Preds Prey: Weekly Preview 11/26/17-12/2/17

The Nashville Predators will look to continue their hot streak as they head into a week where they play three of their four games at home. 

The Preds are looking to win their 10th game in the last 11 games played, and will enter the week with a 9-1-0 record in the past 10 games played. It won't be an easy task, although it may look like some easy points on paper since most of the teams they play are towards the bottom of their divisions.

Nashville will have a Sunday afternoon game in Carolina to start off the week. It won't be an easy game despite the Hurricanes record and them being out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference right now. The Predators will need to get pucks on net, and be in position for the second chance opportunities. Nashville will need to play a solid defensive game to contain a pretty balanced Carolina lineup. The Preds will also not want to look past the Hurricanes to the Blackhawks. The Predators will want to win the special teams battle and capitalize on the power play since Carolina has a pretty weak penalty kill. Nashville will also want to know where Teuvo Teravainen and Sebastian Aho are on the ice at all times, and make sure that they don't have much time to create or move the puck.

The Hurricanes will have a tough task in trying to put the flames out on the Preds hot streak. They will need to play a solid defensive game, and help each other out on the ice. Carolina will also need to know where Filip Forsberg and Ryan Johansen are on the ice at all times since they are two of the top three point producers for the Preds. The 'Canes will  need to watch the Predators defensemen since they like to join the play in the offensive zone. The Hurricanes need to be better at even strength since their special team numbers aren't the best in the world. Carolina is going to need to have traffic in front of the net because Pekka Rinne has been solid all season for the Predators in net.

The Blackhawks will visit Nashville on Tuesday night in a Central Division showdown. The Predators will need to get traffic in front of the net since Corey Crawford has been good this year for Chicago. Nashville will need to find a way to slow down the balanced lineup of the Blackhawks since they have four lines that can score. The Preds will look to have a better start to this game since they have been getting off to slow starts and then picking up the play in the second period this year. The Predators will look to get the first goal of the game and keep attacking from there.

Chicago needs to find a way to be consistent, and they should start with having a solid,60 minute road effort against a division opponent. The Blackhawks have really struggled so far this year and are falling behind in the playoff picture. Chicago will need to rely on its goalie to have a good game since they will give up shots and chances. The Blackhawks will need to stay out of the penalty box since the Preds power play is one of the best in the NHL. Chicago will need to have a solid game at even strength and force the Preds into some turnovers with a good forecheck and pressure.

Vancouver will visit Music City on Thursday night and look to leave with two points. Nashville will need to contain Brock Boeser because he has been really good for the Canucks so far this year. The Predators will need to stay out of the penalty box since the Canucks can put the puck in the net with the man advantage. The Preds will need to have the lead entering the third period since they have yet to win a game when trailing after the second. Nashville will want to establish a forecheck game early and keep applying the pressure throughout the game. The Preds also need to be a lot better at finishing games, and be tighter defensively in the final period of games.

The Canucks have been a surprise team through the first quarter of the season, and the main reason has been Boeser, who leads the team in goals, assists and points. Vancouver will need to stay out of the penalty box, and get the first goal of the game to quiet the home crowd. The Canucks will need to get plenty of traffic, shots on net and take advantage of their scoring chances throughout the game. Vancouver will need to have the lead entering the third period since they don't have a regulation win when trailing after two periods of hockey. The Canucks are going to need the goaltending to have a big game for them by making saves. 

The week ends with a visit from the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday night. The Predators will need to get plenty of traffic in front of the net and shoot high. The Preds will need to find a way to contain Rickard Rakell and Corey Perry, who are the two leading scoring on the Ducks. Nashville will need to be better in the third period of this game, and stop the top six forwards of the Ducks since the bottom six hasn't contributed much on the offensive side of the puck this year. The Preds will want to get off to a fast start, and keep the pressure on the Ducks.

Anaheim will need to get the first goal of the game since they are 6-1-2 when doing so, and it may take the raucous crowd out of the game a little bit. The Ducks will need to get the power play going since they have struggled with the man advantage this year, but there are major parts missing like Ryan Getzlaf and Ondrej Kase. Anaheim is going to want to stay out of the penalty box, and watch out for the transition speed of the Preds. The Ducks will need to play a team game on defense and that includes the forwards covering their man and the gap control being manageable. 

Preds Prey: Weekly Preview 11/19/17-11/25/17

The Nashville Predators will look to continue their hot streak this week as they face a couple of Central Division foes and a team that is struggling in all aspects of the game.

The Predators will face the Winnipeg Jets, Montreal Canadiens and St. Louis Blues this week. They have a chance to gain some points within the division and those points are always important and they want to get as many as they can.

Nashville will need to make sure that they contain Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele by spending time in the offensive zone, and not taking any bad penalties. The Predators will need to get the first goal of the game and keep the crowd involved from the start. Nashville will need to have a better start to this game since they've struggled in first periods of games at times this year. The Preds will need to stay out of the penalty box since the Jets' power play is operating at almost 22%. Nashville will need to get traffic in front of Connor Hellebuyck since he has had a great start to the season, and has taken over the number one goalie position over Steve Mason.

The Jets will need to find a way to contain Filip Forsberg, who leads the Preds in all three major offensive categories. Winnipeg will need to be aware of the Predators defense since they like to join the play in the offensive zone and can put up some points. The Jets need to get the first goal of the game to quiet the crowd. Winnipeg will need to stay out of the penalty box since Nashville's power play can strike at any time. The Jets will need to shoot the puck and make sure they get plenty of traffic in front of the net.

The struggling Canadiens visit Nashville on Wednesday night. The Predators will need to shoot the puck since the Habs are starting a rookie goalie, and are struggling defensively. Nashville will need to get off to a fast start, attack and get in on the forecheck. The Preds need to get the tone from the beginning of the game and not sit back at any point. Nashville shouldn't look past the Habs to the Blues because that would be a mistake even though the Habs are really struggling.

