Advertisement

Puck Daddy Viewing Guide: Dallas Stars look to eliminate Coyotes; Brodeur's goodbye?

Here is the Puck Daddy Viewing Guide: Spotlighting five things to watch for during tonight's slate of games. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.

Preview: New York Islanders at New Jersey Devils, 7:30 p.m. EDT

Preview: Chicago Blackhawks at Washington Capitals, 7 p.m. EDT

Preview: Carolina Hurricanes at Detroit Red Wings, 7:30 p.m. EDT

Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets at Tampa Bay Lightning, 7:30 p.m. EDT

Preview: St. Louis Blues at Dallas Stars, 8:30 p.m. EDT

Preview: Winnipeg Jets at Calgary Flames, 9 p.m. EDT

Preview: Colorado Avalanche at San Jose Sharks, 10 p.m. EDT

• • • • • •

Five things to know about tonight's NHL games ...

1. Stars’ Big Night. Dallas clinches with a win over the banged-up Blues. From Dallas Stars Blog: “Phoenix lost to Nashville last night, meaning the Stars need just two more points to clinch a playoff spot. Any combination of two points in the next two games, and the Stars will have 91 points. Phoenix can get a maximum of 91 points, and the Stars hold the tiebreaker in ROW (regulation and overtime wins), so by winning tonight, the Stars would end five years of post-season frustration and get into the playoffs.

2. Jackets Looking Up. Columbus enters its game with sights set on moving up in the standings, as it's tied with the Flyers and Wings with 91 points. "You want to finish as high as you can in the standings," Blue Jackets defenseman James Wisniewski said. "We love to play the Rangers."

3. Hertl Back. Tomas Hertl, one-time lock for the Calder, is back after missing every game since Dec. 19. "I'm very excited because it's four months not playing hockey," Hertl said after the Sharks' morning skate. "I'm very happy. I hope it's all good, the knee is OK. I hope I'm ready to play and ready to play in the playoffs."

4. Marty Starts. Martin Brodeur gets the nod for the Devils in what could be his final home game as a Devils starter.

5. Worst To First? The Avs will be watching the scoreboard, as they try to expand their lead on the Blues and catch the Ducks for the conference lead.

Bold Predictions: Brodeur ends with a shootout win. Yep.