We have some pivotal games tonight, but let's start with the most important game:
Buffalo at Carolina
That's right. It's important because me and my daughter will be there :) Other than that, it is less than meaningless - except for Jack Eichel.
St. Louis at San Jose
Both teams are battling for playoff seeds. Both teams are having an impressive March - Sharks are 7-3-0, Blues 6-2-0. True meaning of the game? Really only if both teams are playing hard, it will be a good indication of what to expect from them in the playoffs. St. Louis is deep and it will be interesting to see how San Jose does against a team like this, if they get down. The inverse is true as well, can San Jose keep St. Louis from notching a goal if they get a lead. So many players for both teams can make a difference.
Dallas at Chicago
These teams are not playing dominant hockey. Both have a shot at winning their divisions. They have opposite problems - one team can score, the other can eliminate scoring. Should be a fun game. Dallas is without Tyler Seguin - so it will be interesting to see who steps up - Jamie Benn can make anyone a bit better.
Detroit at Tampa Bay
Detroit is hanging on by the skin of their collective teeth...or maybe just the skin of Justin Abdelkader's. Philly wants them to lose. I know one Philly fan that probably wants them to win - because Philly probably won't do much in the playoffs and he wants better draft position. Regardless, Tampa Bay should be hungry for a win here - they need to start showing some consistency down the stretch as they gear up for the playoffs.
Los Angeles at Minnesota
This is for the wild what the above game is for Detroit. Gotta win this. It won't be easy against an LA team that is coming off a pretty ugly loss to Nashville last night. The Kings hadn't given up five goals in a game since February 11th - a loss to the Islanders. Remove Anaheim and NEW JERSEY from LA's schedule and they are 14-3-1 since the all-star break. New Jersey...it's weird, but matchups matter.
Anaheim, Washington, and Philadelphia have kinda "must-win" games. Can't win them all, but should!
Showing posts with label Game Preview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Game Preview. Show all posts
22 March 2016
26 February 2016
Small preview-ish
Tampa Bay at New
Jersey
The Devils need to
stop losing and Tampa looks to extend its winning ways. This should be a good
game.
Minnesota at
Washington
Washington dropped
one they want back to Montreal. Minnesota have lost two in a row. If Minnesota
comes out hot, they have opportunity to get goals early because Washington has
been giving them up early.Boston at Carolina
This might be the Trade-Staal game. A loss here and the Canes might just send Staal out for whatever they can get. A win, especially if Eric gets in on it, might hold the trade. Really though, the Canes play St Louis Sunday…so they have a couple of games before they go pulling the trigger. If things go according to current patterns, Boston loses and Canes win, both are on win one, lose one patterns that happen to mesh well for each other.
Edmonton at Anaheim
Buffalo at San JoseRookie see, rookie score. These two games are the situation - must wins against the up-and-coming young stars of the league. I enjoy watching all of these teams (least of all San Jose, but of late I like their style)
20 February 2016
On tap for the day
Must wins:
Philadelphia at Toronto
Philadelphia. Leo Komarov, Toronto's leading scorer, will be out of the line-up. Just another reason Philly has to win this game. They haven't out of a game in any loss for a while. A loss here moves Toronto closer to that number one pick this summer.
Detroit at Ottawa
Detroit. Ottawa is playing inspired hockey. If Detroit wants to win, they will have to tighten up - giving up 16 goals in its last three games.
Winnipeg at Florida
Florida. Florida needs to turn things around. Again though, it may just be another instance where they miss injured Aleksander Barkov. He's been out of the line-up for three significant losses.
Colorado at Edmonton
Colorado. The Avs look to be putting things together lately, winning three of their last four. But really it should be a four game streak because losing to Buffalo is not how a borderline team makes the playoffs. Edmonton is fun to watch, the young talent there will usually deliver some eye-opening plays.
Good games:
Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh
Tampa's offense is struggling. When they opened things up against Winnipeg, they gave up a lot too. Pittsburgh has struggled a bit as well, but had a good game against Detroit the other night. Both teams need points.
