The first team that can clinch their playoff spot for the Spring will be the Buffalo Sabres, but they aren't playing tonight. However, if the Lightning are to beat the Islanders at the St. Pete Times Forum, the Islanders would not have enough points to catch the Sabres for first overall, not like that would ever happen anyways, and the Sabres could not lose their playoff spot.
However, if the Islanders get two points tonight, the Sabres will have to wait until tomorrow night when they take on the Capitals at home. Tonight's game does fare well for the Sabres, as the Islanders have not beat the Lightning in their three previous encounters. The Islanders are still awaiting the return of their number one goalie, Rick DiPietro (Box 18). There is a small chance he could be back tonight, but he was in net for 2 of the 3 losses against Tampa this year anyways.
There is one team with the destiny in their own hands tonight... the Detroit Red Wings could clinch their playoff spot in the West with a win over the Flames in Calgary. The Red Wings could overtake the Predators for first in the West with a win tonight, thus moving out of reach from the 9th place Colorado Avalanche.
The season series is 2-1-0, in favour of the Red Wings, with all wins coming at home for either team. This does bode well for the Flames, as they only now sit 4 points up on the Avalanche, who will start a two game away series with the Oilers tomorrow.
Flames should expect Craig Conroy (Box 1) back in the line-up, as he's given himself a clean bill of health. Conroy is greatly needed in the line-up, as the Flames are 1-3-0 in his absence.
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