Puck Previews: Capitals look to reclaim top spot in the Southeast; Kings at Canucks

Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished

Preview: Minnesota Wild at Philadelphia Flyers, 7 p.m. EST

The Wild haven't won a road game since December 10th. They're 0-7-2 in that span, their longest road losing streak in five years. Worse, Mikko Koivu is week-to-week with a shoulder injury. But the Flyers are playing their first game back from a road trip, and moreover, they've played 15 of 21 away from home of late. They could come out a little sluggish, and if they do, the Wild need to capitalize.

Preview: New York Islanders at Washington Capitals, 7 p.m. EST

The Capitals have won 7 of their last 9 and 7 straight at home to jump back into contention in the East. A win Tuesday night and they can jump from 7th to 3rd, reclaiming top spot in the Southeast Division. The key will be stopping John Tavares, who's on a 9-game point streak, with 16 points in that span.

Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m. EST

In the Battle of Ontario, the Leafs try to stop a Senators team that's 8-1-1 in their last 10. Toronto will look to get an added boost from the return of Tyler Bozak to the first line between Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. James Reimer gets the start.

Preview: Los Angeles Kings at Vancouver Canucks, 10 p.m. EST

The Kings continue their bounceback under Daryl Sutter in Vancouver. Though it's the late game, expect it to be decided early. The Canucks had a 10-game streak of scoring the first goal snapped in their Sunday night loss to the Ducks, and will be looking to start a new one. The Kings will have a similar goal in mind. They're undefeated when leading after the first period.

Evening Reading

? Shocker: hockey gear stinks. Here's an article all about that. [Edmonton Journal]

? Cam Cole on the alarming possibility that Sidney Crosby is simply never the same player again. [Vancouver Sun]

? Here's another story about an alleged slur, this time in the OHL. If it wasn't clear from the Wayne Simmonds and Krys Barch incidents this season, the things players say on the ice matter now, whether you think they should or not. [Windsor Star]

? Bobby Holik on P.K. Subban. [Holik on Hockey]

? The Columbus Blue Jackets have placed concussed center R.J. Umberger on injured reserve. [PHT]

Puck Buddy comment of the Day: Nolan, on whether the NHL Forest Faces are a pass or a fail:

Pass: Just because a Detroit Red Wings forest face would make my drunken decision of which tree to urinate on much easier.

Hey-o!

Bold prediction: Kyle Turris gets Phaneuf'd in Toronto.

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