New Jersey at Washington
New Jersey certainly needs a win, losing its last two to mid-tier teams. Washington is not a mid-tier team, so the Devils will have to get everything right. The Caps are 7-2-0 since the All-star break.
Los Angeles at Nashville
Los Angeles is 3-4-1 since the All-star break. They have played well but just aren't finishing. Nashville is still up and down but are playing better on offense.
Boston at Dallas
Both teams are looking to rebound from tough losses. This should be a good game.
St. Louis at Arizona
Arizona had a very inspired win against the Stars. They will need another performance like that in this one. St. Louis is unbeaten since Jaden Schwartz returned and they are playing this Hitchcock system very well.
Philadelphia at Toronto
Philadelphia. Leo Komarov, Toronto's leading scorer, will be out of the line-up. Just another reason Philly has to win this game. They haven't out of a game in any loss for a while. A loss here moves Toronto closer to that number one pick this summer.
Detroit at Ottawa
Detroit. Ottawa is playing inspired hockey. If Detroit wants to win, they will have to tighten up - giving up 16 goals in its last three games.
Winnipeg at Florida
Florida. Florida needs to turn things around. Again though, it may just be another instance where they miss injured Aleksander Barkov. He's been out of the line-up for three significant losses.
Colorado at Edmonton
Colorado. The Avs look to be putting things together lately, winning three of their last four. But really it should be a four game streak because losing to Buffalo is not how a borderline team makes the playoffs. Edmonton is fun to watch, the young talent there will usually deliver some eye-opening plays.
Good games:
Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh
Tampa's offense is struggling. When they opened things up against Winnipeg, they gave up a lot too. Pittsburgh has struggled a bit as well, but had a good game against Detroit the other night. Both teams need points.
New Jersey at Washington
New Jersey certainly needs a win, losing its last two to mid-tier teams. Washington is not a mid-tier team, so the Devils will have to get everything right. The Caps are 7-2-0 since the All-star break.
Los Angeles at Nashville
Los Angeles is 3-4-1 since the All-star break. They have played well but just aren't finishing. Nashville is still up and down but are playing better on offense.
Boston at Dallas
Both teams are looking to rebound from tough losses. This should be a good game.
St. Louis at Arizona
Arizona had a very inspired win against the Stars. They will need another performance like that in this one. St. Louis is unbeaten since Jaden Schwartz returned and they are playing this Hitchcock system very well.
19 February 2016
And more games...
Tonights five games are a mix:
Have to win:
Philadelphia at Montreal
Philadelphia has to win. Montreal is still up and down, but mostly down. Losing this one and they drop below .500. Crazy to think after that hot.hot.so.hot start. The Flyers very up and down and need to show some consistency by beating teams like the Habs.
Battling it out:
New York Islanders at New Jersey
New Jersey has played consistently stifling hockey this season. When they score, they have a chance to win. The Isles are like a bit more consistent than the Flyers with less high highs and less low lows, too.
San Jose at Carolina
San Jose is hot. Carolina needs to be. That loss last night to Ottawa hurts. If the Canes can pull out a victory here, we can forget about last night's game, kinda.
Buffalo at Columbus
Vancouver at Calgary
These two games are...well, watch for the players, right? Johnny Gaudreau, Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart, and others. It is worth it some times.
Have to win:
Philadelphia at Montreal
Philadelphia has to win. Montreal is still up and down, but mostly down. Losing this one and they drop below .500. Crazy to think after that hot.hot.so.hot start. The Flyers very up and down and need to show some consistency by beating teams like the Habs.
Battling it out:
New York Islanders at New Jersey
New Jersey has played consistently stifling hockey this season. When they score, they have a chance to win. The Isles are like a bit more consistent than the Flyers with less high highs and less low lows, too.
San Jose at Carolina
San Jose is hot. Carolina needs to be. That loss last night to Ottawa hurts. If the Canes can pull out a victory here, we can forget about last night's game, kinda.
Buffalo at Columbus
Vancouver at Calgary
These two games are...well, watch for the players, right? Johnny Gaudreau, Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart, and others. It is worth it some times.
