Two former Aeros can move into their respective conference wtih victories tonight, while another tries to keep his season alive. Philadelphia goalie Robert Esche and San Jose defenseman Jason Marshall each try to eliminate opponents tonight. The Sharks have a 3-2 lead on Colorado, and Marshall's 2003-04 Aeros teammate Darby Hendrickson. Blake Sloan is the only Aero to go on to win a Stanley Cup after playing for the team. Jason Elliott was Detroit's third-string goalie and also got to hoist the Cup.

Meanwhile, the Calder Cup Playoffs are getting serious. You can follow along with the AHL's official scoreboard. Chicago and Milwaukee will meet in the West Division Finals after the Admirals rallied from a 3-2 series deficit to beat upstart Cincinnati.

Several players with Houston connections are participating in the 2004 IIHF World Championship, including Sloan and Richard Park, who have helped the U.S. advance to the Quarterfinal Round.