3 Keys: Detroit Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres- 10/24/17

The Detroit Red Wings will visit the Buffalo Sabres in an Atlantic Division matchup on Tuesday night.

Here are three keys to the game:

1.) GOALTENDING- BUFFALO

The Sabres are going to need their goalies to start stealing some games for them. They goalies have not been great for the Sabres, but neither has the team defense. They have allowed three or more goals in seven of the Sabres nine games. At some point the goalies are going to have to steal a game for the Sabres, and it started on Saturday night against the Bruins with the third period comeback and overtime win. Robin Lehner and Chad Johnson will need to step up and start making saves to keep their team in games because if that doesn't happen then the Sabres are going to be looking at the NHL Lottery again.

2.) ROAD POWERPLAY- DETROIT

The Red Wings power play is struggling on the road again this year. In five games played, Detroit has 16 power play opportunities on the road and has only converted on two of them. The Red Wings road power play is only operating at 12.5%. If they want to win this game then they need to find a way to beat a Sabres penalty kill that has been perfect at home. The Red Wings need to have solid puck and player movement on the power play, and not hesitate to shoot when the shot is there. 

3.) DYLAN LARKIN VS. JACK EICHEL- DETROIT/BUFFALO

The biggest key of this game is how the teams contain Larkin and Eichel. Eichel has been on fire to start the season and having Jason Pominville on the right side has helped him a lot. It has opened up some more space, which leads to more time to create. In nine games , he has four goals, seven assists and 11 points. Dylan Larkin is tied for second on the Red Wings with nine total points. Larkin only has one goal, but he has been setting his teammates up this year with eight assists in nine games. The teams will have to eliminate time and space so these two can't create. 

Sabres Slashes: Weekly Preview 10/22/17-10/28/17

The Buffalo Sabres look to build some momentum off of its big overtime win against the Boston Bruins last Saturday. 

The Sabres will have two home games with a quick trip to Ohio in the middle of the week. On Tuesday night, they will host Detroit Red Wings. Then Wednesday night, they will travel to Ohio to face the Columbus Blue Jackets on the Wednesday Night Rivalry Game. They will finish up the week back at home where they will take on the San Jose Sharks.

The Sabres need to build off of its big win on Saturday night against the Bruins. They need to get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd in the game. Buffalo is going to need to be aware of the Red Wings physical game, but don't play tentative. The Sabres will need to play a good defensive game and eliminated the turnovers that have plagued them in the early season. Buffalo is going to need to keep an eye on Henrik Zetterberg and Dylan Larkin since those two can put up points during game.

The Red Wings will need to get the first goal of the game and make the Sabres play from behind. Detroit will need to win the special teams battle since the Sabres are pretty evenly matched at even strength. The Red Wings will need to stop the trio of Evander Kane, Jack Eichel and Jason Pominville since they each have 11 points already on the year. The Red Wings need to get off to a better start since they are being outscored in the first periods of games. They'll need to get pucks on net and attack the Sabres defense. The Red Wings will need to get the road power going since the Sabres don't have the best penalty kill.

On Wednesday night, the Sabres take on the Blue Jackets in Columbus. Buffalo will need to figure out a way to get some pucks past Sergei Bobrovsky, if he is in net. The Sabres will need to be ware of the Blue Jackets defense since they can join the offense. Buffalo will also need to get the first goal of the game and keep attacking to neutralize the balanced attack of the Blue Jackets. The Sabres will need to limit the mistakes, turnovers and be better with the puck on the power play.

The Blue Jackets will need to attack the Sabres and keep attacking. The Blue Jackets will need to hold the top line of the Sabres in-check since they are the best producing line. The Blue Jackets need to take advantage of the weak penalty kill of the Sabres while on the road. Columbus need to look for shorthanded chances because the Sabres will give up chances. They will also need to be aware of shorthanded chances while Evander Kane is in the ice.

The Sabres end the week at home by facing the San Jose Sharks. The Sabres will need to get a fast start and establish the forecheck. They will need to get the first goal of the game and get some shots on goal with traffic. Buffalo will need to have the leads after two periods since the Sharks don't have any come-from-behind third period wins this season. The Sabres will need to stop the balanced attack of the Sharks, but especially Logan Couture. 

The Sharks will need to get the offense going against a bad team and capitalize on their chances. San Jose will need to have a lead heading into the third period since the Sharks don't finish games strong. San Jose will also need to be the better team at even strength since they have struggled in that department so far this year too. The Sharks will need to stop Rasmus Ristolainen and Ryan O'Reilly, who can both set up their teammates. They will also need to force turnovers and then capitalize on those chances. 

Flying Forward: Weekly Preview 10/22/17-10/28/17

The Philadelphia Flyers are looking to continue their winning ways both at home and on the road this week.

The Flyers will face the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night at home. They will then take on the stingy Senators in Ottawa before ending the week in Toronto to face the fast-paced Maple Leafs.