18 February 2016
Games for the night
Fun group of games tonight.
Let's start with the "must wins":
New York Rangers at Toronto
Rangers. The Maple Leafs can't be taken lightly, but they are mostly inept. The Rangers need to come out and play as they did last night. Maybe take a lot of penalties in order to work on the Penalty Kill?
Carolina at Ottawa
Carolina. Ottawa has speed but the Canes do too. Ottawa can score, so the Canes will have to shut down the center in their zone and can't let Mike Hoffman get any clean shots. It would be nice to see Eric Staal start carrying this team on his back.
Winnipeg at Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay. The Lightning have to figure out their offense. Too much talent here to not score consistently - this is why they couldn't beat the Blackhawks last season.
Minnesota at Edmonton
Minnesota. The Wild can't let this wily group of youngsters blow up the new coach's inspiring start. Edmonton is going to get offensive chances - Minnesota has to counter and continue playing well in their zone and limit any clean shots.
Anaheim at Vancouver
Anaheim. Anaheim has been powering through lately. Ryan Getzlaf and company are showing why so many picked them to go all the way this year. Losing to Vancouver would be wrong.
Potentially key games:
Washington at New York Islanders
The Islanders need a win here, but can't expect one. The Caps want to keep controlling play as they have most of the year. Look for Tavares and Okposo to step up. If Brock Nelson and Anders Lee get on the board, the Caps might be in trouble.
Dallas at Arizona
Arizona needs points. They have to start showing they can steal points from the big teams and Dallas is about as big as they get. It will be hard to keep Benn/Seguin from getting chances. The Coyotes' kids need to press and keep energy on the puck. If they give nothing easy, the Coyotes can steal it.
Detroit at Pittsburgh
Sidney Crosby is playing better and so are the Penguins. But they still aren't showing the ability to consistently beat any top teams. Detroit is not the cream of NHL as they once were but Pavel Datsyuk is looking to be in form again and Henrik Zetterberg rarely misses a beat. These two have some good skilled guys around them and they seem to always be able to find them. The defense here is surprisingly tight as well. Pittsburgh's defense is suspect, so they need to start showing they can control their zone.
San Jose at Florida
The Sharks are as hot as any team right now. They are playing both ends well. Florida has struggled a bit lately, perhaps because of the absence of Aleksander Barkov. On top of him being out, Brandon Pirri, who has good hands, Erik Gudbranson are out. Don't count this loss against the Panthers too much, but if they pull out a victory - San Jose may need to make a move before the trade deadline.
Los Angeles at St. Louis
No true loser in this game. St. Louis is finally sporting their true full roster...er...except for stalwart defenseman, Alex Pietrangelo. Kevin Shattenkirk has filled in well. Los Angeles, still without Marian Gaborik, never is pushed over easily. This could be playoff hockey!
Boston at Nashville
Both of these teams need to prove themselves. Nashville is like the Penguins, but with star d-men instead of forwards and, like the Pens, they can't seem to get consistent play. They need victories against teams like the Bruins. The Bruins keep plugging along and pulling out tough points. The core of Krejci, Marchand, Bergeron and Chara are keeping the Bruins more than relevant.
Let's start with the "must wins":
New York Rangers at Toronto
Rangers. The Maple Leafs can't be taken lightly, but they are mostly inept. The Rangers need to come out and play as they did last night. Maybe take a lot of penalties in order to work on the Penalty Kill?
Carolina at Ottawa
Carolina. Ottawa has speed but the Canes do too. Ottawa can score, so the Canes will have to shut down the center in their zone and can't let Mike Hoffman get any clean shots. It would be nice to see Eric Staal start carrying this team on his back.
Winnipeg at Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay. The Lightning have to figure out their offense. Too much talent here to not score consistently - this is why they couldn't beat the Blackhawks last season.
Minnesota at Edmonton
Minnesota. The Wild can't let this wily group of youngsters blow up the new coach's inspiring start. Edmonton is going to get offensive chances - Minnesota has to counter and continue playing well in their zone and limit any clean shots.
