First Screen Viewing
Hurricanes vs. Capitals – 6pm
All the action is in the Metro tonight, both at the top and bottom of that playoff picture. The Canes are almost clear of trouble, with a five-point gap to the Jackets outside the fence. They’re only four points behind the Penguins for third with two games in hand, so they may even scrap an automatic spot. The Caps have ascended to the top spot of the division, which at this point is basically a birthright for them, but are only holding off the Islanders by a point. This is the first of a home-and-home and if the Canes were to take both they’d be one point behind the Caps, even with the Pens, and it’ll be a big ol’ mess. Which is clearly what we’re rooting for.
Second Screen Viewing
Islanders vs. Blue Jackets – 6pm
Kind of the same thing here. The Isles need this to get back over the Caps, and the Jackets need every point on offer to avoid a franchise-defining capitulation that could set them back years. Although at this point they’re just playing to get impaled on something sharp by the Lightning, which would be more of the same in their playoff history. Still, to miss out after all that would frankly be embarrassing for them (and life-affirming for us). Maybe Artemi Panarin can join the party before he fucks off, as he’s currently got six assists in 12 March games when the Jackets needed him most. You can have him.
Other Games
Panthers vs. Canadiens – 6:30
Sabres vs. Senators – 6:3o
Kings vs. Oilers – 8pm
Ducks vs. Canucks – 9pm
