NHL Playoff TV Schedule 2013: How to Catch Remaining Conference Semifinal Action

The 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are rolling along, and we're about to see the book close on the conference semifinal round with two matchups still remaining.

While the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins have already punched in their tickets to the Eastern Conference Finals, things aren't as clear out in the Western Conference, where everything is still up for grabs.

With one Game 7 already guaranteed and the other series heading for a Game 6, there's no doubt that every matchup from here on will be must-see television as the best from the West square off to see who'll stay alive for Lord Stanley's Cup. 

Let's check out when and where you can catch the rest of the action from the conference semifinal round.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings (Red Wings lead series, 3-2)

Game	Date	Time (ET)	Network
Game 6	Monday, May 27	8 p.m.	NBC Sports Network
*Game 7	Wednesday, May 29	8 p.m.	NBC Sports Network

* = If necessary 

Los Angeles Kings vs. San Jose Sharks (Series tied, 3-3)

Game	Date	Time (ET)	Network
Game 7	Tuesday, May 28	9 p.m.	NBC Sports Network

Players to Watch For

Chicago Blackhawks: Jonathan Toews

Going into Game 5, Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews needed to get a monkey off his back just as badly as his team needed to win and avoid elimination. Fortunately enough for Toews, they got both in a dominating 4-1 win to extend the series to Game 6.

Toews' Game 5 goal was just his first of the postseason in a drought that has been well documented. It finally quieted the critics who were pointing at Toews for Chicago's struggles against the pesky Red Wings in this series. 

Though, his Game 5 heroics won't be long remembered if his team cannot pull out the victory in Game 6 with their backs still pressed firmly against the wall. 

The Blackhawks have looked unstoppable at times this season whether or not Toews was at his best, but it's become apparent that they need him in order to advance past Detroit and keep their historic season alive.

Detroit Red Wings: Henrik Zetterberg 

Detroit's crafty playmaker has been in top form this postseason, as usual, with 11 points and a plus-5 rating. Both stats are team-highs. 

The Red Wings are playing incredibly as a team in their series against Chicago, but Zetterberg owns most of the credit for their success against the NHL's best regular-season team. And if he continues that play, his Wings will be nearly impossible to beat.

Zetterberg is known for stepping up his game in the playoffs, and this year is no exception. But against a team like the Blackhawks, nothing is guaranteed and the Red Wings better hope that Zetterberg can continue to dominate like he has all postseason.

If he does in Game 6, this series could be over in an instant.

Los Angeles Kings: Dustin Brown

Not many hockey players are capable of performing their best in Game 7, but if there's one person who's able to do so on the Kings, it's Dustin Brown.

The Los Angeles captain showed his ability to perform in the clutch in last year's playoff run that ended by hoisting the Stanley Cup, and his team will call on him to do the same in Game 7 against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night. 

The big issue this time around, however, is his struggles in the 2013 playoffs. He's only notched four points, good for just sixth on the team. 

Brown will have to turn his postseason around if the Kings want to advance to the Western Conference Finals, and what better moment to do so than in Game 7 at home. 

San Jose Sharks: Joe Thornton

No team lives and dies with a player more than the San Jose Sharks with Joe Thornton.

He's had times as the team's sure-fire best player and also had times where his teammates overshadowed his performance. But you'd struggle to find a hockey fan who thought there was another Sharks player who had as much of an impact on their ability to win than Thornton.

Thornton brings the puck into the zone, sets up offensive sets and finds teammates in scoring position more than anyone else on the team. It's those traits that make him so vital to the Sharks' success. 

The 33-year-old has brought San Jose to the playoffs year after year, and tends to come up short despite looking the part of a Stanley Cup contending team all season.

If this year will be any different, it'll be Thornton's doing. 

Follow Steven Cook on Twitter

Follow @steventerrycook