The Habs will need to be aware of where Filip Forsberg is on the ice at all times. They need to make sure that they play a discipline game and not give the Preds anymore chances on the power play than necessary. Montreal will need to be consistent within the game, and stay focused instead of having lapses throughout the game. The Habs will need to get anyone on the roster going and have a big game. Montreal will need to find a way to keep Roman Josi and P.K. Subban out of the offense for the Preds.

The Predators finish up their week against the St. Louis Blues, who are one of the best teams in the League. Nashville will need to contain the line of Jaden Schwartz, Brayden Schenn and Vladimir Tarasenko since they have been on fire to start the season. One way to stop that line is to win offensive zone draws since they start a lot of the time in the offensive zone. The Preds will need to play a solid all around game for 60 minutes. Nashville will need a big game out of Pekka Rinne, should he be starting in this game. The Predators need to finish better since they have been outscored 25-17 in the third period of games this year.

The Blues will need to get off to a fast start and get the first goal of the game. St. Louis will need to stay out of the penalty box since the Preds have a very good power play. The Blues will need to be aware of how much the defense likes to chip in on the offensive side of the puck. St. Louis will need to play a good game at even strength to beat the Preds. The Blues will also need to have a big game from the goaltender, who will need to make saves when needed.

Sabres Slashes: Weekly Preview 11/19/17-11/25/17

The Buffalo Sabres look to string some wins together while playing four games in six days. The Sabres will look to get things going with yet another lineup change. this time it's Jack Eichel moving down in the lineup. When are the Sabres not tinkering with their struggling lineup?

The Sabres playing host to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild and Edmonton Oilers. On Saturday, they will be in Montreal to face the Canadiens. The Sabres have a chance to gain some points this week as they face two teams that are struggling in the Oilers and Habs.

The Sabres will need to get a ton of traffic in front of Sergei Bobrovsky for deflections and second chances. They will need to avoid turnovers and play a smart, defensive game overall. Buffalo will also need to have a good showing from the goalie because the Blue Jackets can put some pucks in the net. The Sabres need to get off to a good start and be a lot better at even strength than they have been so far this year. Buffalo will need to take advantage of a weak road penalty kill of Columbus. The Sabres will need to pay attention when Zach Werenski, Seth Jones and Artemi Panarin are on the ice for the Blue Jackets because those three can put up some numbers in the offensive zone.

The Blue Jackets need to get their power play going and this game would be a perfect time to start since the Sabres have one of the worse penalty kills in the League. Columbus will need to have a solid 60 minute effort. The Blue Jackets will need to stay out of the penalty box because the Sabres may be struggling on the power play right now, but they still have some guys that can put the puck in the net. They will  just need to shoot the puck since the defense and goaltending hasn't been spectacular this year for Buffalo. Columbis is going to need to find a way to keep Evander Kane off the score sheet since he is first in goals and points on the Sabres.

The Wild come to town on Tuesday night, and this won't be an easy game for the Sabres. Buffalo will need to find a way to solve goaltender, Devan Dubnyk, should he start. The Sabres will need to get off to a better start since they have been outscored in the first period of games this year. Buffalo will need to play a disciplined game because the Wild have a decent power play with plenty of fire power on it. Buffalo will need to get some sustained offensive zone pressure by getting in on the forecheck, winning board battles and cycling the puck.

Minnesota needs to get the first goal of the game to take the crowd out of the game and the Sabres have only won two games when the opposition has scored first. The Wild will need to have the lead entering the third period since they only have one third period win when trailing after two periods. Minnesota will need to play a 60 minute game meaning they need to find a way to be better in the second period of games. The Wild need to attack the Sabres defense and have speed entering the offensive zone.

Buffalo will face Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Friday. The Sabres will need to know where McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are at all times when they are on the ice. Buffalo needs to stay out of the penalty box, and play team defense. The Sabres will need to have the lead entering the final period. Buffalo will want to get more offense from the defense, which has been difficult to do this year. They need to make sure they are crisp with their passes and have easy exits out of their own zone. They also need to get some production out of the bottom six forwards, who have a combined 24 points.

The Oilers need to get their secondary scoring going and in a hurry. It has been McDavid leading this team in every offensive scoring category. They need to get more production from guys like Milan Lucic, Ryan Strome, Leon Draisaitl and company. The bottom six of the Oilers only have 20 combined points on the season. The Oilers need to get the first goal of the game and just keep attacking the Sabres. The goalie is going to need to come up big and they will also need a max effort from everyone on the ice for a full 60 minutes.

The Sabres will need to contain Jonathan Drouin and Brendan Gallagher when they take on the Habs on Saturday. Buffalo will need to get the first goal of the game to take the crowd out of the game. The Sabres need to get the power play going and have a big game from whichever goalie should make the start. Buffalo needs to be better at even strength and just attack the Habs.

The Canadiens will need to have a solid effort in this game and put the work in to win a game. They need to get off to a better start and stay out of the penalty box. The Habs will need to be good at even strength and really apply some pressure since the Sabres do allow goals and in bunches. Montreal will need to have a solid game from the goalie, and may even need the goaltender to steal them this game. The Canadiens will need to find a way to contain Jack Eichel and Evander Kane.

Leafs Notes: Weekly Preview 11/19/17-11/25/17

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be a busy bunch this week with four games in six days. They will look to keep pace with the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are first in the Atlantic Division.

The Leafs will take on the lowly Arizona Coyotes on Monday night at home. They will then travel to Florida to take on the Panthers, who are seventh in the Atlantic Division. Toronto will visit the Hurricanes on Friday. The Maple Leafs will end their week on Saturday with a rematch of last year's playoffs and face the Capitals at home.