Philly will need to take advantage of the injuries that the Ducks have had early in this season. The Orange and Black need to keep an eye on the Andrew Cogliano, Rickard Rakell and Jakob Silfverberg since they have a combined 12 points. The Flyers need to get the first goal of the game since they have yet to lose this year when scoring first. Philly will need to be sure to get pucks on the net with traffic in front and to elevate the puck. The Flyers need to be careful when on the power play because the Ducks do have three shorthanded goals on the season.

The Ducks need to get the first goal of the game because they haven't lost a game yet this season when scoring first. Anaheim needs to get off to a decent start and attack the young Philly defense since there will be new pairings, and the top pairing will be young. They will have to get traffic in front of the net, and be in front for rebounds because the Philadelphia goalies will allow them. Anaheim needs to keep an eye on Wayne Simmonds, who leads the team in goals, and Shayne Gostisbehere, who leads the team in points. The Ducks also need to not go out of their way for the big hit because Philly has the speed to make them pay for that this year.

The Orange and Black need to not let the Senators bore them and make them lose focus on what is going on around them. The Sens tend to play a very boring style, but the Flyers can attack them with their speed and quick puck movement out of the zone. Philly will need to stop a balanced Ottawa attack by getting their cycle game going and spending some time in the offensive zone. The Flyers should try to get a ton of traffic and shots on goal because if keep putting pucks on net then will eventually get some good chances. The Orange and Black need to have a solid defensive road game while pushing the pace.

Ottawa needs to get the first goal of the game and feed off the home crowd. The Senators need to keep an neutralize the balanced attack of the Flyers by spending some time in the offensive zone. The Sens will need to establish the forecheck game early and attack the Philly defense. This would be a good game to try and get the home power play going for the Senators since the Flyers don't have a good road penalty kill.

Toronto ends its week with a visit from the Flyers to the ACC. The Leafs need to be aware of the Flyers speed, and stay out of the penalty box. They will need to take care of the rookies that are playing on the blue line, and the potential of new pairs since Andrew MacDonald is out 4-6 weeks with a lower body injury. The Maple Leafs need to get the first goal since the Flyers have yet to win a game when their opponent nets the first goal. The Leafs are going to need to keep an eye on the top line of the Flyers, and defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who heading into this week lead the team with 11 points.

The Flyers will need to get off to a fast start and get the first goal of the game. Philly can neutralize the speed of the Maple Leafs by spending time in the offensive zone with a good cycle and forecheck game. The Orange and Black need to bring the balanced attack that they have all season long to wear down the Leafs. The Flyers need to take advantage when they are up a man because Toronto doesn't have the best home penalty kill percentage (76.5%). Philly will need to win the even strength play, which is an area where they have been much better at this season as opposed to last season.

Leafs Notes: Weekly Preview 10/22/17-10/28/17

The Toronto Maple Leafs look to take advantage of having home ice this week for three games.

The Leafs will take on LA Kings, who have yet to lose in regulation, tonight. The Carolina Hurricanes will visit the Air Canada Centre on Thursday night. Toronto ends its week by taking on the Philadelphia Flyers in a Saturday night matchup.

The Leafs look to hand the Kings their first loss of the season, but it won't be easy to accomplish. The Maple Leafs are going to need to bring its balanced attack, and bring it throughout the game. They just can't get a lead, and then sit back. A way to stop the Kings is for the Leafs to use their speed through the neutral zone to force the Kings defensemen to back into their own zone and not be able to stand up at the blue line. Toronto needs to move the puck quickly, but also be smart in their decision-making. The Maple Leafs are going to need to watch out for Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown, who are tied for the lead in points on the Kings. The Leafs will all five players on the ice at any give time to be better defensively, which has been a problem early in the season.

Los Angeles can slow down the speed of the Leafs by attacking the defensemen with a good forecheck game, and then go to work on the cycle game to keep the puck in the offensive zone. The Kings are going to need to have a good, solid defensive effort from everyone on the ice including the forwards. If the Kings can get their road power play going against the weak Leafs home power play then that would be a bonus, and help the Kings to another two points. Los Angeles needs to play the game with discipline since Toronto has a really good power play. The Kings will need to keep an eye on Auston Matthews, who leads the team in goals and points.

The Maple Leafs will have two days off before facing the Hurricanes. Toronto needs to make sure that they have the lead at intermission since the Hurricanes are a better team when they are playing with the lead rather than chasing it. The Leafs should try to capitalize on their chances because Carolina doesn't seem to give up a whole lot. The Leafs want to win the even strength battle, which they've been doing for most of the season. Toronto needs to come into the game with the mentality that they are going to play a full 60 minute hockey game since their problem has been that they tend to get comfortable with the lead, and then get outplayed in the second period.

The Canes need to get the first goal of the game to take the crowd out of it. They need to bring a balanced attack because they won't beat the Leafs with just one or two lines producing. Carolina is getting shots, but they just need to learn to finish. The Hurricanes will need to keep attacking if they get down because the Leafs do tend to allow teams to get back into games.

