Key NHL matchups to watch: Kraken, Predators face off for final West playoff spot
The trade deadline has passed, which now means everyone’s rosters are set for the final stretch towards the playoffs. While we’re still far from the point of clinching scenarios, there are still some important games with plenty on the line for both teams every day. Let’s break down the best games to watch on a busy Tuesday, March 10th.
Marquee matchup: Nashville Predators at Seattle Kraken
10 p.m. ET
There are certainly more talented matchups on Tuesday, but if we’re talking a high-stakes, four-point game, the Kraken and Predators have the most to gain and lose. Seattle holds the second Wildcard spot in the West, and Nashville are three points behind them, although with one extra game played. If the Kraken win, the Predators’ playoff chances take a significant hit. If Nashville wins, one point separates these two teams and the stakes increase for the final game between them next Thursday.
Key games
Pittsburgh Penguins (78 PTS, second in Metropolitan) at Carolina Hurricanes (86 PTS, first in Metropolitan)
7 p.m. ET
A showdown between the top-two Metro teams could have been considered the marquee matchup, but the Hurricanes’ eight-point lead lessens the stakes. The Penguins are also absent their two stars in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, so they also hurts the quality of the matchup. That said, a win from Pittsburgh here and it could still make things interesting – the two teams have two more games left against each other after this.
Utah Mammoth (73 PTS, first West Wild Card) at Minnesota Wild (85 PTS, third in Central)
8 p.m. ET
Normally a game between the third- and fourth-place teams in a division come with higher stakes, but with 12 points between the Wild and Mammoth, this matchup won’t impact the standings. But the Wild are in a dogfight for home-ice advantage with the Stars, and the Mammoth want to maintain their standing in the first West Wild Card spot.
Vegas Golden Knights (72 PTS, second in Pacific) at Dallas Stars (88 points, second in Central)
8 p.m. ET
Like Wild-Mammoth, the Stars and Golden Knights’ placement within their respective divisions implies a much closer matchup than where both teams are in the standings. But both still have plenty to fight for. Dallas wants to create more distance from Minnesota (and make one last attempt for first in the Central), while the Pacific is still wide open and Vegas could finish anywhere – including outside of the playoffs.
Edmonton Oilers (70 PTS, third in Pacific) at Colorado Avalanche (95 PTS, first in Central)
10 p.m. ET
The Avalanche and Oilers aren’t close in the standings right now, but you can’t turn down a showdown between Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. When talents like this meet, it’s rarely a dull moment.
Tank battle
Calgary Flames (57 PTS, second-best lottery odds) at New York Rangers (58 PTS, third-best lottery odds)
7 p.m. ET
This is the only game of the 13-match slate to not feature at least one team within five points of a playoff spot, but that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of intrigue. In fact, it may boast the highest stakes: just one point separates the two teams, and it could be the difference-maker in landing one of the top-three talents in this year’s draft.
Other Games of Note
Columbus Blue Jackets at Tampa Bay Lightning, 7 p.m. ET: Blue Jackets look to climb towards playoff spot, Lightning look to take over Atlantic lead.
Los Angeles Kings at Boston Bruins, 7 p.m. ET: Kings look to climb towards playoff spot, Bruins look to hold off Blue Jackets.
San Jose Sharks at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. ET: Sharks look to climb towards playoff spot, Sabres look to build on Atlantic lead.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Montreal Canadiens, 7 p.m. ET: Canadiens look to climb into a top-three Atlantic slot.
Detroit Red Wings at Florida Panthers, 7 p.m. ET: Red Wings look to hold off Canadiens for top-three Atlantic spot and push for home-ice advantage.
New York Islanders at St. Louis Blues, 7:30 p.m. ET: Islanders look to hold off Blue Jackets for top-three Metropolitan spot and push for home-ice advantage.
Anaheim Ducks at Winnipeg Jets, 8:30 p.m. ET: Ducks look to build on Pacific lead, Jets look to climb toward playoff spot.
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