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NHL: 3 things to know for Monday night

CBC

Montreal looks to keep an advantage in the Atlantic division, Calgary is trying to remain in the hunt and Vancouver hopes to fend off a few teams.

Here are three things to know for Monday night:

Canadiens try to avoid season sweep

With a win tonight, the Tampa Bay Lightning could become the only team in the East to sweep the Montreal Canadiens this season.

Montreal clinched a spot in the playoffs with a 3-2 overtime win on Saturday against Florida and it's almost certain that Tampa Bay will follow shortly, but they require one point to do so.

The Canadiens, with 102 points, are three up on the Lightning for the Atlantic lead.

Steven Stamkos has led the charge against Montreal with five goals and six points over the first four meetings.

Carey Price has been a key part of the Canadiens' success and will get the start after going down briefly in Saturday's match following a collision with teammate P.K. Subban.

Flames continue playoff push

Calgary regained a playoff spot following their 5-2 Sunday night victory over the Nashville Predators, but have their work cut out for them.

They face the Dallas Stars, who could sweep their season series against Calgary. The Flames only have a single point advantage on the Kings, who play Chicago Monday, for the final postseason spot in the Pacific division.

The Stars still have a slim chance at the playoffs, as they trail Winnipeg by six points for the final wild card spot, and they have won five of their past six.

Flames forward Lance Bouma is fresh off his second two-goal night of the season.

Canucks look for distance

The Vancouver Canucks are second in the Pacific division, with Calgary and Los Angeles perpetually on their heels. The Flames are only three points behind and the Kings are four points back.

They face the St. Louis Blues tonight, who could lock up a postseason spot with a win of any kind.

Fortunately for the Canucks, they have had an easy time with the Blues this season and could sweep the series with a third victory on Monday.