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Tonight on NBCSN: Doubleheader action with Flyers-Lightning and Kings-Canucks

Jaromir Jagr, Adam Hall

Philadelphia Flyers right wing Jaromir Jagr (68), of the Czech Republic, carries the puck past Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Adam Hall (18) during the third period of an NHL hockey game on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

AP

It’s another night loaded with action as NBCSN will have two games oozing over with playoff implications, especially concerning what’s going on in the Western Conference. Getting a double dose to help prep for the playoffs is never a bad things.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN)

While the Lightning are virtually out of the playoffs (nine points back of Washington with eight games to play), the Flyers have all the reason in the world to keep winning themselves. The Flyers sit fifth in the East and while they’ve already locked down their spot in the postseason, they still have a shot at landing home ice in the first round. With the Penguins in fourth one point back of the Rangers, should the Flyers keep winning, perhaps they can catch up to whoever loses out on the Atlantic Division battle.

Working in their favor is Claude Giroux who, in spite of the attention both Evgeni Malkin and Steve Stamkos are getting for scoring tons of goals and generally being incredible, is right there in the points race with both of them. Giroux’s consistent play along with Ilya Bryzgalov looking like a superstar in goal the last couple weeks have helped Philly into the postseason. So long as the Flyers can keep Stamkos at bay tonight, they can continue their pursuit of the Pens and Rangers.

Vancouver Canucks vs. Los Angeles Kings (10:00 p.m. ET on NBCSN)

Los Angeles Kings v Vancouver Canucks

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 17: Goalie Roberto Luongo #1 of the Vancouver Canucks reacts after getting hit with a high stick by teammate Dan Hamhuis #2 while checking Dustin Brown #23 of the Los Angeles Kings during the third period in NHL action on January 17, 2012 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)

Getty Images

For Vancouver, their spot in the postseason is secure having clinched the Northwest Division on Saturday and while they’ll shift their attention to chasing the Blues for first in the conference, the Kings have a lot more at stake themselves.

Los Angeles sits in eighth place in the West but, as always, in a precarious position. While they’re one point back of Dallas for the top spot in the Pacific and the third seed as well as Phoenix for seventh. They’re also one point ahead of San Jose and Colorado who are in hot pursuit of them to make the playoffs. Any slip-ups from now until the end of the season could be disastrous.

The key to staying on top of things for the Kings is Jonathan Quick. Quick has been the team’s MVP this season but having to deal with a Canucks attack that will be without Daniel Sedin, thanks to a discourteous elbow to the head from Duncan Keith, won’t be easy. L.A. will need to counter what Henrik Sedin and Ryan Kesler bring to the table by hoping to see Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown continue their red hot play and get a little extra from Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. That’s not asking too much now is it?