5 games with major playoff implications this weekend

It's hard to believe the Stanley Cup playoffs are less than two weeks away, but here we are.

Ten teams have already clinched postseason berths, but several races remain as the 2016-17 campaign hits the home stretch.

Between now and Sunday night, there could be significant movement among those jockeying for divisional supremacy and teams trying to snag the second Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

Here's a handful of can't-miss contests in what should be a wild weekend of NHL action:

San Jose Sharks @ Calgary Flames

The Flames have a chance to punch their playoff tickets when they host the Sharks on Friday night.

Calgary can secure its berth by defeating San Jose in any fashion. The Flames can also get in with a single point against the Sharks and a Los Angeles Kings defeat at the hands of the Vancouver Canucks in any fashion, or simply if the Kings lose to the Canucks in regulation.

So, it could be a big night for the Flames, who are looking to make the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.

The Sharks have already clinched a spot, but they're stumbling into the postseason with only three wins in their last 10 games. Still, the matchup carries weight for them as well.

San Jose can - at least temporarily - overtake the Edmonton Oilers for second place in the Pacific Division with a victory.

Minnesota Wild @ Nashville Predators

A Saturday matinee could also serve as a first-round playoff preview.

The Wild are pretty firmly entrenched as the second-place holders in the Central Division, but a single point separates the Predators from the third-place Blues, although St. Louis has that game in hand, along with the edge in regulation or overtime wins.

If Nashville can beat St. Louis on Saturday, it would help the Predators greatly in their quest to occupy third place at season's end, and that would pit them against the second-place Wild in the opening round.

Anaheim Ducks @ Edmonton Oilers

Both the Ducks and Oilers have assured themselves of playoff positions, but that doesn't mean Saturday's tilt will be free of drama.

Even if the Sharks overtake them for second place in the division Friday, the Oilers can reclaim top spot one night later.

That's how tight the Pacific is, and it should make for quite the nightcap.

Nashville Predators @ St. Louis Blues

The Predators have a firm grip on the second Western Conference wild-card spot, but Sunday's game against the Blues is a big one regardless of what happens between St. Louis and Colorado, and between Nashville and the Wild on Saturday.

If Nashville has any hope of stealing the third spot and sending St. Louis into wild-card territory, this game could be their chance to do it.

Washington Capitals @ Columbus Blue Jackets

The Capitals have gained a bit of breathing room over the Blue Jackets in the Presidents' Trophy race, but Columbus can get back in the hunt for the hardware and the Metropolitan Division crown with a win Sunday.

It's the final regulation meeting between the two clubs, and while they've both booked playoff spots, neither wants to face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round.

The Blue Jackets would do just that if the postseason began Friday, but it doesn't. If they can beat Washington on Sunday, they could have a shot at taking first place and handing the Capitals the tougher first-round opponent, depending on what happens earlier in the weekend.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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