NHL: Red Wings @ Blue Jackets Preview And Canadiens Snap Bruins Streak

We are really getting into the crux of hockey season where crucial points to get into the Stanley Cup playoffs are on the line in nearly every game.  We have a preview of one such game as well as a big game that occurred last night that cannot go unnoticed.

Canadiens Snap Bruins Streak

It is not often that you will see a hockey team rooting for their rivals, but that was the case this past weekend when a group of Montreal Canadiens were openly were pulling for the Boston Bruins to beat the Phoenix Coyotes.

Why was Montreal wanting the Bruins to win?

The Canadiens would get their wish last night when they defeated the Bruins 2-1.

So they could snap Boston’s 12-game win streak of course.

The win was huge for the Canadiens who took a big step forward in the playoff race with the win.  They are now tied for second place in the Atlantic Division with Tampa Bay.

Red Wings @ Blue Jackets Preview

These two familiar foes will face off in the NHL’s marquee game tonight.  While the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets are no longer in the same division, this game with still have a big-game feel, as big-time points are on the line and these two team’s still have strong memories of their former division rivalry.

The points, though, matter more than any petty rivalry.  The two points up for grabs in this game will be pivotal in deciding who will eventually pick up the final playoff wildcard spot.

Detroit is on the brink of snapping its NHL-best 22 consecutive playoff appearances this season.  The team is plagued by injuries, as their top six forwards are all struggling to stay healthy.

Detroit still has the East’s wildcard slot, but it is not set in stone and both the Blue Jackets and the Washington Capitals are looking to dethrone the Red Wings.  The Blue Jackets can go a long way in doing so tonight with a win.

Columbus are looking for points.  The Blue Jackets lost over the weekend to the New York Rangers and desperately and quickly need to recover with a win to stay competitive in the playoff race.

This is the final meeting between these two teams this season.  They have split games in their prior two meetings, with Columbus nabbing the most recent victory.

The Blue Jackets are the slight favorites to win this game.  The game starts at 7:30 p.m. You can watch it on the NBC Sports Network.