Toronto ends its week with a visit from the Flyers to the ACC. The Leafs need to be aware of the Flyers speed, and stay out of the penalty box. They will need to take care of the rookies that are playing on the blue line, and the potential of new pairs since Andrew MacDonald is out 4-6 weeks with a lower body injury. The Maple Leafs need to get the first goal since the Flyers have yet to win a game when their opponent nets the first goal. The Leafs are going to need to keep an eye on the top line of the Flyers, and defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who heading into this week lead the team with 11 points.

The Flyers will need to get off to a fast start and get the first goal of the game. Philly can neutralize the speed of the Maple Leafs by spending time in the offensive zone with a good cycle and forecheck game. The Orange and Black need to bring the balanced attack that they have all season long to wear down the Leafs. The Flyers need to take advantage when they are up a man because Toronto doesn't have the best home penalty kill percentage (76.5%). Philly will need to win the even strength play, which is an area where they have been much better at this season as opposed to last season.

Flying Forward: Weekly Preview 10/15/17-10/21/17

The Philadelphia Flyers are looking to take advantage of playing in front of the home crowd this week.

The Flyers will have a tough week ahead as they take on the Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators and Edmonton Oilers. The Panthers have struggled on the road, the Predators will likely be without Nick Bonino and the Oilers are just struggling to start the season off. It may not look like it's going to be a tough week, but it could be if the Flyers don't get decent goaltending and play defense.

On Tuesday night, the Flyers take on Jonathan Huberdeau and the Panthers. Philly has to get the first goal of the game since they have won all three games in which they have done so. The Orange and Black will need to use the crowd to get off to a fast start and establish the forecheck and cycle game early so they can spend some time in the offensive zone. The Flyers need to bring its balanced attack that they have and roll out all four of its line. It would be nice if Philly could get its third line of Dale Weise, Nolan Patrick and Travis Konecny going with some attack time and chances in the offensive zone. The Flyers need to keep an eye on the top six forwards of the Panthers especially Jonathan Huberdeau and Evgeni Dadonov since those two lead the team in points.

Florida will need to win the special teams battle, and take advantage of a somewhat weak penalty kill by the Flyers. The Panthers should establish the forecheck game early so they can spend time in the offensive zone to minimize chances by Philadelphia. Florida will need a solid 60 minute road effort to beat the Flyers since they seem to get better as the game goes on. The Panthers need to bring their skating legs and keep short shifts especially in the third period since that it is the Flyers best period. Florida needs to find a way to stop the top line of Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier and Jake Voracek because the managed to rack up 10 points in an 8-2 win over the Capitals on Saturday night.

On Thursday night, the Flyers will have a rematch against the Nashville Predators, who they lost 6-5 to last week in the final three minutes of the game. The Orange and Black need to use its speed to attack the Predators and force turnovers. The Flyers need to get the first goal, not sit back and then start taking penalties. The will have to watch out for the speed of the Predators in transition especially Filip Forsberg. Philly will need be disciplined and stay out of the penalty box since the can really score with the man advantage.

The Predators need to be careful since this is a revenge game for Philadelphia. Nashville is going to need to stay out of the penalty box since Philly's power play can put the puck in the net. The Preds will need to figure out a way to stop the balanced attack of the Flyers. If Nashville learned anything in its 6-5 win against Philly last week, it should have been to get the puck on net because Brian Elliott and Michal Neuvirth can be shaky at times during a game. The Predators need to watch out for the defense of the Flyers joining the play in the offensive zone.

The Flyers end the week with a visit from the struggling Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid. Philly need to keep the top six of the Oilers off the board. They'll need to get pucks on net with traffic for deflections. The Oilers penalty kill hasn't been great so far this year so the Flyers need to take advantage when they are up a man. Philadelphia needs to skate, keep its feet moving, draw penalties and have speed going through the neutral zone to keep the defensemen of the Oilers honest.

Edmonton will need to win the special teams battle since the Flyers penalty kill isn't the best in the NHL. The Oilers need to get the first goal of the game. Edmonton needs to have better starts to games since they have been outscored 6-2 in the first period. The Oilers will need to play a full 60 minutes and limits its mistakes. Edmonton are going to need to keep an eye on the speed of Philadelphia especially through the neutral zone.

Preds Prey: Weekly Preview 10/15/17-10/21/17

The Nashville Predators are dealing with some key loses to it lineup. The Predators already knew they would be without defenseman Ryan Ellis until January, but now they could be without center Nick Bonino for an extended period of time.

The Preds start off its week by hosting  Central Division opponent, the Colorado Avalanche. On Thursday night, the will travel to Philadelphia to face the Flyers. Nashville ends its week on Saturday in New York to face the struggling Rangers.

Nashville recalled forward Frederick Gaudreau from the AHL. He is likely to take the roster spot of injured center Nick Bonino. The Predators need to make sure that they are solid in all phases of the game, but especially even strength play since they have more power play goals than even strength goals entering tonight's contest with the Avs. Nashville needs to pressure defenseman Anton Lindholm, if he draws into the lineup for injured Patrik Nemeth, since he has only played in two games so far. If Semyon Varlamov is in net for the Avalanche tonight then the Preds need to make sure that they elevate the puck to get deflections out in front of the net. The Avs have yet to win a game when trailing after two periods so the Predators may want to have the lead heading into the third period.

