Tonight's soundtrack: Snakes on the Ladder by Handsome Furs -- because just about every team playing tonight has the playoff traction of a snake trying to climb up rungs.

Game of the Night
Calgary Flames at Ottawa Senators, 7:30 PM EST
Jarome Iginla is struggling, and Brent Sutter is adjusting assignments to accommodate. The Senators don't want their sluggish 5-0 loss to Toronto to become a habit.

Boston Bruins at Buffalo Sabres, 7 PM EST
The Bruins are optimistic that their victory over Montreal ended their woes while the Sabres miss the momentum-change shifts of Patrick Kaleta.

Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes, 7 PM EST
With the Hurricanes saying farewell to Niclas Wallin, who else might be leaving soon? Florida's buy/sell status isn't quite as clear.

Nashville Predators at NY Islanders, 7 PM EST
Matt Martin, welcome to the NHL. Perhaps you'll stick around like Cal O'Reilly, who's finally a Nashville regular.

Vancouver Canucks at Tampa Bay Lightning, 7:30 PM EST

Pavol Demitra will not be joining the Canucks as they continue on their massive road trip. Journeyman-with-upside Mark Parrish is on his way to Tampa Bay.

Detroit Red Wings at St. Louis Blues, 8 PM EST

The Red Wings have some game-time decisions facing their battered roster as they head into St. Louis for a Central Division match-up.

Dallas Stars at Chicago Blackhawks, 8:30 PM EST

Second City Hockey ponders the latest trade rumors involving the Hawks. Their opponent tonight, the Dallas Stars, have bigger issues to ponder involving team ownership