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(Sports Network) - Two Western Conference teams holding onto slim advantages in their respective divisions will get together this evening at Vancouver's General Motors Place, where the Northwest-leading Canucks host a key late- season showdown with the Nashville Predators.

Nashville remains the frontrunner in the West with 100 points, but the Predators have a serious challenge on their hands in both the conference and Central Division races. The club is just one point in front of Detroit in the Central standings and only two better than Pacific leader Anaheim.

The Predators can also officially seal up a playoff spot tonight. In fact, the only thing that can stop Nashville from clinching a postseason berth this evening would be a regulation loss by the Predators combined with a Colorado victory in Edmonton.

The Preds were able to obtain a much-needed win on Saturday, when they edged Dallas Stars at home by a 3-2 count. Kimmo Timonen scored twice to lead the way, while Jordin Tootoo had the other goal for Nashville.

Tootoo will not play in tonight's tilt, however, as the rugged winger was handed a five-game suspension by the NHL for punching Stars defenseman Stephane Robidas in the face. He will be eligible to return when the Predators again host Dallas on March 31.

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