Colorado needs to get the first goal of the game since they are 4-0-0 when doing so. If Pekka Rinne starts then the Avs need to get the puck elevated and get him moving laterally. The Avalanche special teams are going to need to be better than they have to start the season. Colorado is going to need to establish the forecheck and play a physical game. The Avalanche will need to keep an eye on Filip Forsberg and Scott Hartnell.

The Predators need to be careful since this is a revenge game for Philadelphia. Nashville is going to need to stay out of the penalty box since Philly's power play can put the puck in the net. The Preds will need to figure out a way to stop the balanced attack of the Flyers. If Nashville learned anything in its 6-5 win against Philly last week, it should have been to get the puck on net because Brian Elliott and Michal Neuvirth can be shaky at times during a game. The Predators need to watch out for the defense of the Flyers joining the play in the offensive zone.

On Thursday night, the Flyers will have a rematch against the Predators, who they lost 6-5 to last week in the final three minutes of the game. The Orange and Black need to use its speed to attack the Predators and force turnovers. The Flyers need to get the first goal, not sit back and then start taking penalties. The will have to watch out for the speed of the Predators in transition especially Filip Forsberg. Philly will need be disciplined and stay out of the penalty box since the can really score with the man advantage.

The Predators end its week facing the struggling New York Rangers, who went 1-5-0 to start the season. Nashville will need to take advantage of it power play opportunities, and have good energy from the start of the game. The Preds will need a good forecheck and offensive zone time. They will also need to keep attacking since the Rangers have given up eight third period goals. The Predators are going to need to keep an eye on Mika Zibanejad, who may have new linemates for tonight's game, since he leads the team with five goals.

The Rangers just need to have a better effort all around, but especially at even strength. New York needs to be better defensively and that starts with every player on the ice being responsible with and without the puck including the goaltender. The goalies for the Rangers need to start making some saves, and the bottom six need to start producing more. The Blue Shirts need to get off to a fast start including the first goal, and keep attacking. The Rangers need to play a complete 60 minute game especially since they have struggled in front of the home crowd in the early going.

Leafs Notes: Weekly Preview 10/15/17-10/21/17

The Toronto Maple Leafs are off to a good start this season, but it hasn't come without some not-so-great defensive play.

They will need to be sharp in their own end and smart with the puck as they take on the Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators this week.

The Maple Leafs will take on the Capitals in a rematch from last year's first round of the playoffs. The Leafs will need to use their speed and attack the Capitals defense to cause turnovers. Toronto needs to get the first goal, hold the lead and don't let the Caps back in the game. The Maple Leafs need to be a tight team defensively because if they aren't then the Capitals offense can explode for some goals. The goalie is going to need to make some key saves because there will be chances from guys like Alex Ovechkin, T.J. Oshie and Evgeny Kutznetsov. The Leafs are going to need to stop the Caps top six and make the bottom six beat them.

The Capitals will need to get the first goal and keep attacking. They will somehow need to contain the speed of Toronto. The Caps need to attack the defense of the Leafs and force some turnovers to create scoring chances. Washington will need to be aware of where Auston Matthews and William Nylander are on the ice. They are going to need to limit their mistakes and be smart with the puck.

The Leafs return home on Wednesday night to take on Atlantic Division rival, the  Detroit Red Wings. Toronto is going to need to contain Dylan Larkin since he has the speed to get behind the defense of the Leafs. The Maple Leafs need to be aware of the Red Wings defense because they can join the play in the offensive zone, and they do a good job of keeping the puck in the zone if you try to clear up the wall. The Leafs just need to get a ton of shots on goal. Toronto needs to get off to a fast start since Detroit tends to get better as the game goes on.

The Red Wings need to spend some time in the offensive zone to try to get some goals since they have gotten off to some slow starts this year. Detroit needs to be better at even strength and keeping the goals against down a little bit. The Red Wings will need to contain the Leafs speed and one way to do that is to spend a bulk of the game in the offensive zone. Detroit needs to be better on face-offs and win some of them because winning a face-off could mean more puck possession. The Red Wings are also going to need to be aware of Auston Matthews since he has scored some goals against them in his young career.

The Leafs go back on the road to finish out its week and take on the Ottawa Senators. The Leafs will need to be aware Erik Karlsson joining the rush in the offensive zone. Toronto needs to get plenty of traffic in front of the net. The Maple Leafs need to be patient and not force a shot since the Sens have no problem blocking shots. The Leafs need to bring its balanced attack, and to keep getting shots on goal even if they aren't going in.

The Senators need to eliminate the turnovers especially in their own end and through the neutral zone to contain the speed of the Leafs. Ottawa needs to bring a balanced attack and not just have the top six producing points. The Senators just need to play their game and not worry about what the Leafs are doing. Ottawa has a good penalty kill but they may want to stay out of the box because the power play of the Leafs isn't too shabby.

