Buffalo v Boston
The Sabres are doing everything they can to gain ground in the East.  They’ve been on a tear lately, winning five out of their last six.  They’re still leading the Senators in the Northeast, and have jumped up to 93 points in the Eastern Conference.  They’re going to be facing another tough competitor in the Bruins on Monday night.  Despite the fact that Boston hasn’t had quite as successful a season as many had hoped, they have dominated the rivalry this year.  The two teams have met four previous times, which has resulted three wins for Boston.

This is great news for Boston who are in a battle with five other teams in the East for the final positions in the Eastern standings.  The Bruins have eight games to play, the most out of any of the five teams, and are already sitting within the top eight.  It’s an excellent position to be in for Boston as it looks like the only way to go is up.  With both teams fighting for their best possible final positions, this could be a pretty decent game.  Derek Roy is on a hot streak for the Sabres, picking up a hat trick in Saturday’s 7-1 trouncing of Tampa Bay.  David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron have both been racking up points for Boston.  Krejci has two goals and four assists in three games while Bergeron has a goal and three assists.

Carolina v Atlanta
I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned this at least once before, but Carolina has had a pretty unforgettable season.  A postseason run is out of the question for the Hurricanes, and if they were playing any other team but the Thrashers, I probably wouldn’t care much.  But, as the Thrashers are clinging to their playoff hopes, this could be a key game.  Atlanta is sitting just two points outside of the top eight and hoping to clinch a spot in the postseason.

These two teams have met five times so far this season, which has resulted in three wins for Atlanta.  This includes a win on Saturday that helped the Thrashers get back on track after a two game losing streak.  They have seven games left to play, giving them a decent chance of squeezing into the top eight.  Another win against Carolina might be a bit tougher this time around, though, as starting goalie Cam Ward is expected to return after a 19 game absence.  It should be interesting to see what happens, and if the Thrashers can keep it together in order to capture that playoff spot.

BetUS is offering the following odds:
Hurricanes: +1 ½ -270
Thrashers: -1 ½ +230

Nashville v Florida
A playoff run for the Predators looks to be in the cards as they are sitting in the number five spot in the Western Conference.  Nashville has notoriously missed out on the second round of the playoffs as they had four consecutive early exits before missing the playoffs all together in 2008-09.  This year will not only see them return, but it could see them making it past round one as goalie Pekka Rinne has been a major force behind this year’s success.

These two teams have met once this season, and it resulted in a substantial 4-1 win for Nashville.  My guess is they’ll do it again as Florida is tied for third in the League’s lowest point totals.

BetUS is offering the following odds:
Predators: -1 ½ +240
Panthers: +1 ½ -280

Dallas v Anaheim
Neither of these teams has a hope to reach the finals, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a good game between the two rivals.  It’s been a disappointing finish to the season, particularly for the Ducks who nearly ousted the Red Wings in last year’s Western Conference Finals.  The Stars and the Ducks have met four times already this season with the Stars taking three of those four games.  The Stars are coming into this game on a high after a big win against LA.  The Ducks, on the other hand, suffered two big losses before eking past the Oilers on Friday night.

The two are pretty close as far as stats go with the Stars posting a 33-28-14 record and the Ducks posting 35-31-8.  Though, judging by the performance the Stars put on against LA, they are looking quite a bit stronger even without Mike Modano.  But, the Ducks have the home ice advantage.  Will the home crowd be enough to inspire a win for this reeling team?

Check out BetUS to put down a wager at these odds before these Monday night games kick off on March 29.

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