Detroit, Columbus wins heat up already tight Western Conference playoff race

4/25/2013

DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings remain in seventh place in the NHL's Western Conference tonight, after Columbus defeated Dallas 3-1 at American Airlines Arena tonight in Dallas.

The Red Wings have 54 points after tonight's 5-2 win over Nashville at Joe Louis Arena, and close the regular season Saturday at Dallas.

Columbus is tied for eighth with Minnesota with 53 points, but the Red Wings and the Wild hold the tiebreaker against the Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets close the regular season Saturday at home against Nashville.

Minnesota plays Friday at home against Edmonton and closes the regular season Saturday at Colorado.