Here are the current Eastern Conference standings before tonight's games.  Top eight make the playoffs, bottom seven are jockeying for draft position.

As you're already aware by all the talk last night, the Carolina Hurricanes are clinging to a chance to make the playoffs.  A loss tonight in their match-up with the Montreal Canadiens seals a Tampa Bay Lightning playoff berth.

Consider this post an open thread for tonight's NHL action.  Below the jump, you'll find the Western Conference standings going into tonight's games.

As you can see above, it is (and has been) a much tighter race in the Western Conference.  Chicago is seeded eighth in the west -- and could be knocked off by Dallas or (less likely) Calgary with one misstep.  Everyone (sans the Vancouver Canucks, who have run away with the conference) are jockeying for playoff seeding.

The Forthcoming Lightning matchup with the 'Hawks in Chicago will be interesting, especially if Dallas catches up.