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Kris Letang back for Penguins; Sami Aittokallio debuts for Avs (Puck Previews)

Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.

Preview: Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings, 10 p.m. ET. Pop some champagne for goalie Sami Aittokallio, making his NHL debut vs. the Kings.

Preview: Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals, 7 p.m. ET. This is what’s commonly referred to as a “trap game.” Carolina is in a 1-12-1 tailspin. The Capitals are surging, looking for their sixth straight win.

Preview: Ottawa Senators at Philadelphia Flyers, 7 p.m. ET. The Senators have lost five in a row heading into this one against Ilya Bryzgalov and the Flyers. "We're not concerned about playoff spots," said goalie Craig Anderson, who probably should be if he’s being asked about playoff spots.

Preview: New York Islanders at Boston Bruins 7 p.m. ET. Carl Soderberg might not join the Bruins this season, as the Swedish Hockey Federation is blocking his exit.

Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning, 7:30 p.m. ET. Kris Letang is back after a six-game absence to injury. Victor Hedman won’t be back for the Lightning, but will be soon.

Preview: Montreal Canadiens at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET. The Sabres are making a playoff push! “The Isles and Rangers are on pace for 53 points. For the Sabres to match that, they need to go 7-0-1 down the stretch.” Oh.

Preview: San Jose Sharks at Detroit Red Wings, 7:30 p.m. ET. The teams have split this season’s series, but the Sharks are 7-1-1 in their last nine meetings with the Wings. Jimmy Howard faces Antti Niemi.

Preview: Florida Panthers at Winnipeg Jets, 8 p.m. ET. Huge game for the Jets against a team that’s given them problems this season. The Jets have needed overtime to win twice while losing the other two matchups by a combined score of 10-4, via the AP.

Preview: St. Louis Blues at Minnesota Wild, 8 p.m. ET. Brian Elliott starts again for the Blues, who have won six in a row and looking for their fifth straight win against the Wild.

Check out previews and updated scores for all of today's games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page. For tonight's starting goalies, check out Goalie Post.