Quite the night ahead! A lot will change, but still early enough that nothing will be decided.
Focussing on the Western conference, certainly Cgy-LA is the biggest game of the night. Two directly competing, divisional rivals, head-to-head game, likely competing for the final wildcard spot. Not only does this game matter in itself, but it sets the stage for the upcoming 3 games between these same two teams. As much as some like to think that the Kings could be out of the race after this game, the reality is that at least the next matchup, and likely at least the next two upcoming games will still carry significant weight. Tonight's game truly sets the stage for the final playoff push in the west.
There are several other intriguing games to contribute to this opening night. Buffalo can do Cgy a solid by beating Nashville.
Edm-Stl is one that will divide this board. The Flames have a better statistical chance of making the playoffs if St. Louis loses (on the premise that St. Louis might miss the dance altogether) however the Oilers are divisional rivals, not to mention mortal enemies. It comes easy to most here to cheer against the Oilers, especially with them 4 points away and within reach of a late season surge to finish ahead of the Oilers. Realistically, there is a low (~1 in 20 to 1 in 100, depending on how you weight various factors) chance of the Oilers missing the playoffs altogether. Therefore, although they haven't yet clinched a berth and an Oilers loss makes everything right in the world, a St. Louis loss provides much more benefit to the Flames. Wherever you fall, be sure to wish for a blowout; a 3 point game would be the worst.
If Winnipeg loses to Minny, their slim odds of making the already monumental climb to the playoffs get cut in half.
In the closest to a deciding game, if Van loses to Detroit, they are all but mathematically out.
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