Ducks, Blackhawks Hope to Pad Points Lead

The Chicago Blackhawks can take over the points lead in the NHL this evening with a road win over the Islanders. The 'Hawks, along with Anaheim, start the day with 63 points, tops in the league and the Western Conference.

If Chicago falters this evening the Blues can gain some ground in the Central as they are home to the Kings. St. Louis enters play with 59 points, four back of the Blackhawks.

As mentioned, Anaheim is tied with Chicago for the most points in the West with 63 and tonight the Ducks are idle. That means second-place San Jose of the Pacific Division can gain ground with a home win over Edmonton.

Boston's Bruins lead the Atlantic Division with 54 points and tonight they are home to Nashville. The Bruins can add to their lead in the Atlantic as second-place Tampa Bay, which has 52 points, has the night off.

The rest of tonight's schedule has Carolina at Washington, the Senators home to the Jets, the Sabres on the road for a game with Minnesota, Dallas entertaining Montreal, the Flyers facing the Avalanche in Denver and Columbus at Phoenix.