Coming down to the final three games of the season, every point counts. There is no bigger game in the wild card race tonight than the one going on at American Airlines Center. The puck drops at 7:30cst and is available on local broadcasts or NHL center ice.
The Columbus Blue Jackets come into Dallas with a four point lead over Washington for the final wild card spot. All three teams picked up victories last night to keep this race tight all the way down to the finish.
Dallas got a little help light after picking up their victory against Nashville 3-2. Columbus helped Dallas out by taking down the Coyotes, who trail Dallas by just two points for the western wild card spots.
Both teams need the win in Dallas tonight, but a point from overtime wouldn’t hurt either.
The Blue Jackets would clinch a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs if they defeat the Stars in any fashion tonight. Columbus could also possibly pass Philadelphia, they have the Flyers by two points, with three games to go.
Stars coach Lindy Ruff had this to stay after the win last night. “These guys are giving it everything they’ve got, that’s the impressive part. These guys are going to handle this pressure differently. Some won’t handle it well, some will learn from it.”
The game tonight should have a huge playoff atmosphere.
I expect quite of few Stars fights.
With both teams playing last night, we’ll see how both teams legs are early.
Sergei Bobrovsky will square off with Kari Lehtonen.
Bobrovsky has won three of four with a 1.73 GAA and .949 SV%.
Game Prediction: Dallas 3-2 ot/s
In other wild card games. Detroit looks to gain at least a point in Pittsburgh tonight, to maintain their wild card lead out East. A win for the Wings will lock in one of the two wild card spots in the Eastern Conference.
photo credit: getty images