Toronto wants to make sure that they don't look past the Coyotes on Monday night, Yes, the Coyotes are the worst team in the League, but you never know when a team is going to come play. The Maple Leafs are going to have to use their speed since the Coyotes have some of their own players that can fly around on the ice. The Leafs need to cash in on their power play chances because the Coyotes aren't the best penalty killing team around. Toronto needs to get pucks on net when they have the chance since the Coyotes tend to let up a lot of goals. The Maple Leafs will need to find a way to contain Clayton Keller, who leads Arizona in goals and points, while Oliver Ekman-Larsson leads the team in assists.

The Coyotes are going to want to establish the forecheck early in this game along with their cycle game because the longer they make the Leafs defend, the better their chances. Arizona will need to be sure to get traffic and bodies in front of Frederik Andersen since he is coming off of a week where he was named the NHL's second star of the week. The 'Yotes will need to stay out of the penalty box since the Leafs have a dangerous power play, and they will also need to find a way to play a solid defensive road game. The Coyotes are going to need to find a way to stop Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.

The Maple Leafs will need to be sure to get off to a fast start against the Panthers on Wednesday night. They will want to get the first goal of the game, and keep attacking. Toronto needs to find a way to keep Jonathan Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov, Evegny Dadonov and Vincent Trocheck in-check since they are the main point producers for the team. The Leafs need to get another good start from the goalies since the defense is going to allow chances and turn the puck over. Toronto needs to make sure that they play with discipline because the Panthers can be dangerous on the power play especially their first unit.

Florida will need to get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd in the game. The Panthers need to get off to a better start in this game since they've been outscored 16-13 in the first period of games, and the Leafs have scored 28 first period goals. Florida will need to establish the fore-check early and be aggressive by trying to keep the puck in the offensive zone. The Cats will need to pressure the puck carrier since the Leafs will turn the pucks over whether its in the neutral zone or their own zone. Florida will need to have a lead entering the third period since they only have two third period comebacks in 11 chances. They also should try to contain Nazem Kadri and James van Riemsdyk, who are second and third in points on the team.

The Leafs need to play a solid road game against the Hurricanes, avoid the sloppiness and turnovers. Toronto will need to be good while at even strength since the Hurricanes tend to outscore their opponents when five-on-five. The Maple Leafs will need to take advantage of their power play opportunities since the Canes aren't the best penalty killing teams on home ice. Toronto needs to have some consistency within the game and not have a lapse where they aren't focused. The Leafs will also need to contain the red-hot Teuvo Teravainen, who was named the NHL's first star of the week.

The Hurricanes will need to watch out for the Leafs defensemen joining the play in the offensive zone. Carolina should try to get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd in it, and because they play better when they score the first goal of the game. The Hurricanes will need to be better on special teams especially on the penalty kill since the Leafs have a really good power play. Carolina will need to figure out a way to stop the balanced lineup of the Leafs, and a good way to do that would be to make the Leafs defend. The goalie is going to need to come up big for the Hurricanes since the Leafs are scoring almost four goals per game played.

Toronto will end their week with a rematch of last year's first round of the postseason against the Capitals. The Maple Leafs will need to find a way to contain Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov. Toronto will need to get plenty of traffic around the opposing net for deflections and second  chances. The Leafs will also need to feed off the energy of the crowd and get off to a fast start. The special teams of the Leafs are going to need to be good as will the goaltending.

The Capitals will need to figure out a way to stop the balanced attack of the Maple Leafs. They will also need to be aware of the speed of the Leafs. The Capitals will need for pressure the puck carrier and force turnovers. Washington will also need to play a physical game, but be smart of when to hit and when not to make the hit. The Caps will also need to establish a fore-check and cycle game to have some sustained offensive zone pressure.

3 Things to Watch For: Predators @ Wild- 11/16/17

The Nashville Predators will look to stay hot as they travel to Minnesota to take on the Wild in a Central Division matchup.

Here are three things to watch for in the game:

1.) ROAD POWER PLAY GOING- PREDATORS

The Nashville Predators have struggled to score on the man advantage on the road, and it won't be easy to do tonight since the Wild are fifth in the League at killing penalties. The Preds will need to gain the zone with speed and then get set up from there. Nashville will need to have quick player and puck movement since the Wild like to get in shooting lanes and block shots. The Predators will also need to make sure that they outnumber the Wild in board battles along the wall. Nashville will also need to get a bunch of traffic in front of goalie Devin Dubnyk, who has been a brick wall the past three games, to get deflections and second chance opportunities.

2.) DEVAN DUBNYK- WILD

The Preds will need to find a way to solve Devan Dubnky, who has been stopping everything thrown his way the past three games. He hasn't allowed a goal since the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 8, where he allowed three goals against. Dubnyk has been known to get on hot streaks and carry his team to some wins. The goalie has stopped the last 103 shots that he has faced including 41 on November 9 against the Montreal Canadiens. The Predators will need to get plenty of traffic, shots and deflections on net because that seems like the only way they will have a chance at beating the goalie.

3) FILIP FORSBERG VS. JASON ZUCKER- PREDATORS & WILD

Minnesota will need to find a way to keep Filip Forsberg off the score sheet since he is the leading goal scorer and point producer for the Preds. Forsberg has one goal, three assists and four points in his last five games played. The Wild will need to be aware of his speed, and not let him get behind the defense for a breakaway. Nashville will need to find a way to stop the red hot Jason Zucker. Zucker is also the leading goal scorer and point producer for the Wild. He has seven goals, one assist and eight points in his last five games. It is safe to say that the Predators need to know where Zucker is on the ice at all times since he has the hot stick right now.

Leafs Notes: Weekly Preview 11/12/17-11/18/17

The Toronto Maple Leafs will only play two games this week, and that could either help them or hurt them.

The Leafs will take on the New Jersey Devils at home on Thursday night and then travel to Montreal to take on the Canadiens, who could still be without goaltender Carey Price. The Leafs will have a chance to get some more points and try to stay on pace with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Atlantic Division.