Shooting Stars: Weekly Preview 10/15/17-10/21/17

The Dallas Stars should be able to get some wins this week since they have a home-and-home with the Arizona Coyotes and face the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Stars take on the Coyotes at home on Tuesday night, then again on Thursday in Arizona before finishing up their week back home to face the Hurricanes, who have struggled a little to start the season.

The Stars will need to get the first goal of the game when they face the Coyotes. They also will need to not look past Arizona thinking it is going to be an easy four points and two wins. Dallas needs to stay out of the penalty box since they don't have a great penalty kill of their own and the Coyotes have a good power play. The Stars need to get off to a fast start and establish the tone of the games early since they only have three first period goals. Dallas needs to keep an eye on Clayton Keller and Max Domi, who are tied for the team lead in points.

The Coyotes will need to get the first goal of the game, and get a ton of pucks on net. They will also need to pressure the defense of the Stars to force some turnovers. Arizona needs to be willing to work in the two games and win some board battles to establish some offensive zone time. The Coyotes have to watch out for the defensemen since they like to join the play in the offensive zone. Arizona needs to find a way to contain the offense of the Stars since they can bring a balanced attack and put the puck in the net.

The Stars need to keep an eye on the balanced attack of the Carolina Hurricanes. Dallas needs to be physical and force turnovers. The Stars need to get traffic in front of the net so they can take away the goalie's eyes. Dallas needs to have a solid 60 minute effort, and not look past the Hurricanes. The goalie is going to have to make saves since the 'Canes do manage to get a ton of shots on net.

Carolina will need to keep firing the puck on net because the Stars will give up some goals. The Hurricanes need to find a way to stop the balanced attack of the Stars since all four lines can produce and spend time in the offensive zone. The 'Canes need to get off to a better start and score some first period goals since they only have two of them in three games. Carolina needs to take sure that they know where Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin are when they are on the ice. The Hurricanes need to get the first goal of the game and play a solid defensive game. 

3 Keys: Avalanche @ Predators

 

The Nashville Predators will face another Central Division opponent tonight in the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche are off to a surprising start, while the Predators have some work to do with all the injuries they've faced this season.

 

Here are three keys to tonight's game:

 

1.) BONINO INJURY- PREDATORS

 

The Predators called up Frederick Gaudreau from the AHL to take Nick Bonino's roster spot. The center depth will be challenged once again as it was last June for the Preds. They will need players to step up like Kevin Fiala and Calle Jarnkrok, who will each see new line mates tonight. Nashville will need to get some scoring help from the blue line and they will also need to be a little better defensively. The Predators need to get the puck out of the zone when they can and not have too many failed clears since they are missing a decent faceoff man in Bonino.

 

2.) SPECIAL TEAMS- AVALANCHE

 

The Avalanche are going to need to win the battle of the special teams tonight. They need to capitalize on their power play opportunities with some nice puck and player movement. The Avs also need to get some traffic in front of the net for deflections and to take the goalie's eyes off the puck. Colorado will also need to stay out of the penalty box since the Preds power play can be dangerous at time. If they take penalties then they are going to need to win the board battles and get the puck out on its first clearing attempt. If they fail to clear the puck, then the Predators will likely find a way to make them pay since they have some guys that can find the back of the net.

 

3.) FORSBERG VS. YAKUPOV- PREDATORS/AVALANCHE

 

Nail Yakupov seems to have found a new gear with top six playing time and new line mates with the Avalanche. Yakupov has three goals through six games, is finishing his chances, and is playing with speed. The Predators are going to need to find a way to slow down his line tonight. Filip Forsberg is off to a good start through five games for the Predators. He has five goals, two assists and seven points on the young season. The Avs are going to need to keep an eye on him on the power play since he can snipe the puck.

 

Lightning Strikes: Weekly Preview 10/15/17-10/21/17

The Tampa Bay Lightning look to continue their winning ways this week as they face Eastern Conference opponents.

On Monday night, the Bolts visit the Detroit Red Wings for an Atlantic Division matchup. The Bolts then visit the Prudential Center to take on the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night. On Thursday night, they'll visit the Columbus Blue Jackets, and then finish up their week on Saturday night when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

The Bolts need to get off to a fast start because the Red Wings seem to get stronger as the game goes on. The Lightning will need to get traffic in front of the net especially if Jimmy Howard is in net because he has been so good. Tampa Bay needs to bring its balanced attack and not just have one or two lines doing all the scoring. The Bolts will need to keep an eye on Martin Frk, who has three goals this year and has some speed. Tampa Bay will also need to stay out of the penalty box and play a disciplined game since the Red Wings have a decent power play. 

The Red Wings need to get the first goal of the game since the Lightning have a decent record when scoring first. Detroit needs to keep playing its game even if they get down early because they seem to get better as the game goes on. The Red Wings are going to have to win the special teams battle since they aren't exactly the best team at even strength. Detroit needs to be better at even strength since nine of the 12 goals against them this year have come at 5-on-5. The Red Wings will also need to elevate the puck if Andrei Vasilevskiy is in net since he covers the bottom part of the net pretty well.

