NHL Playoff Push Resumes Tonight

The jockeying for position in the Stanley Cup playoffs continues tonight with 10 games on the schedule.

In the quest for the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference, idle Washington and Detroit start the night tied with 68 points. While the Capitals have the night off, the Red Wings are playing at New Jersey, against a team just three points back with 65 points.

Columbus is just one point off the pace being set by the Caps and Red Wings, and tonight the Blue Jackets are home to Dallas, the team that holds down the final Western Conference berth. Winnipeg is just two points back of the Stars, and tonight the Jets are home to the Islanders.

Two teams looking up in the Western Conference standings are the Canucks and Coyotes. Vancouver has 66 points, two back of the Stars, while the Coyotes have 65. Tonight they are squaring off in Phoenix.

There's a good Central Division battle as the Blackhawks, who share the lead with St. Louis with 86 points, are home to the Avalanche. Colorado is just three points back of the Blues and 'Hawks. St. Louis has a game as well this evening, at home against Tampa Bay.

Pittsburgh continues to set the pace in the Eastern Conference with 84 points, and tonight the Penguins are in Nashville. Boston's Bruins are three points back of the Pens in the East and tonight Boston is playing at home against the Florida Panthers.

In the final two games of the night, Ottawa is skating at Edmonton and San Jose is home to Carolina.