The Leafs will need to find a way to stop the balanced lineup of the Devils since they have five regulars in the lineup with 10 or more points. Toronto will need to limit their mistakes and spend a good amount of time in the offensive zone. The Maple Leafs can spend a lot of time in the offensive zone by having a good forecheck game, getting the cycle game going and moving the puck quickly and crisply. The Leafs need to find a way to stop Taylor Hall and Will Butcher, who have been the top scoring forward and defenseman for the Devils this year. Toronto will need to figure out a way to get the puck into the back of the net since the goalies have been good this year for New Jersey. They will want to get traffic in front, deflect some pucks, be in the slot for rebounds and work from behind the net.

New Jersey will want to get the first goal of the game and make the Leafs come from behind. The Devils will want to find a way to stop Nazem Kadri and Morgan Rielly, who are both having decent seasons so far. If the Devils get down ten they need to keep attacking because the Leafs will give up some goals when they have the lead. New Jersey just needs to get pucks on net since the goaltending has been a bit shaky for the Leafs. The Devils will need to make sure that they have the lead entering the final period of the game.

The Maple Leafs will have an opportunity to pick up an important two points within the division on Saturday night. They have played okay on the road, but have played much better at home. Toronto will need to get pucks on net especially if Carey Price is still out injured for the Habs, or just coming off of injury. The Leafs need to get the first goal of the game and start putting doubts in the minds of the Habs players, and that also goes into getting off to a fast start. Toronto will need to play a solid, defensive 60 minute road game and that might not happen since the defense hasn't been great all season. The Leafs need to find a way to stop Jonathan Drouin and Shea Weber.

The Canadiens will need to get pucks on net to generate chances and make sure that players are in position for second chance opportunities. Montreal  will need to get the lead and keep attacking because if they sit back or start making mistakes then the Leafs will make them pay by using their speed to score goals. The Habs will need to get off to a better start in this game then they have in other games this year since they have been outscored handily in first periods of games. Montreal will need to find a way to contain James van Riemsdyk and Patrick Marleau, who have been able to produce points at a decent rate this year. The defense of the Canadiens are going to need to be in good position, and the gap control will need to be good between the forwards and defense so the Leafs can't force too many turnovers.

Preds Prey: Weekly Preview 11/12/17-11/18/147

The Nashville Predators are going to need to find a way to overcome some injury news. The team tweeted that they would be without defenseman Yannick Weber for the next 2-4 weeks, while forward Scott Hartnell will miss the next 3-5 weeks.

The Preds will start off the week by facing the Capitals at home and the game will be televised on NBCSN with the puck dropping around 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Nashville will then take on two divisional opppents in the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche. The Predators have been hot lately, but it still won't be an easy week.



The Predators need to get the first goal of the game against the Capitals and keep the home crowd in the game. Nashville could possibly have Nick Bonino back in the lineup tonight since he is off of injured reserve. The Preds will need to stop the duo of Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin since they are the two leading scorers on the team. The Predators will need to stay out of the penalty box since the Caps have a dangerous power play. Nashville will need to get off to a solid start and have plenty of offensive zone time to keep Ovechkin playing defense and not offense. Nashville is going to have to be really good at even strength play.

The Capitals are going to need to get the first goal of the game to try to quiet the raucous home crowd of the Predators. Washington will need to stop the red hot Filip Forsberg and P.K. Subban since they are point generators for Nashville. The Caps will need to get plenty of traffic in front of the net because if Pekka Rinne can see it then he's likely stopping the puck. The Capitals will need to take advantage of a weak penalty kill of the Preds. Washington will need to set the tone early with some hits and goals.

The Preds are going to need to play a solid, defensive road game to have a shot at beating the Wild on Thursday night. The Predators will need to be aware of Jason Zucker and Jared Spurgeon when they are on the ice since they both haven't had a problem producing of late. Nashville will need to make good use of the stretch pass since the Wild like to clog up the neutral zone. The Preds will need to set the tone early in the game with either a goal, a big hit or establish some chances with a good forecheck and speed. Nashville will need to get the first goal of the game to take the home crowd out of it.

The Wild are going to need to find a way to contain the speed of the Predators. Minnesota will need to find a way to find Viktor Arvidsson and Roman Josi, who can both move the puck and have speed. The Wild are going to need to have a solid defensive game and limit their mistakes with and without the puck. The goalie will need to come up big for the Wild, and make some timely saves. Minnesota will need to take care of the puck because the Preds have a good transition game.

Nashville ends their week at home against another division foe in the Colorado Avalanche. The Preds will need to get pucks on net with plenty of traffic. Nashville will need to stop Alex Kerfoot, who is the leading goal scorer on the Avs along with Tyson Barrie, a defenseman who can really move the puck up the ice. The Predators will need to watch out the Colorado defensive corps since they can really move the puck up ice. Nashville is going to need to take advantage a weak penalty kill of the Avalanche. The Preds need to play a disciplined game and stay out of the penalty box since Colorado has a decent power play.

The Avs will need to get the first goal of the game and take the crowd out of the game. Colorado will need to make sure that it has a lead entering the third period since they don't have a come-from-behind regulation win when trailing in the third period. The Avalanche will need to get its road power play going since they will be up against a team that has a weak home penalty kill. The Ads will need to play a solid, 60 minute road game and eliminate the mistakes. Colorado will need to pay attention to the speed of the Preds and to the defensemen since they like to join the play in the offensive zone.

Flying Forward: Weekly Preview 11/12/17-11/18/17

The Philadelphia Flyers have yet another week of facing Western Conference opponents. The early season has been filled with opponents from the West, and very little of the East.