The Lightning need to be smart with and without the puck when they face the Devils on Tuesday night. The Devils have more takeaways than giveaway so far on the season. The Bolts will need to get traffic and deflections in front of the goaltender. The Bolts will need to keep an eye on the rookies, Will Butcher and Jesper Bratt, since they both have contributed during the early going. Tampa Bay needs to cash in on its power play opportunities, but they also need to be careful with the puck since the Devils have scored three shorthanded goals this year.

The Devils need to have better special team play especially on the penalty kill. They will need to stay out of the penalty box because they haven't been great killing penalties and the  Lightning have a great power play. New Jersey will need to keep an eye on the defense of the Bolts since they can and will going the play in the offensive zone. The Devils need to keep an eye on Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov since they've been going good to start the season.

Tampa Bay will take on the Columbus Blue Jackets and they will need to get some traffic and deflections because if Sergei Bobrovsky can see a puck then he is likely going to stop it. The Bolts need to score first since, and not sit back but keep attacking once they get the lead. The Lightning need all four lines to contribute if they want to steal a win from the Blue Jackets. Tampa Bay will need to keep an eye on defensemen Zach Werenski and Seth Jones since they aren't afraid to join the play or shoot the puck from the point. They will also need to keep Sonny Milano and Artemi Panarin in-check.

The Blue Jackets will need to score first and keep the home crowd in the game. They will also need to be good defensively since the Lightning can attack with speed and be creative with the puck. The Blue Jackets do have good home special team numbers, but not good overall special teams numbers, so that is something that they can work on in this game. Columbus  need to stop the balanced attack of the Bolts and one way to do that is to spend a ton of time in the offensive zone.

The Bolts end their week against the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tampa Bay need to get off to a fast start and establish the forecheck early in the game. The Bolts will need to make smart decisions with and without the puck. The Lightning will need to make the bottom six forwards of the Penguins beat them and do their best to keep the top six off the score sheet. 

The Penguins need to get the first goal of the game, and have a good forecheck game early. They will need to get better goaltending especially from Antti Niemi, who has really struggled in his two games. The Pens should pressure the puck carrier to force some turnovers and use its speed in transition. Pittsburgh will also need to find a way to slow down the balanced attack of the Lightning, and that means spend a ton of time in the offensive zone peppering Vasilveskiy or Budaj with shots. 

3 Keys: Bolts @ Red Wings

The Tampa Bay Lightning will take on Atlantic Division rival, Detroit Red Wings on Monday night at 7:30 p.m.

Here are three keys to the game:

1.) Fast Start- Lightning

The Bolts will look to get off to a fast start since the Red Wings tend to get better as the game goes on. Tampa Bay needs to get in on the forecheck and establish a good cycle game to get some sustained offensive pressure and keep the Red Wings hemmed in their own zone. The Lightning look to get the first goal of the game, and use that momentum to build its lead. Tampa Bay needs to bring their skating legs to keep up with the younger kids of the Red Wings. The Bolts also need to be ready to work on the offensive and defensive side of the puck to establish a tone early in the game.

2.) Even Strength Play- Red Wings

The Red Wings need to be better at even strength since they have given up nine  of 12 goals against at 5-on-5. Detroit can be better at even strength by having a better forecheck and winning battles along the board to have sustained offensive pressure. The Red Wings need to be aware of where the Lightning are on the ice including the defensemen. Detroit needs to be in better defensive position when playing at even strength. 

3.) Brayden Point vs. Martin Frk- Lightning/Red Wings

Brayden Point has had a good start to the season for the Lightning while Martin Frk has been able to put the puck in the net for the Red Wings. Point has three goals, five assists and eight points in five games. Frk has three goals, one assists and four points in five games played. Point and Frk each bring speed to their respective team's lineup so they will need to be watched closely. The forwards use their speed to create and aren't afraid to get to the net to score some goals.

Sabres Slashes: Weekly Preview 10/15/17-10/21/17

The Buffalo Sabres are going to need to need to have a quick turn around. The Sabres lost to the Los Angeles Kings last night, and they'll need to forget about it because they take on the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday night. 

Buffalo then takes on the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night before flying home  to take on the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night. The Sabres finish up a tough week facing division rivals, the Boston Bruins in Boston. The Sabres need to find a way to get its first win of the year this week because once they get that first win, they'll gain some confidence in their play.

The Sabres need to start playing better, and not standing around expecting to lose. When they are in their own zone, the players on the ice need to keep their feet moving and anticipate where the puck is going to go and not just stand around waiting for the other team to score. Buffalo needs to have a better effort against the Ducks because Anaheim can score, and will capitalize off mistakes. Whether Chad Johnson or Robin Lehner starts for the Sabres, the goalies really need to start making some saves to bail the team out of trouble. Buffalo needs more production out of the second, third and fourth lines because a team can't win with only one line producing. The Sabres should keep an eye on the Ducks' leading scorer, Andrew Cogliano, and the rest of his line since they have speed, can create and can finish.