Anaheim at Vancouver
Anaheim. Anaheim has been powering through lately. Ryan Getzlaf and company are showing why so many picked them to go all the way this year. Losing to Vancouver would be wrong.
Potentially key games:
Washington at New York Islanders
The Islanders need a win here, but can't expect one. The Caps want to keep controlling play as they have most of the year. Look for Tavares and Okposo to step up. If Brock Nelson and Anders Lee get on the board, the Caps might be in trouble.
Dallas at Arizona
Arizona needs points. They have to start showing they can steal points from the big teams and Dallas is about as big as they get. It will be hard to keep Benn/Seguin from getting chances. The Coyotes' kids need to press and keep energy on the puck. If they give nothing easy, the Coyotes can steal it.
Detroit at Pittsburgh
Sidney Crosby is playing better and so are the Penguins. But they still aren't showing the ability to consistently beat any top teams. Detroit is not the cream of NHL as they once were but Pavel Datsyuk is looking to be in form again and Henrik Zetterberg rarely misses a beat. These two have some good skilled guys around them and they seem to always be able to find them. The defense here is surprisingly tight as well. Pittsburgh's defense is suspect, so they need to start showing they can control their zone.
San Jose at Florida
The Sharks are as hot as any team right now. They are playing both ends well. Florida has struggled a bit lately, perhaps because of the absence of Aleksander Barkov. On top of him being out, Brandon Pirri, who has good hands, Erik Gudbranson are out. Don't count this loss against the Panthers too much, but if they pull out a victory - San Jose may need to make a move before the trade deadline.
Los Angeles at St. Louis
No true loser in this game. St. Louis is finally sporting their true full roster...er...except for stalwart defenseman, Alex Pietrangelo. Kevin Shattenkirk has filled in well. Los Angeles, still without Marian Gaborik, never is pushed over easily. This could be playoff hockey!
Boston at Nashville
Both of these teams need to prove themselves. Nashville is like the Penguins, but with star d-men instead of forwards and, like the Pens, they can't seem to get consistent play. They need victories against teams like the Bruins. The Bruins keep plugging along and pulling out tough points. The core of Krejci, Marchand, Bergeron and Chara are keeping the Bruins more than relevant.
16 February 2016
Games Tonight: Why are they important to me?
Here's looking to the games I think will be fun tonight:
Philadelphia at New Jersey
This game sucks. I want both teams to get no points. However, personally, I'd rather the Flyers get the two points without letting New Jersey get any. Keep it a two point game. Both teams are in that zone of not easy to beat.
Los Angeles at Washington
The Kings have been kinda listless since the All-Star break. In moments they look ready for the playoff run, in others they look unable to finish despite good chances. Washington is still playing as the most complete team in the league. Let's see Justin Williams get the game-winner here.
Winnipeg at Carolina
Carolina has to win this game. The Jets are not a great team, but if the Canes don't finish their chances, they can get stung by them. Losses to such teams just make the playoffs that much farther away.
Buffalo at Ottawa
Fun players in this one. Erik Karlsson D for Ottawa is a premier player. Some cut his defensive ability, but I think it is because they are blinded by his offense. Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart, Ryan O'Reilly, Rasmus Ristolainen, and Zemgus Girgensons for Buffalo are all up-and-comers.
San Jose at Tampa Bay
The Lightning slip back into their inability to score and lose. Their game starts with scoring and then they clamp it shut with defense. When they play too open, they leave holes. San Jose is positive points in 14 of their last 16 games for 25pts. That is going to get them in the playoffs. They can create goals and now with Joel Ward and a healthy Logan Couture, they are tough. The Lightning need a win here to reaffirm that they can make a Stanley Cup push.
Dallas at St Louis
St. Louis is coming along and they aren't even fully healthy yet. This will be the Blues first real test though. Dallas has found it's scoring touch again without giving too much up defensively. This could be big for them, if so.
Anaheim at Edmonton
The Ducks are playing as good as anyone right now - 11-2-1 in their last 14. This should be an easy win, but none-the-less fun to watch. Connor McDavid has 4 goals and 12 points in the 7 games since his return. But other than Jordan Eberle, none of their other young talent has done much. Anaheim can ALMOST take this game lightly.