 It won't be an easy week, but they somehow need to find a way to get into a grove since they are tied for last in the Metropolitan Division with the Carolina Hurricanes. The good news is that even with being in last place the team is only six points out of the top spot in the division. The Flyers will finish the back end of a home-and-home with the Wild in Minnesota tonight. They will then take on the Jets in Winnipeg, and may have some help back in Nolan Patrick, who has been out with an upper body injury. Philadelphia will then fly home and take on the Calgary Flames and Johnny Gaudreau.

The Flyers will need the secondary scoring to start showing up this season, and what better time for them to show up than tonight in Minnesota. The Flyers have been shut out four times already this year, so when the top line is shut down then there's a good chance the team will take a loss. Philadelphia will need to have a better start to the game and play a solid first 10 minutes by limiting their turnovers and better play in the neutral zone. Philly is going to need to find a way to get through the tight checking of the Wild, and that is where the stretch passes by the defense, specifically Shayne Gostisbehere, could help. The Orange and Black really need to get the power play back on track since it has fizzled after a hot start. It will be interesting to see how the new line combinations work out for the Flyers tonight, and how much chemistry they have.

The Wild just need to have a repeat performance of Saturday night to shut down the Flyers offensively. They did a really good job of taking the cross ice pass away from the top line, and the line just didn't adjust their game. Minnesota needs to get the first goal of the game since the Flyers are only 1-6-2 when their opponents score first. The Wild need to take advantage of a Flyers team that doesn't have the best penalty kill in the NHL so they should use their speed and force Philly into taking some unnecessary penalties. The Wild are going to need to stay out of the penalty box themselves because even though the Flyers power play has been struggling lately, there's always a threat of them scoring a goal.

On Thursday night, it could be a homecoming for Nolan Patrick, who hopes to return to the lineup when the Flyers face the Jets in Winnipeg. Philadelphia needs to get off to a fast start, establish the forecheck and cycle game early and often in the first 10 minutes of the game. Once they have established those two things then they'll need to keep it going for the remainder of the game, and not just play that way for half the game. The Orange and Black need to find a way to stop Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele, who are the two leading scorers for the Jets. Philly will need to take advantage of the horrible home penalty killing of the Jets so far this year, and just throw everything they can at the net. They will need to be crisp with their passes and avoid the turnovers in the neutral zone since the Jets can capitalize on mistakes.

The Jets need to stop the top line of Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier and Jake Voracek. Winnipeg needs to play a solid game, and not fall off in the second period where they are getting outscored by opponents by a wide margin. The Jets will need to get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd in the game and they are a better team when they score first as opposed to their opponent scoring first. The goaltending will need to be sharp for the Jets since the Flyers will throw pucks at the net. Winnipeg is going to need to play a disciplined game and attack with speed.

The Flyers end their week with a visit from the Calgary Flames. Philly will need to stop the duo of Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, who are the top two scorers for Calgary. A way to do that is to keep the puck in the offensive zone with a good cycle game. The Flyers will need to play a solid even strength game, and get some big & timely saves from their goalie. Philadelphia will look to get their secondary scoring going in this game, since they aren't doing much of anything right now. The Orange and Black need to get off to a good start and set the tone early in this game. Philly needs to get someone in the front of the net for rebound chances.

Calgary will need to attack the Flyers with their speed so the Flyers defensemen can't stand them up at their own blue line. The Flames need to take advantage of a weak penalty kill and get their own power play going. Calgary will need to watch out for the Philadelphia defensemen since they like to join the play in the offensive zone, and will make the pinch along the boards to keep the puck in the offensive zone. The Flames will need a good game from their goalie since the Flyers have been getting pucks to the net.



Sabres Slashes: Weekly Preview 11/12/17-11/18/17

The Buffalo Sabres will look to get back on track, and gain some points in the standings since they are in seventh place in the Atlantic Division, one point ahead of the Florida Panthers.

The Sabres will take on the defending champions, Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night. They will then travel to Detroit for a divisional matchup against the Red Wings. Buffalo will end the week at home to take on the Carolina Hurricanes.

Buffalo will have a tough task in trying to beat the Penguins even though they are struggling early in the season. The Sabres will need to slow down Phil Kessel and Evengy Malkin, who are both off to hot starts for the Pens. Kessel and Malkin are the offensive leaders in goals, assists and points for Pittsburgh. The Sabres will need to play the type of game that they played against the Capitals last week and be solid on the defensive end of the puck. Buffalo will need to eliminate turnovers and mistakes to have a shot at getting two points and the win. They should try to get pucks on net with traffic in front for rebounds or deflections. Robin Lehner or Chad Johnson is going to need to have a solid game in net for the Sabres.

Pittsburgh will need to get the first goal of the game since they play better when getting the first goal rather than being scored against first. The Pens need to have the lead entering the final frame since they have only forced overtime twice when trailing entering the third and don't have a win yet. They need to attack the defense of Buffalo and force turnovers since some key blue liners are out of the Sabres lineup. The Penguins will need to be aware of Evander Kane and Jack Eichel since they have been producing on a line together this year.

On Friday, the Sabres will have its first leg of a back-to-back situation. Buffalo will need to make sure that they are smart with and without the puck because the Red Wings can burn you with their speed in transition. The Sabres will need to make sure that the forwards help out and have decent gap control especially if they are still missing Marco Scandella and Rasmus Ristolainen on the back end. The Sabres need to get off to a better start then they have been because they've been outscored 17-10 in first periods of games. Buffalo needs to watch out for Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha, who are first and second on the team in scoring.

The Red Wings will need to score the first goal of the game, and get the home crowd involved early in the game. Detroit will need to have a good start against a team who doesn't start games very well by putting the pressure on early in the offensive zone. The Red Wings will need to be aware of Ryan O'Reilly since he is tied for third on the team in scoring and can defend. Detroit should establish a forecheck and cycle game early so they can have some sustained offensive pressure and make the Sabres defend, which they haven't been very good at this year.

