As we head into the final days of the NHL regular season, here are the must-watch games this weekend (all times are Eastern):

Lightning vs. Canadiens -- 7:30 p.m. Friday (NBCSN)

The Tampa Bay Lightning kept their playoff hopes alive Thursday night with a 4-1 win in Toronto. They will be back in action Friday night in another must-win game.

Not only do the Lightning have to beat the Montreal Canadiens Friday night, but they also need the Toronto Maple Leafs to lose to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. A Leafs win in regulation eliminates the Lightning no matter what, making Tampa's Sunday game against Buffalo meaningless.

UPDATE: Lightning beat Canadiens, 4-2

READ: Lightning keep pressure on Maple Leafs with win in Montreal

READ MORE: Maple Leafs flirt with missing playoffs after loss to desperate Lightning

Here's the Eastern Conference playoff picture:

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Islanders vs. Devils -- 6 p.m. Saturday (MSG)

With a win of their own Thursday night, the New York Islanders are part of a three-way battle for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Like the Lightning, the Islanders need to hope for a Leafs loss Saturday night and win out. The Islanders are in a slightly better position than the Lightning because they have an extra regulation/overtime win right now -- 37 ROWs to Tampa's 36.

Read more: Islanders need to keep up win streak if they want shot at playoffs

Maple Leafs vs. Penguins -- 7 p.m. Saturday (NHLN, CBC)

The Maple Leafs can eliminate the Islanders and Lightning while simultaneously securing their own playoff berth with a win Saturday night over the Pittsburgh Penguins. They'll have to win against Pittsburgh. No pressure.

This game has no meaning if the Lightning and Islanders both lose their first of two games this weekend, but we won't know the outcome of the Islanders-Devils game until the Leafs and Penguins are well underway.

Flames vs. Sharks -- 10 p.m. Saturday (NHLN, SN)

The Calgary Flames and San Jose Sharks are in the playoffs. This is the final game of the season for both teams. Technically, this game means nothing. It could be the difference between the 7th and 8th spot for Calgary depending on what the Nashville Predators do this weekend, but it won't affect the standings otherwise.

However, it's still a must-watch because these are two Pacific Division rivals who want to head into the playoffs on a high note. Calgary is 5-5-0 in their past 10 while San Jose is a pathetic 3-7-0. The Flames and Sharks both could use a boost before the postseason starts.

Senators vs. Islanders -- 5 p.m. Sunday (MSG)

As mentioned, this could be a meaningless game depending upon what happens Saturday. But if the stars align for the Islanders they could punch their ticket to the playoffs with a win over the Senators.

Lightning vs. Sabres -- 5 p.m. Sunday (MSG)

The Lightning could still be alive Sunday, too, and they will need to beat the Sabres if they even want to think about a playoff chance. The Islanders need to lose, of course. It would be nice to see both this game and the Islanders game matter on Sunday, unless you're a Leafs fan.

Maple Leafs vs. Blue Jackets -- 6 p.m. Sunday (SN)

If you're a Leafs fan, you don't want this game to matter. But, let's say it does: This would be one of the biggest games in recent Maple Leafs history.

Devils vs. Red Wings -- 5 p.m. Sunday (SN1, FSD)

This is a pointless game between two teams way out of the playoff picture. However, it's the final game at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. It's worth checking in on to see the Red Wings and their fans send off The Joe.

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