Anaheim needs to find a way to get its offense going, and scoring some goals while on the man advantage could really help. The Ducks need to find a way to stop the trio of Evander Kane, Jack Eichel and Jason Pominville since this has been the only line really producing for Buffalo. Anaheim needs to take advantage of home ice and get off to a fast start. The Sabres have yet to win a game when the opposition scores the first goal so the Ducks need to get that first goal of the game. If Anaheim can get a good forecheck and cycle game going then they should be able to catch the Sabres standing around in their own zone, and get some good chances to put the puck in the net. 

On Tuesday night, the Sabres take on the Golden Knights. The Sabres are going to need to contain James Neal, who is off to a hot start. Buffalo is going to need to get the first goal and take the lead into intermission. Buffalo may luck out since Marc-Andre Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault and Erik Haula could all miss the game due to injury. The Sabres are going to need to keep their feet moving at both ends of the ice and not get caught standing around.

The Golden Knights should try to get off to a fast start and get the first goal of the game. Vegas will also need to pressure the puck carrier since the Sabres have 42 turnovers on the season. The Golden Knights need someone besides James Neal to start putting the puck in the net. They will also need some better even strength play, and capitalize when they are on the man advantage. Vegas will need to pay attention to Kane, Eichel and Pominville since they seem to be the only three players producing for the Sabres.

On Friday night, the Sabres come home to take on the Canucks. The Canucks will be in the middle of a five game road trip so the Sabres need to take advantage of them by getting off to a fast start. Buffalo needs to get in front of the net and get some dirty goals. In order to spend some time in the offensive zone, the Sabres are going to need to win some face-offs and board battles. Buffalo also need to watch out for the speed of the Canucks especially if Jake Virtanen and Brock Boeser are in the lineup. 

Vancouver needs to play a solid road game and be smart with and without the puck. They will need a decent game from the goalie since they are coming off of playing the Boston Bruins on Thursday night and could be a little tired. The Canucks are going to need to get the first goal and build off of it since the Sabres have struggled so far this year. Vancouver also needs to be better at even strength then the Sabres.

On Saturday night, the Sabres visit the Bruins in a divisional matchup. Buffalo needs to get the lead and a smart road game since the Bruins can capitalize on turnovers. They will also need to stay out of the penalty box since the Bruins have a decent power play. The Sabres also need to  keep an eye on the top six of the Bruins especially Brad Marchand, David Krejci and David Pastrnak. Buffalo needs to force the bottom six into beating them by keeping the top six in-check.

The Bruins need to score the first goal and keep the home crowd in the game. Boston could have Patrice Bergeron back by this game, and that could be a huge boost for the offense. The Bs need to get Pastrnak going since he hasn't been very consistent in the early going after signing a new contract in the offseason. Boston needs to get the home power play going and be better on the penalty kill. 

Preds Prey: Weekly Preview 10/8/17-10/14/17

The Nashville Predators will finally get a chance to raise the Western Conference Champions banner in front of the home crowd.

On Tuesday night, they will take on the Philadelphia Flyers in its first home game of the season.On Thursday night, the face-off against Central Division opponent, Dallas Stars. On Saturday night, they will travel to Chicago and the United Center to take on the Blackhawks in another pivotal Central Division matchup.

The Preds will want to use the raucous crowd to its advantage and get off to a flying start without getting too caught up in the hype of the night. Nashville is going to need all four line to have some sustained pressure in offensive zone. Scott Hartnell faces his former team tonight and could be a big factor on the power play for Nashville. The Predators will need to get the first goal and keep building off of that. Nashville is going to need to stay out of the penalty box and do a good job of defending all four Flyers lines.

The Flyers are going to need to get off to a fast start in Nashville and take the crowd out of the game. The Orange and Black will want to get the first goal since the Predators haven't won a game when the opposition scores first. Philly is catching a break since the Preds best defenseman, Roman Josi could miss the game due to an injury. The Flyers will want to get in on the forecheck, win board battles and get shots on the net. The Orange and Black are going to need to want to crash the net and get plenty of traffic in the crease to take eyes off the puck.

Nashville will face a struggling Stars team on Thursday night. The Preds need to take advantage of the Stars struggles to start the season. Nashville needs to pressure the puck carrier and force some turnovers especially the way the Stars have been playing in their own zone. The Predators need to get some shots on goal and make the Stars work for their offensive zone time. Nashville needs to be good through the neutral zone and limits its own turnovers since the Stars are comfortable playing a pond hockey style game. 

 The Stars are off to a slow start with Ben Bishop having to leave the first game of the year, and Kari Lehtonen having to take his place. The Stars need to establish a good forecheck and get some attack time in the offensive zone. Dallas needs to stop standing around watching the plays develop in its own end and get its feet moving to stop those plays from happening. It would help the Stars if they could manage to get a goal or two in the first period since they don't have one yet. Dallas needs to get its top line going and involved in the offense because without them, the Stars are going to struggle to get goals. 

