GAME NIGHT: Playoff preview? Wild edge Stars, Caufield hat trick leads Habs, Preds grab playoff spot

The Minnesota Wild edge the Dallas Stars in a likely playoff preview, fueled by Vladimir Tarasenko’s overtime heroics and a resilient penalty kill. Jeremy Swayman’s elite goaltending propels the Boston Bruins past the Detroit Red Wings in a pivotal clash of wildcard teams, while Cole Caufield’s hat trick powers Montreal Canadiens to a statement win over New York Islanders. Are playoff races shifting with each night’s drama? Eddie Garcia and Alex Wiederspiel break down high-stakes NHL action, spotlighting Zach Wierenski’s record chase with Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators’ surge past Vegas Golden Knights, and the Pacific Division’s troubling 0-6 performance. Insights cover Macklin Celebrini’s Hart Trophy bid, Ottawa Senators dominating Toronto Maple Leafs, and Nikita Kucherov’s under-appreciated brilliance for Tampa Bay Lightning. Will the Pacific’s top contenders find consistency, or is the division in turmoil as the postseason nears?