexander Ovechkin and the Caps on the brink of elimination from the playoffs as they would be 3 points back with only 2 games left on their schedule.
In the Northwest, the Minnesota Wild could claim the title, after missing out on the chance on Sunday, if Colorado and Calgary lose tonight. It would be the Wild’s first Division title in their short history. Colorado gets Vancouver and Calgary gets the Edmonton Oilers. Edmonton has to win in order to have any shot at keeping their slim postseason hopes alive.
As for the Canucks, they currently hold a one point lead over the Nashville Predators for the final Western Conference Playoff position. Nashville gets the St. Louis Blues tonight.
And in the East, the New Jersey Devils look to stay in the hunt for the Atlantic Division title against the New York Islanders. A loss by NJ would give the Pittsburgh Penguins the division crown.
The Northeast Division champion could also be decided with the Ottawa Senators hosting the Montreal Canadiens. If Montreal gets a point, they clinch, if not, both teams will have two games left with Ottawa 4 points back and holding the tie-breaker. However, all the Canadiens have to do is get one point in their final three games and they take the Northeast.