Buffalo will end their week at home against the Hurricanes. The Sabres will need to keep an eye on Teuvo Teravainen and Jeff Skinner, who can put the puck in the net. Buffalo will need to have speed through the neutral zone and get in behind the Hurricanes defense. The Sabres need to limit their mistakes and turnovers since Carolina is a team that will capitalize on its opponents mistakes. Buffalo needs to get the lead and keep attacking, don't go into holding the lead mode because they will get burned.

The Hurricanes will need to get the first goal of the game since they are 5-1-1 when doing so. Caroline will need to be really good at even strength since the power play and penalty kill numbers haven't been through the roof good this year. The Canes will need to get the power play going against a team that can give up some goals. Carolina should expect a good game from its goalies since they should see plenty of rubber in this game. The Hurricanes need to get more offense from the defensemen this year since they haven't contributed much in the offensive zone so far.

Shooting Stars: Weekly Preview 11/12/17-11/18/17

The Dallas Stars have a good opportunity to pick up some much needed points this week.

They’ll face the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday night, who are last in the Metropolitan Division. On Tuesday, they will travel to Florida to take on the Panthers, who are last in the Atlantic Division. They’ll then take on the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night and finish out the week against the
EdMonton Oilers on Saturday night. The Oilers have been struggling to put the puck in the net so far this season.

The Stars will need to need to find a way to contain Carolina’s Jeff Skinner, who leads the team in goals and is second in points. Dallas has good special teams and should use that to their advantage and cash in on their power plays. The Stars will need to play a solid 60-minute game, and not take off because the Canes will take advantage of any mistakes made. Dallas needs to get off to a fast start, establish the forecheck and not overtook the Hurricanes. The game could be close defensively so the Stars are going to have to use their speed and use the stretch pass to get behind the defense.

Carolina will need to make sure that they play a good game at even strength since the special teams aren’t too good. The Canes will need to make sure that they keep an eye on Alexander Radulov since he can produce points. The Hurricanes need to get the first goal of the game since they are 4-1-1 when doing so. The goaltending is going to need to come up big for Carolina since the Stars have some offensive weapons that can put the puck in the net. If Carolina has a power play then they’ll need to be sure to take advantage of it since Dallas doesn’t have he beat road penalty kill.

Dallas will need to stop the top four (Huberdeau, Barkov, Trocheck & Dadonov) of the Panthers and make the rest of the lineup beat them. The Stars will need to get some pucks on net with traffic in front since neither goalie for Florida has been spectacular this year. The Stars need to watch out for the defensive corps of the Panthers because they will join in the offensive zone. Dallas needs to make sure that they have the lead entering the third period since they don’t have any third period comebacks for wins this year.

The Panthers are going to need to play a strong even strength game since their special teams aren't that good. They'll need to have a better start to this game, and get some scoring chances and offensive pressure early since they have been outscored in first period of games this year. Florida will need to find a way to stop the balanced attack of the Stars by establishing a forecheck and cycle game to play in the offensive zone. The Panthers need to play a disciplined game since the Stars have the best power play in the League. Florida needs to avoid mistakes with the puck and turnovers.

Ben Bishop and the Stars will then go and visit Tampa Bay to play the Lighting. Dallas will need to avoid mistakes with and without the puck and also not turn the puck over. They will need to contain Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov by spending some time in the offensive zone and less time defending. Dallas will need to take advantage of the bad home penalty kill of the Bolts. The Stars will need to get the first goal of the game to take the crowd out of the game.

The Bolts will need to use their speed to enter the offensive zone. Tampa Bay will need to be good at even strength since the Stars are in the top three in both power play and penalty kill percentage. The Bolts need to get off to a fast start and just keep bringing the pressure. Tampa Bay will need to play a full 60 minutes since the Stars have guys that can put the puck in the net at any given time. They'll need to get pucks on net and pressure the defense to force turnovers in the neutral zone and offensive zone.

The Stars return home on Saturday to face Connor McDavid and the Oilers, who haven't gotten off to the best start this year. The Stars will need to find a way to contain McDavid and his speed since once he gets going, the will blow right by the defender to create something out of nothing. Dallas need to get pucks on net since the goalies haven't been as good as they were last season. They also need to get off to a fast start to keep the home crowd in the game, and maybe even score the first goal of the game. The Stars will need to have a good game defensively meaning elimination of turnovers, good coverage by all five guys on the ice and timely saves from whichever goalie happens to be in the net.

Edmonton will need to get pucks to the net with traffic in front and get a dirty goal or two to get the offense going. They'll need to stay out of the penalty box. The Oilers need to win the even strength battle to even have a shot at winning the game since the Stars special teams are that good. Edmonton will need to have the goalie steal a game for them. The Oilers will need to play a solid road game and play a good first 10 minutes of the game to be scoreless and get the offense involved in the game a little. 

Lightning Strikes: Weekly Preview 11/12/17-11/18/17

The Tampa Bay Lightning will look to continue their hot start to the season. They will finished their West Coast swing and then come home for two games.

The Bolts will finish up their West Coast swing when they face the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday night. They will then have three days off before facing the Dallas Stars on Thursday night. The Lightning finish off the week with a game at home against the New York Islanders.

Tampa Bay will face an Anaheim lineup that has been depleted by injury in the early season. The Bolts will need to get the first goal of the game to take the home crowd out of the game. The Lightning will need to stop the top six forwards of the Ducks since they do most of the damage on the offensive side of the puck for the team. Tampa Bay will need to get pucks on net with traffic in front. The Bolts will need to have a strong even strength game since the Ducks have a decent penalty kill. The Lightning will need to make quick decisions with the puck since the Ducks do block a lot of shot attempts.

