NHL schedule 2014: Lightning battle for Eastern Conference lead in Pittsburgh

Well, at least for now. The actual crown won't be awarded until May, but for now either the Tampa Bay Lightning or Pittsburgh Penguins will have to settle for the best record in the conference after they face off Monday night. Pittsburgh currently leads the Eastern Conference with 42 points, but will probably be without Sidney Crosby, who is dealing with the mumps.

Elsewhere, the struggling New Jersey Devils will try to right the ship against the New York Islanders. The two division foes could not be having more opposite seasons. The high-scoring Isles are in the mix for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, while the offensively challenged Devils are trying to climb out of the basement.

The only other game on the schedule will occur in Buffalo where the Sabres will host the Senators. Buffalo has been playing better hockey lately, but is still in the basement of the Atlantic division. Ottawa isn't much better, just three points ahead of the Sabres.