Puck Previews: Lightning host Capitals; no structural damage to Jeff Carter’s ankle

Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.

Preview: Washington Capitals at Tampa Bay Lightning, 7 p.m. ET. Washington controls their own destiny and a win would put the pressure on the Buffalo Sabres as the two battle for the No. 8 seed in the East. Tomas Vokoun is still sidelined with a groin injury, so Michal Neuvirth will get the start for the Caps. The Lightning's season has been over for some time now, so the only excitement surrounding them is whether or not Steven Stamkos can reach the 60-goal mark. He's currently at 56 and about to win another Rocket Richard Trophy.

Preview: Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings, 10:30 p.m. ET. Jeff Carter underwent an MRI this morning and there was good news for his injured ankle. No structural damage was revealed and he's considered day-to-day. Speaking of injuries, the Oilers' blue line is incredibly banged up. Today, it was Bryan Rodney getting the call on an emergency basis.

Check out previews and updated scores for all of today's games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page. For tonight's starting goalies, check out Left Wing Lock.

Evening Reading

• A report out of Montreal says that Canadiens netminder Carey Price suffered a concussion over the weekend during practice and will be shut down for the rest of the year. The Habs are saying Price has not been ruled out. [Montreal Gazette]

• Looks like the Philadelphia Flyers' magic ribs days are over, according to Dee Jays owner Dewey Guida. [@JoeStarkey1]

• Kevin Lowe, Team Canada's GM for the upcoming World Championships has started reaching out to players as he assembled their 2012 team. Hopefully one of those calls is finally to Matt Moulson. [CP via Winnipeg Free Press]

• The Worst GM tournament is down to the final two: Doug MacLean versus Don Waddel. What a doozy. [Copper & Blue]

Puck Daddy Reader Comment of the Day: "C" has figured out the Sharks:

"The Sharks improved on paper. They play on ice. Problem solved."

Bold Prediction: Capitals keep the pressure up and defeat Tampa 5-1. Alex Ovechkin nets his first hat trick since Jan. 22, 2011.