Watch Philadelphia Flyers vs Dallas Stars Live Streaming Free March 19, 2011 NHL

Philadelphia Flyers vs Dallas Stars
8:00 PM ET, March 19, 2011
American Airlines Center, DALLAS, Texas

The Philadelphia Flyers didn't earn a playoff berth last year until the final day of the regular season.

They won't have to wait so long this year.

The Flyers could clinch a postseason spot as early as Saturday night if they beat the Dallas Stars, who are in a much tighter race to make the playoffs.

It's a far different situation than last season when Philadelphia (43-19-8) didn't claim its spot in the postseason until Game 82 with a shootout win over the New York Rangers.

While a playoff berth seems inevitable, Philadelphia is in a close race for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. No East club has more points than the Flyers, but there are four within six points of them. Their closest competitors in that chase -- Washington and Pittsburgh -- both play in Philadelphia next week.

The Flyers, though, have been playing poorly against inferior competition.

Watch Philadelphia Flyers vs Dallas Stars Live Streaming Free March 19, 2011 NHL

Watch Detroit Red Wings vs Nashville Predators Live Streaming Free March 19, 2011 NHL

Detroit Red Wings vs Nashville Predators
8:00 PM ET, March 19, 2011
Bridgestone Arena, NASHVILLE, Tennessee

Nashville Predators coach Barry Trotz believes that Pekka Rinne is not only a leading candidate for the Vezina Trophy, but also the Hart Trophy. The Detroit Red Wings know how tough he can be.

Rinne dominated the Red Wings in two starts in February and will likely be in goal for Saturday night's Central Division matchup at Bridgestone Arena.

Rinne improved to 4-2-2 with a 1.84 goals-against average in eight starts in March after making 35 saves in Thursday's 4-3 overtime victory over Boston. His 2.11 overall GAA is the best of his career.

"Peks today was spectacular," Trotz said. "He kept us in there all game, and that's why I think he's a Vezina and a Hart candidate."

Rinne is 7-2-2 with a 2.06 GAA and three shutouts in 11 career starts against Detroit (43-20-8), stopping 69 of 70 shots in two wins last month. The Red Wings' lone regulation victory in his last 10 starts against them came in a 5-2 win Oct. 30.

The Predators have since won three straight over the Red Wings, also winning 3-2 on Dec. 8 as Anders Lindback made 35 saves.

Watch Detroit Red Wings vs Nashville Predators Live Streaming Free March 19, 2011 NHL

Watch New York Islanders vs Florida Panthers Live Streaming Free March 19, 2011 NHL

New York Islanders vs Florida Panthers
7:00 PM ET, March 19, 2011
BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, Florida

Lacking hype while playing on the last-place New York Islanders, Michael Grabner is forcing his way into contention for the Calder Trophy.

A more pressing concern for Grabner and the Islanders is Rick DiPietro's latest injury status.

New York may have DiPietro back in net for the first time in six weeks when they try to end an eight-game road losing streak to the Florida Panthers on Saturday night.

The Islanders (27-33-12) lost their sixth straight away from home and dropped to 0-1-2 on this five-game road trip with a 3-2 overtime loss to Carolina on Friday.

Grabner can't be blamed for the defeat, scoring his rookie-best 29th goal and setting up another to give him four goals and three assists in the last eight games.

While overshadowed by several other rookies, Grabner's production is improving his chances to become the first Islander to win the Calder since Bryan Berard was honored as the league's top rookie in 1996-97.

Watch New York Islanders vs Florida Panthers Live Streaming Free March 19, 2011 NHL

Watch Tampa Bay Lightning vs Ottawa Senators Live Streaming Free March 19, 2011 NHL

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Ottawa Senators
7:00 PM ET, March 19, 2011
Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, Ontario

With their playoff hopes long gone, the Ottawa Senators have been relegated to playing spoiler. They've already dealt the Tampa Bay Lightning a disheartening defeat in the last week.

The Lightning look to exact some revenge and avoid losing for the eighth time in 10 games Saturday night when they visit the Senators, who are seeking their fifth win in seven contests.

Tampa Bay (39-22-10) is in fifth place in the Eastern Conference and seems to be in good shape to earn its first playoff berth since 2007, with a comfortable lead over the teams just outside the top eight.

The Lightning are scuffling, however, going 2-4-3 this month. They squandered a chance to increase their lead over sixth-place Montreal on Thursday, falling to the Canadiens 3-2 in a shootout.

"We're still fighting," coach Guy Boucher said. "If you would have told us (last) summer that we would be fighting with teams like Washington, Boston and Philadelphia at this time of the year, I don't think anybody would have believed us."

Watch Tampa Bay Lightning vs Ottawa Senators Live Streaming Free March 19, 2011 NHL

Watch Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs Live Streaming Free March 19, 2011 NHL

Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs
7:00 PM ET, March 19, 2011
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario

With trade rumors surrounding him for years, Tomas Kaberle had plenty of time to envision what it would be like to appear at Air Canada Centre as a visitor.

That moment will finally happen Saturday night, when Kaberle's Boston Bruins face the Maple Leafs for the first time since last month's trade ended the defenseman's lengthy tenure in Toronto.

Kaberle provided consistent production from the back line for the Maple Leafs for more than 11 seasons, but it has been seven years since he has taken the ice in the playoffs.

With Toronto (31-31-10) again out of postseason position and Kaberle's contract set to expire this summer, general manager Brian Burke sent him to Boston for prospect Joe Colborne and two draft picks Feb. 18.

"My name has been mentioned the last few years," Kaberle said last month. "It's sad on one part, and on the other hand it's another challenge for me. I'm happy it was the Boston Bruins."

Burke's comments after the trade may ensure a positive reception for Kaberle from Toronto's fans.

Watch Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs Live Streaming Free March 19, 2011 NHL