Philadelphia at New Jersey
This game sucks. I want both teams to get no points. However, personally, I'd rather the Flyers get the two points without letting New Jersey get any. Keep it a two point game. Both teams are in that zone of not easy to beat.
Los Angeles at Washington
The Kings have been kinda listless since the All-Star break. In moments they look ready for the playoff run, in others they look unable to finish despite good chances. Washington is still playing as the most complete team in the league. Let's see Justin Williams get the game-winner here.
Winnipeg at Carolina
Carolina has to win this game. The Jets are not a great team, but if the Canes don't finish their chances, they can get stung by them. Losses to such teams just make the playoffs that much farther away.
Buffalo at Ottawa
Fun players in this one. Erik Karlsson D for Ottawa is a premier player. Some cut his defensive ability, but I think it is because they are blinded by his offense. Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart, Ryan O'Reilly, Rasmus Ristolainen, and Zemgus Girgensons for Buffalo are all up-and-comers.
San Jose at Tampa Bay
The Lightning slip back into their inability to score and lose. Their game starts with scoring and then they clamp it shut with defense. When they play too open, they leave holes. San Jose is positive points in 14 of their last 16 games for 25pts. That is going to get them in the playoffs. They can create goals and now with Joel Ward and a healthy Logan Couture, they are tough. The Lightning need a win here to reaffirm that they can make a Stanley Cup push.
Dallas at St Louis
St. Louis is coming along and they aren't even fully healthy yet. This will be the Blues first real test though. Dallas has found it's scoring touch again without giving too much up defensively. This could be big for them, if so.
Anaheim at Edmonton
The Ducks are playing as good as anyone right now - 11-2-1 in their last 14. This should be an easy win, but none-the-less fun to watch. Connor McDavid has 4 goals and 12 points in the 7 games since his return. But other than Jordan Eberle, none of their other young talent has done much. Anaheim can ALMOST take this game lightly.
09 February 2016
Games Tonight (again just ranked as i want to see them)
Lots of games tonight.
San Jose at Chicago
Can San Jose score against the Blackhawks? This is interesting just to get a feel for this San Jose team.
Dallas at Minnesota
Dallas has been having trouble scoring. Both teams have problems locking teams down. Could be a fun game.
Washington at Nashville
Still want to see this Predator team find itself. Washington is so tough to keep out of the net. Nashville has four tough ones - any points here help.
Tampa Bay at Montreal
Are the Lightning a team to be feared? Until last night they looked to be on the right side of things. Was last night a fluke? Montreal should have trouble getting this 3rd win a row. Longest streak since a four game win-streak late November.
Los Angeles at Boston
Los Angeles has been struggling a little here - showing signs that maybe they aren't a top-tier team. Boston is a good team for them to make a statement against. Boston has played some inspired and resilient hockey so far this season.
Florida at Buffalo
Jack Eichel watch. Florida sucked last night. They should rebound here and get an easy win.
Anaheim at Philadelphia
Anaheim played below level last night. If they drop this one, it makes the easy February schedule not look easy.
Edmonton at New Jersey
Connor McDavid is worth watching - New Jersey, not so much. New Jersey needs wins.
Winnipeg at St. Louis
St. Louis has some soul-searching to do if they lose this one.
Toronto at Calgary
This is two crappy teams. No Phanuef for Toronto could make this game interesting.
New York Islanders at Columbus
Columbus is trying to make an impact and get out of the basement. The Isles really need to start winning consistently. Especially against teams like this...
Vancouver at Colorado
Not much here. However, Colorado is still trying to creep into the playoffs.
San Jose at Chicago
Can San Jose score against the Blackhawks? This is interesting just to get a feel for this San Jose team.
Dallas at Minnesota
Dallas has been having trouble scoring. Both teams have problems locking teams down. Could be a fun game.
Washington at Nashville
Still want to see this Predator team find itself. Washington is so tough to keep out of the net. Nashville has four tough ones - any points here help.