The Ducks are going to need to stop the top line of the Lightning, who have combined for 77 points through 17 games so far this year. Anaheim is going to need to get some traffic in front of Tampa Bay's net to get some dirty goals on rebounds and second chances. The Ducks will need to be physical and establish a forecheck early in the game to spend some much needed attack time in the offensive zone. Anaheim needs to make sure that they have the lead after two periods since they don't have a regulation loss if they have the lead entering the third period. The Ducks will need to be aware of the Lightning defense joining the play in the offensive zone, which they have been know to do.

The Lightning have three days off before facing the Dallas Stars at home. The Bolts will need to figure out a way to keep Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin off the board since they have decent career numbers against the Lightning. Tampa Bay will need to play solid defense since the Stars can score and in bunches. The Lightning need to get the first goal of the game since the Stars play better with the lead as opposed to when they are trailing. The Lightning will also need to stay out of the penalty box since the Stars have the best power play in the League at 31.3%.

The Stars are going to need to get the first goal of the game to take the home crowd out of the game. Dallas will need to make sure that it plays a good even strength game, but also need to play stellar special teams like they have all season. The Stars are going to need to have the lead entering the third period since they don't have a third period comeback yet this year. Dallas will need to take advantage of a weak home penalty kill by the Lightning. The Stars need to figure out a way to stop the balanced attack of Tampa Bay.

The Lightning will take on the New York Islanders on Saturday night to end their week. Tampa Bay will need to get some traffic in front of the net because Jaroslav Halak has been very good this year. The Bolts will need to get the first goal of the game since the Isles are 5-0-0 when they get the first goal of the game, and 4-6-2 when the opposition scores first. Tampa Bay will need to be sure that they play a strong even strength game since the Isles are a good team when playing 5-on-5 hockey. The Lightning need to be area of when John Tavares is on the ice since he leads the team in points with 19.

The Isles need to get the first goal of the game since they are 5-0-0 when scoring the first goal of the game. New York needs to get off to a fast start and establish the cycle and forecheck game early to spend some time in the offensive zone. The Islanders need to stop the balanced attack of the Bolts. New York will need to find a way to slow down Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, who have gotten off to hot starts this season.

3 Keys: Maple Leaf @ Bruins-11/11/17

The Toronto Maple Leafs will take on the Boston Bruins on Saturday night in the second half of a home-and-home series. The Leafs could be without Auston Matthews since he has an upper body injury.

Here are three keys to the game:

1.) GET 1ST GOAL- MAPLE LEAFS

The Toronto Maple Leafs need to have a good start to the game, and that includes getting the first goal of the game. They'll need to get the first goal to take the home crowd out of the game, and because the Bruins are a better team when they score the first goal of the game. The Leafs will need to establish an early forecheck and cycle game in the first 10 minutes of the game. The more they are in the offensive zone, the less that they'll have to defend and that means less shots on goal for the goalies to try to stop. Toronto needs keep attacking once they get a goal because these are important points in the division that are up for grabs.

2.) ATTACK TORONTO DEFENSE- BRUINS

The Bruins needs to attack the Leafs defense and make them turn the puck over. Boston needs to win races to pucks and get in behind Toronto's defense to make plays to get some offensive zone time and scoring chances. The Leafs will turnover the puck, and the Bruins need to take advantage of the turnovers. Toronto's defense has not been the best in the League this year, and if they are pressured with their time and space taken away then they will make mistakes. Boston needs to make sure that they force those turnovers and capitalize on them.

3.) MITCH MARNER VS. DAVID PASTRNAK- LEAFS & BRUINS

The Maple Leafs are going to need for Mitch Marner to play his game, and not worry about how he has only scored one goal in 17 games played this year. Marner needs to create with his speed, and get the puck on net so the goals will come. The Bruins will need the production that they have had all season from David Pastrnak. Pastrnak has nine goals, seven assists and 16 points in 14 games played this year. He will need to keep crashing the net, and use his speed to get to the net.

3 Keys: Sabres @ Canadiens- 11/11/17

The Buffalo Sabres will look to pick up a big two points against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.

Here are three keys to the Atlantic Division game:

1.) FAST START- SABRES

The Sabres will look to get off to a fast start against a Canadiens team that could possibly be without Jonathan Drouin, Shea Weber and Carey Price. The Sabres need to establish a forecheck game early and be sure to get plenty of puck on net especially if Price isn't in goal for the Habs. Buffalo plays better when they have the lead, and they can keep attacking rather than having to play a defensive type of game in their own zone. They will also want to get the first goal of the game to take the home crowd out of the game. Buffalo needs to use its speed to win races to the puck and to spend some attack time in the offensive zone.

2.) POWER PLAY- HABS

The Canadiens haven't been so good while on the man advantage, and have only converted on 10 of its 66 power play opportunities this season. They are ranked 24th out of 31 teams on the power play this year. This would be the perfect opportunity to get the power play going since the Sabres are one of the worst road penalty killing teams in the League. The Sabres have allowed eight power play goals against while being shorthanded 26 times (69.2%). The Habs need to get setup, have quick player/puck movement and get the shot on net since the goalies do allow some goals for the Sabres.

3.) MAX PACIORETTY VS. EVANDER KANE- HABS & SABRES

Buffalo will need to keep an eye on Max Pacioretty, who has good career numbers against them. In 36 games played against the Sabres, he has 11 goals, 17 assists and 28 points, and is averaging .78 points per game. The Habs are going to need to keep an eye on Evander Kane, who has had a really good start to this season and leads the Sabres in points with 15. In 26 games played against Montreal, Kane has three goals, 15 assists and 18 points, while averaging .69 points per game against them in his career. This should be a good matchup to keep an eye on during the game since both this players can put the puck in the net.

3 Keys: Panthers @ Sabres- 11/10/17

The Buffalo Sabres look to continue their winning ways after coming off of a 3-1 win over the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night. The Panthers will be looking to end their five game losing streak.

