Tony Kelshaw 
It is no surprise to see Tampa Bay coming on strong at the business end of the season and they are expected to brush aside Montreal next. The Lightning have rattled off four straight victories to step up their bid for a hat-trick of Stanley Cup triumphs and will be hard to stop.
Winnipeg and Los Angeles have both been fighting for every point to boost their post-season prospects and more of the same is anticipated here. The Jets are only just off the pace with regards to a wild card spot, while the Kings are going along nicely in second in the Pacific Division.
Edmonton and St Louis are both in fine form and currently heading for the playoffs, so this has all the makings of a cracking contest. The Oilers have claimed eight straight victories at Rogers Place, while the Blues have been successful on three of their past four road trips.
Toronto and Winnipeg have both enhanced their playoffs prospects with a good run of results and this should be a hard-fought affair. However, we just feel the Maple Leafs have proven themselves against better-class opponents than the Jets, so that points us in their direction.
Carolina have put together a consistent run of strong performances of late and are expected to prove too powerful for Montreal on home ice. The Canadiens have improved since losing 4-1 and 4-0 to the Hurricanes earlier this season but still look set to be outgunned.
Vancouver and St Louis do battle again just two days after the Blues enjoyed a convincing 4-1 victory at Enterprise Center. Craig Berube’s side also prevailed 3-1 when these teams met in Canada a couple of months ago and are now eight points clear of the Canucks.
Winnipeg are refusing to give up on the hope of making the playoffs and their dogged determination may prove just too much for Buffalo. The Sabres have also not lacked effort of late and have been involved in a number of close contests, but we still favour the Jets at KeyBank Center.
Canada have already qualified for the World Cup and Panama are out of contention, but the hosts will still be playing for pride. The Canal Men are unbeaten at home during this campaign and have never lost to Les Rogues in eight past meetings in front of their own fans.
Calgary and Colorado are familiar foes this month, having already met twice at Ball Arena, with the Flames winning 4-3 in overtime and then losing 3-0. The top two teams in the Western Conference will be fired up for this series decider and a close encounter is surely on the cards.
Edmonton have suffered from travel sickness of late but their recent home form is outstanding and they are taken to brush aside Arizona. The Coyotes haven’t thrown in the towel but the end of a disappointing campaign probably can’t come quick enough after five games without a win.
Canada only need a point to qualify for the World Cup finals when hosting Jamaica but will be keen to celebrate in style in front of their own fans. These teams drew 0-0 in Kingston back in October but the Reggae Boyz have struggled when visiting the better CONCACAF teams.
Winnipeg can continue their hunt for a wild card spot by accounting for Arizona at Canada Life Centre. The Jets have won seven of their last 10 matches to move into contention for a playoffs berth and are playing with a hunger and determination that makes anything possible.
Winnipeg let us down badly when beaten by Ottawa last night but can quickly recoup those losses by accounting for Columbus on home ice. The Jets had won six of their previous eight contests and can still challenge for a wild card spot, so look worth sticking with for now.
Colorado have rattled off four straight wins to power clear at the top of the Western Conference table and can now take care of Vancouver. The Canucks are still just about in the hunt for a wild card berth but only one victory in six outings has hurt their hopes of making the playoffs.