Tampa Bay at Montreal
Are the Lightning a team to be feared? Until last night they looked to be on the right side of things. Was last night a fluke? Montreal should have trouble getting this 3rd win a row. Longest streak since a four game win-streak late November.
Los Angeles at Boston
Los Angeles has been struggling a little here - showing signs that maybe they aren't a top-tier team. Boston is a good team for them to make a statement against. Boston has played some inspired and resilient hockey so far this season.
Florida at Buffalo
Jack Eichel watch. Florida sucked last night. They should rebound here and get an easy win.
Anaheim at Philadelphia
Anaheim played below level last night. If they drop this one, it makes the easy February schedule not look easy.
Edmonton at New Jersey
Connor McDavid is worth watching - New Jersey, not so much. New Jersey needs wins.
Winnipeg at St. Louis
St. Louis has some soul-searching to do if they lose this one.
Toronto at Calgary
This is two crappy teams. No Phanuef for Toronto could make this game interesting.
New York Islanders at Columbus
Columbus is trying to make an impact and get out of the basement. The Isles really need to start winning consistently. Especially against teams like this...
Vancouver at Colorado
Not much here. However, Colorado is still trying to creep into the playoffs.
06 February 2016
The Early games are Important
Washington at New Jersey
Washington should beat the Devils. As a Ranger fan, they better! It will be interesting to see how the Caps expose Corey Schneider, if they can. The Devils have mastered the close games but I don't they will be able to contain this Caps team.
New York Rangers at Philadelphia
The Rangers have been susceptible all over the ice since their early season run. Philly has been stellar and terrible all season. Currently, the Flyers are playing consistently well. The Rangers have to win this one. Losing it and they will be mired in the battle for a playoff spot the rest of the season.
If the Rangers win and Washington also. This is a big points victory for the Blueshirts.
Washington should beat the Devils. As a Ranger fan, they better! It will be interesting to see how the Caps expose Corey Schneider, if they can. The Devils have mastered the close games but I don't they will be able to contain this Caps team.
New York Rangers at Philadelphia
The Rangers have been susceptible all over the ice since their early season run. Philly has been stellar and terrible all season. Currently, the Flyers are playing consistently well. The Rangers have to win this one. Losing it and they will be mired in the battle for a playoff spot the rest of the season.
If the Rangers win and Washington also. This is a big points victory for the Blueshirts.
04 February 2016
Tons of games tonight: the way they matter to me
I'll go rank order for me:
Anaheim at Los Angeles
The Ducks are really clicking. Fortunately for them, it is not too late. A good win against San Jose on Tuesday with a win tonight and this Anaheim team is back in the "Might win the Stanley Cup" discussion, as they were before the season started. Los Angeles is still the solid Cup winning team they have shown to be. This game will be fun to watch.
Minnesota at New York Rangers
The Rangers have a couple of injuries going into this one. Rick Nash LW and Kevin Klein D are big minutes players. But the Rangers need some points out of this game and the other guys will have to step up. JT Miller C continues to be the second half version of Mats Zuccarello LW. Derick Brassard C is playing well. The Rangers are not holding onto a playoff spot by much, a win would be big.
The points are big for Minnesota as well. They have been struggling of late and find themselves on the outside-looking-in for the playoffs.
Chicago at Arizona
This game is a chance for the Coyotes to steal two points. If they can, I think their playoff hopes go up a lot. With Anaheim and San Jose playing so well, they Yotes need to get points against the top teams. Chicago is Chicago and they are a fun group to watch every night.
New York Islanders at Washington
Washington with Ovechkin is much better than Washington without him. He's back tonight. the Islanders haven't shown a lot of consistency and they need points. I look for Kyle Okposo RW and John Tavares C to be picking the pace up as the season grinds down. Maybe not tonight though - the Caps are not an easy to team to start something against.
Dallas at Colorado
Dallas is trying to bounce back and return to early season form when no lead against them was safe and the top-line of Seguin and Benn was basically unstoppable. They had a good win against the Jets, but this Colorado group is not the Jets. Colorado is playing good hockey these days, with no easy line to play against. When the Avs get chances, they seem to have a lot of guys who can finish.
