Monday's Playoff Pool Preview

On Sunday night, the Minnesota Wild were indeed eliminated from playoff contention after being shut out by Braden Holtby and the Washington Capitals.  That means that Dany Heatley, Mikko Koivu and company have been eliminated from the Playoff Pool Selection Sheet, which resides online here.  A rough season with no playoffs again for the Wild will sting a little, but the core group of players did show that they could compete for a while, but their depth really let them down in the end.

On Monday, according to NHL.com, both Detroit and Nashville can clinch their playoff spots.  Detroit hosts Columbus, while Nashville is idle, but they can get some help if Los Angeles and San Jose lose in regulation.

As for eliminations, it looks like there won't be any official eliminations, but if Los Angeles and San Jose can win tonight, they will put the gist of the nails in the coffin of the Anaheim Ducks.  The Kings and Sharks, if they each win, can also do a solid number on the Calgary Flames, making the noose that much tighter for them down the stretch here.