NHL Playoffs 2014: Penguins, Blue Jackets, Wild, Avalanche, Blues, Blackhawks, Ducks, Stars open thread

Penguins @ Blue Jackets (7 PM EST, CBC, RDS2, NBCSN)

The series is split after Matt Calvert's overtime heroics pushed the Jackets to their first win in franchise history. Brian Gibbons, who scored two goals in game two, will miss game three. On Colombus' side of the coin they're hoping to have Nick Foligno in the lineup, however Fedor Tyutin will most likely miss the game.

Avalanche @ Wild (7 PM EST, RDS, TSN, NHL Network)

The upstart Avalanche are looking to continue their winning ways versus the Wild tonight, as rookie sensation Nathan MacKinnon gets another opportunity to shine, and continue to shatter opposing d-men's ankles. He's 18. 18!!!

Blues @Blackhawks (8:30 PM EST, CBC, CNBC, RDS INFO)

The Hawks will look to bounce back after after the Blues swept both home games. They'll be without defender Brent Seabrook, who is sitting out the first of his three game suspension.

Backes will not be in the lineup, although the Blues will be sure to use his injury as motivation to take a 3-0 stranglehold on the series.

Chicago will have to play 'their game' and avoid the ugly stuff if they have any hope of taking home a win.

Ducks @ Stars (8:30 PM EST, RDS, TSN, NBCSN)

The Stars currently hold a FF% advantage over the Ducks in the series, although they're trailing in the only measure that matters in the playoffs, via a 2-0 Ducks series lead.

Kari Lehtonen has been mediocre, whereas Frederik Andersen has been stellar for the Ducks. If the Stars hope to turn the series around they'll need more saves from the back end.