There were a ton of hockey games with huge, huge playoff implications last night. This season is setting itself up for another Flyers-Rangers 2010 situation on the final day.

The Canucks have planted a nail in the coffin of both Colorado and LA the past two games, suffocating two supposedly desperate teams. Not bad for a bunch of guys with nothing to play for.

Vancouver Canucks News & Notes

Roberto Luongo was phenomenal last night — especially in the dying seconds — and posted his 4th shutout of the season. | TSN

AV confirms it is a concussion Daniel Sedin is suffering from at the moment (duh), but more interestingly, there's a good quote from Bieksa here about playing good hockey being more important than finishing 1st. | The Province

Meanwhile, The Passion Movement prays for Daniel's health, with his actual helmet. How did they get it? Interesting story. | PITB

Keith Ballard is expected to take part in a full practise tomorrow and could be ready for game action by this weekend, according to our good friend Gary Valk. Hey Gary, your dropped your SPF 8 there...

Cam Charron wonders if Alain Vigneault is implementing a more conservative style this season. By my naked eye, I'd say yes, but I'll let Cam show you the numbers. My next question: does AV ramp it up again in the playoffs? | LoB

In case you didn't know yet, the Tinfoil Toque is full of rage. This week he takes it out on the boring schedule and players who don't wear visors. | CanucksArmy

Previewing the week ahead. Yup, it's boring. | CHB

Smug Nation with some really creepy Photoshop work. Can you identify the players?

Canucks playoff tickets go on sale Saturday. Get 'em while they're hot.

NHL News & Notes

The Flames kept their slim playoff hopes alive by squeaking out a win against the Stars. It didn't start well, when Kiprusoff allowed a Kiprusofty just 26 seconds in. | CBC

Jason Spezza had one of the nicest individual efforts of the season last night. Kyle Turris was the lucky recipient of some amazing stick work by Chuckles:

That win by the Sens all but ended the Jets' playoff hopes. Yup, still the Thrashers.

The Sharks jumped from 9th to 3rd with a dominant win over the Avs. This leaves SJ, Phoenix and Dallas in the mix with LA, Colorado and Calgary on the outs. I wouldn't be surprised if this is how it is when all is said and done. | NHL

Steven Stamkos netted his 53rd of the year last night, breaking a club record in the process held by a current teammate. | PHT

Bourne takes a look at the worst cost-per-point players in the NHL. A barrel of laughs! | Backhand Shelf