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Puck Previews: Devils, Blackhawks host Game 3s; Predators try go up 3-1

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.

• It's a trap! [Getty]

Game 3 Preview (Series tied 1-1): Florida Panthers at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m. ET. The Devils' trips to the penalty box have given the Panthers life in the series. Scoring three of their six goals in the series on the power play, Florida hopes to continue to receive more opportunities against a New Jersey team that was the best shorthanded unit in the NHL during the regular season. At Prudential Center for Games 3 and 4, the unseasonably warm weather in the Northeast has led to concerns about the ice surface.

Game 4 Preview (Predators lead 2-1): Nashville Predators at Detroit Red Wings, 7:30 p.m. ET. Now that Ping-Pong-Gate has been solved, the focus in Detroit can shift back to evening up their series with the Predators. Hal Gill will be out again for Nashville with a foot injury and Danny Cleary may get the chance to play against Pavel Datsyuk. The overhanging story from Game 4 should the Predators go up 3-1 in the series is if it's the last time for Nicklas Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom inside Joe Louis Arena.

Game 3 Preview (Series tied 1-1): Phoenix Coyotes at Chicago Blackhawks, 9 p.m. ET. The big concern for the Coyotes is about the health of goaltender Mike Smith. After his collision with Andrew Shaw on Saturday night, for which the Blackhawks forward was suspended three games for, Smith will be a game-time decision after participating in the morning skate, though Darren Dreger reports he will play.

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

Puck Daddy Reader Comment of the Day: Justin from Days of Y'Orr on Nicklas Backstrom last night:

"Looch got a one game suspension the playoffs for the same thing. But that was under a different disciplinary machine so who knows. It's still a crapshoot."

Bold Prediction: Victories for all three home teams.