Ducks, Penguins Look to Build on Conference Leads

The Anaheim Ducks can increase their lead in the NHL's Western Conference tonight as they have a home game with Columbus. The Ducks top the West with 85 points while Chicago has 80. Tonight the Blackhawks, who lead the Central Division, are in Los Angeles for a game with the Kings.

Pittsburgh can improve its position on top of the East with a win at home against Ottawa. The Penguins lead the East with 78 points, five more than idle Boston.

Two teams tied for the eighth playoff spot in each conference are squaring off tonight in Detroit as the Red Wings are playing Vancouver. The visiting Canucks have 63 points, good for the final berth in the West, while Detroit is tied with Philadelphia for eighth in the East with 60.

The remaining games tonight are Colorado at New Jersey, San Jose home to Philadelphia and in a game of last-place clubs, Edmonton is at Buffalo. The visiting Oilers are last in the West with 42 points while the Sabres are last in the East with 38.