Detroit at Florida
The Panthers are looking so good right now. Detroit had a tough loss last night to the rolling Lightning. Very difficult to come back after the break against these two teams, but if they do sneak in two points tonight somehow, it bodes well for a resilient Red Wing team.
Edmonton at Ottawa
Gotta watch that McDavid kid.
Boston at Buffalo
The Sabres are fun to watch. Boston needs points.
New Jersey at Toronto
Will Toronto get two in a row here? I hope so. I need Jersey to lose for the Rangers' sake. but really I don't care too much. I love some of the Devils' players (Henrique, Severson, Stempniak) Toronto is annoying because they are like the First Love of at least half of Canada. So even a glimmer of hope can get obnoxious reactions of how they will be a future Dynasty on the backs of Babcock and Lamoriello. I have nothing against these two - but praising the future now is bad form.
San Jose at St. Louis
Always interested to see how these two teams are playing. San Jose is trying to show that upper-tier success is real. St. Louis is getting un-injured and also trying to prove they are an upper-tier team.
Nashville at Philadelphia
Both teams need to show consistency.
Columbus at Vancouver
Almost left this off the list.
Anaheim at Los Angeles
The Ducks are really clicking. Fortunately for them, it is not too late. A good win against San Jose on Tuesday with a win tonight and this Anaheim team is back in the "Might win the Stanley Cup" discussion, as they were before the season started. Los Angeles is still the solid Cup winning team they have shown to be. This game will be fun to watch.
Minnesota at New York Rangers
The Rangers have a couple of injuries going into this one. Rick Nash LW and Kevin Klein D are big minutes players. But the Rangers need some points out of this game and the other guys will have to step up. JT Miller C continues to be the second half version of Mats Zuccarello LW. Derick Brassard C is playing well. The Rangers are not holding onto a playoff spot by much, a win would be big.
The points are big for Minnesota as well. They have been struggling of late and find themselves on the outside-looking-in for the playoffs.
Chicago at Arizona
This game is a chance for the Coyotes to steal two points. If they can, I think their playoff hopes go up a lot. With Anaheim and San Jose playing so well, they Yotes need to get points against the top teams. Chicago is Chicago and they are a fun group to watch every night.
New York Islanders at Washington
Washington with Ovechkin is much better than Washington without him. He's back tonight. the Islanders haven't shown a lot of consistency and they need points. I look for Kyle Okposo RW and John Tavares C to be picking the pace up as the season grinds down. Maybe not tonight though - the Caps are not an easy to team to start something against.
Dallas at Colorado
Dallas is trying to bounce back and return to early season form when no lead against them was safe and the top-line of Seguin and Benn was basically unstoppable. They had a good win against the Jets, but this Colorado group is not the Jets. Colorado is playing good hockey these days, with no easy line to play against. When the Avs get chances, they seem to have a lot of guys who can finish.
Detroit at Florida
The Panthers are looking so good right now. Detroit had a tough loss last night to the rolling Lightning. Very difficult to come back after the break against these two teams, but if they do sneak in two points tonight somehow, it bodes well for a resilient Red Wing team.
Edmonton at Ottawa
Gotta watch that McDavid kid.
Boston at Buffalo
The Sabres are fun to watch. Boston needs points.
New Jersey at Toronto
Will Toronto get two in a row here? I hope so. I need Jersey to lose for the Rangers' sake. but really I don't care too much. I love some of the Devils' players (Henrique, Severson, Stempniak) Toronto is annoying because they are like the First Love of at least half of Canada. So even a glimmer of hope can get obnoxious reactions of how they will be a future Dynasty on the backs of Babcock and Lamoriello. I have nothing against these two - but praising the future now is bad form.
San Jose at St. Louis
Always interested to see how these two teams are playing. San Jose is trying to show that upper-tier success is real. St. Louis is getting un-injured and also trying to prove they are an upper-tier team.
Nashville at Philadelphia
Both teams need to show consistency.
Columbus at Vancouver
Almost left this off the list.
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