The Predators end the week with a tough game in Chicago. The Preds better hope that Roman Josi is back for this game because the Hawks are off and flying on offense. Nashville is going to need a solid start and get the first goal to take the crowd out of the game. They are going to need to use its speed to draw some penalties and use special teams to its advantage. The Predators will want to play a solid, defensive road game and not give up too many chances to the Blackhawks.

Shooting Stars: Weekly Preview 10/8/17-10/14/17

The Dallas Stars will play the Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche this week.

The Red Wings and Avalanche are off to a decent start, but the Predators are really struggling just like the Stars.

The Stars need to get off to a fast start and get the first goal of the game since they've really struggled to get going in the first period of games this year. Dallas is going to need to get some pucks and traffic in front of the opposing net. The Stars are going to need to take advantage of its power play chances. Dallas will need to an eye on defenseman Mike Green since he leads the Red Wings in points and assists with four. The Stars just need to get some offensive pressure, get a bounce to go their way and not let the goalie steal another game from them. 

The Red Wings are off to a decent start to the new season. They will want to get off to a better start since they have yet to score a first period goal. Detroit will want to get the first goal and pressure the Dallas defense to force turnovers. The Red Wings need to play a solid first ten minutes to the game and not play into the up-and-down style of hockey that Dallas can tend to play sometimes. Detroit needs to get the top six involved in the game early and often.

 The Stars are off to a slow start with Ben Bishop having to leave the first game of the year, and Kari Lehtonen having to take his place. The Stars need to establish a good forecheck and get some attack time in the offensive zone. Dallas needs to stop standing around watching the plays develop in its own end and get its feet moving to stop those plays from happening. It would help the Stars if they could manage to get a goal or two in the first period since they don't have one yet. Dallas needs to get its top line going and involved in the offense because without them, the Stars are going to struggle to get goals. 

Nashville will face a struggling Stars team on Thursday night. The Preds need to take advantage of the Stars struggles to start the season. Nashville needs to pressure the puck carrier and force some turnovers especially the way the Stars have been playing in their own zone. The Predators need to get some shots on goal and make the Stars work for their offensive zone time. Nashville needs to be good through the neutral zone and limits its own turnovers since the Stars are comfortable playing a pond hockey style game.

The Stars end the week back home on Saturday night to face the Colorado Avalanche, who are off to a surprisingly good start to the year. Dallas will need to keep an eye on the top two lines of the Avalanche since they can produce. They'll also need to keep an eye on the defense since they don't seem to have a problem getting involved in the offense. Dallas will need to get off to a fast start and get some pucks on net. The Stars need to play a good solid defensive game and help out their goalie.

The Avalanche need to get the first goal of the game, and continue the momentum throughout the rest of the game. Colorado is going to have to take advantage of its power play opportunities since they've struggled mightily in that department early on. The Avs need to bring a balanced attack since the Stars have plenty of fire power of their own. Colorado will also need to have a solid effort defensively and avoid turnovers. 

Flying Forward: Weekly Preview 10/8/17-10/14/17

The Philadelphia Flyers will finally get to have their own home opener after sitting through three other teams home openers in the first week of the season.

The Flyers will first have to get through the home opener and banner raising for the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night. On Saturday night, they will celebrate their own home opener against the Washington Capitals. In five total games, they will have been throug four home openers after this week.

The Flyers are going to need to get off to a fast start in Nashville and take the crowd out of the game. The Orange and Black will want to get the first goal since the Predators haven't won a game when the opposition scores first. Philly is catching a break since the Preds best defenseman, Roman Josi could miss the game due to an injury. The Flyers will want to get in on the forecheck, win board battles and get shots on the net. The Orange an"d Black are going to need to want to crash the net and get plenty of traffic in the crease to take eyes off the puck. 

The Preds will want to use the raucous crowd to its advantage and get off to a flying start without getting too caught up in the hype of the night. Nashville is going to need all four line to have some sustained pressure in offensive zone. Scott Hartnell faces his former team tonight and could be a big factor on the power play for Nashville. The Predators will need to get the first goal and keep building off of that. Nashville is going to need to stay out of the penalty box and do a good job of defending all four Flyers lines.

On Saturday night, the Flyers will finally get to play in front of its own home crowd as the divisional rivals, Capitals come to town. The Flyers are going to need to play a really good densive game and cut back on the turnovers. The Orange and Black will need to stop the offensive balance throughout the Capitals lineup, but especially the top six of the Caps. Philly will need to not take stupid penalties and make to a fight-filled parade to the penalty box or they won't even have a shot at winning. The Flyers need to get a ton of traffic on front of the goalie to take his eyes off the puck.

The Caps have started the season off with no problems on the offensive side of the puck. The Capitals need to be a little tighter defensively especially giving up so many shots per game. Washington needs to watch out for the speed of the Flyers and the younger kids that have contributed to the offense. The Caps need to get off to a fast start and establish the forecheck early in the game.