Today's Probable Starting Goalies (April 3, 2010)

Last night was pegged to be a big deal with steep playoff implications for a handful of teams. We were not disappointed to say the least. Tied in the standings prior to the game, the Montreal Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers were fighting for their playoff lives last night.

Amid accusations that both teams goaltending had been shaky over the last few weeks, the game turned into an outright goaltending battle. Jaroslav Halak stood on his head for the shutout (his fourth on the season) and Brian Boucher allowed only one goal. Despite some sloppy play by both teams, the final score of the game remained at 1-0, with le Habitants taking two points. Montreal has bought itself the slightest bit of breathing room by moving up two points on the trailing Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers.

The other important game, with similar playoff implications, was between the Calgary Flames and the Colorado Avalanche. Trailing Colorado by only two points for the eighth and final playoff spot heading into the game, Miikka Kiprusoff took things into his own hands, leading the Flames to its most important win this season...so far.

With only four games remaining for the Flames, and five for Colorado, every win is more important now than ever for both teams. Fighting for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference, both teams sit at 89 points. This is the race to watch heading into the playoffs.

It is a big night tonight, with more playoff position jostling and eleven games on the schedule. Atlanta will continue to fight for a playoff position against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Atlanta trails Boston and Philadelphia by two points for the final two playoff spots in the east.

The Boston Bruins will need a win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in order to stay in playoff position. The Bruins have played mediocre hockey as of late, while Toronto has settled into the spoiler role, winning ten of their last fifteen games.

The Montreal Canadiens are also looking for another win over the Buffalo Sabres. A win for the Canadiens tonight would greatly improve their chances of making the playoffs.

Atlanta Thrashers (Hedberg) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (Fleury)

Ottawa Senators (Elliot) @ New York Islanders (Biron)

Nashville Predators (Rinne) @ Detroit Red Wings (Howard)

Boston Bruins (Rask) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (Gustavsson)

Buffalo Sabres (Miller) @ Montreal Canadiens (Halak)

New Jersey Devils (Brodeur) @ Carolina Hurricanes (Ward)

New York Rangers (Lundqvist) @ Florida Panthers (Clemmensen)

Wasington Capitals (Theodore) @ Columbus Blue Jackets (Garon)

Dallas Stars (Lehtonen) @ St. Louis Blues (Mason)

Edmonton Oilers (Deslauriers) @ Phoenix Coyotes (Bryzgalov)

Anaheim Ducks (McElhinney) @ Los Angeles Kings (Quick)