Here are three keys to the Atlantic Division game on Friday night:

1.) KEEP TOP 6 OF PANTHERS IN-CHECK- SABRES

The Sabres will need to keep the top two lines of the Panthers in-check since they seem to be the guys producing on the team. They will need to play good defense and play in the offensive zone when the top six are on the ice. Buffalo should try to establish a good forecheck and cycle game early so they can spend some time in the offensive zone. The Sabres need to be physical, but also play smart and avoid turnovers because the top six will make you pay, if the puck is turned over.

2.) FAST START- PANTHERS

The Panthers and the Sabres will both be coming off of two days off, and the Panthers need to get off to a fast start. They need to get the first goal of the game, and get some pucks on net since the Sabres goalies haven't been stellar this year. Florida will need to set the tone of the game early, whether it be with their speed, or with physicality. The Panthers need to get in on the forecheck and establish a good cycle game to spend some time in the offensive zone.

3.) TOP LINE VS. TOP LINE- SABRES & PANTHERS

The Sabres and Panthers have top lines that can do some damage when they are on the ice. Buffalo's first line of Evander Kane, Jack Eichel and Jason Pominville have been dominate since they've been put together. They have been one of the few bright spots through the the first 15 games of the year for the Sabres team. The Panthers first line of Jonathan Huberdeau, Sasha Barkov and Evgenii Dadonov have also been lightning the lamp and producing through the first 14 games of the year. The Sabres will have to do a good job defensively against this line or it could be another long night.

3 Keys: Bruins @ Maple Leafs- 11/10/17

The Toronto Maple Leafs will play host to the Boston Bruins tonight. The Leafs are coming off of a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night, while the Bruins are coming off of a 4-2 loss to the New York Rangers on Wednesday night.

Here are three keys to this Atlantic Division matchup:

1.) EVEN STRENGTH PLAY- MAPLE LEAFS

The Leafs are going to need to play a solid game at even strength and avoid costly turnovers. The Bruins are in the top six of the NHL in both power play and penalty kill percentage. Toronto has played okay at even strength but could be better this year. Auston Matthews missed Wednesday's game with an upper body injury, and could very well miss both of the home-and-home game with the Bruins. should that happen then players need to step up to help produce. The Maple Leafs will need to be strong on the puck, win the board battles and establish a forecheck early in the game to win the battle at even strength.

2.) SPECIAL TEAMS- BRUINS

The Bruins have been very good on special teams this season so far, and that will need to continue against the Leafs. Boston is has converted on 12 of its 51 power play opportunities, but they have also given up two shorthanded goals. The Bruins power play is operating at 23.5%, which is good for sixth in the League. Boston have only allowed six power play goals against while being shorthanded 48 times this year, and they have also scored twice while on the penalty kill. The Bruins will need to continue its stellar special teams play since the Leafs have a decent power play themselves, and can put the puck in the net.

5.) GOALTENDING- MAPLE LEAFS & BRUINS

The goalies for each team have been decent this season, but they could be better in making some timely saves. Tuukka Rask has been the main goalie for the Bruins this year and is 3-5-2 is 10 games played this year. He has a 2.76 goals against average, .903 save percentage and as allowed 27 goals. Anton Khudobin is 3-0-1 in five games played, and has a 2.52 goals against and a .926 save percentage. Frederik Andersen is 9-6-0 in 15 games this year to go with a 3.33 goals against and .898 save percentage. Andersen has let in some soft goals this year at key times during games. Curtis McElhinney has only played in two games, and has allowed eight goals.

Flying Forward: Weekly Preview 11/5/17-11/11/17

The Philadelphia Flyers haven't been very good in their last 10 games played having a record of 4-4-2 in those games.

Philadelphia will be coming off of a much needed four day break in game action. The Flyers have dealt with some injuries all season, but recently to the defense corps and the time off could possibly mean the return of Radio Gudas, who has been out since last Wednesday after suffering an upper body injury. There are other players like Wayne Simmonds who are battling through injuries so the time off couldn't have come at a better time.

The Flyers will look to hand the Blackhawks a loss after being shutout by Corey Crawford last Wednesday. On Saturday, Philadelphia will take on the Minnesota Wild, who have had their own struggles to start the season. The Wild are without Zach Praise in their lineup.

The Flyers need to avoid a slow start especially after having the last four days off from game action. Yes, they have been practicing, but that isn't the same as playing in a game. The Flyers need to have their skating legs early in this one and establish a tone to the game, which could be a physical one or a hardworking one. The Orange and Black need to be sure to get plenty of traffic in front of the opposition net especially if Crawford is the starter. The more traffic, the better chance for a second chance goal from a deflection or rebound. The Flyers need to find a way to keep Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews off the board since they may be on the same line. The Flyers need to avoid the turnovers and get in on the forecheck to spend some time in the offensive zone.

The Blackhawks need to make sure that they get off to a fast start since they are outscoring opponents 15-9 this season in the opening period of games. They need to take advantage of the fact that the Flyers have been off for four days, and establish some attack time in the offensive zone early in the game. It should be interesting to see how the new look lines of Chicago manage with chemistry, is it instant or will it take a period  or to two to start clicking? The Blackhawks need to play a full, 60 minute game and not just decide to take the middle period off because that has been part of the problem so far this year. Chicago may want to stay out of the penalty box since the Flyers have a good power play, and Shayne Gostisbehere will be back in the lineup for Philadelphia. He missed the game last week due to injury. If there is a chance to shoot the puck then Chicago needs to get the shot off since goalies for the Orange and Black haven't been good this year.

On Saturday night, the Flyers will face the Wild at the Wells Fargo Center. Philadelphia will need to take advantage when they are on the power play since the Wild are only killing penalties at a 75% rate on the road. The Orange and Black need to keep an eye on defenseman Jared Spurgeon since he will contribute on the offensive side of the puck, and already has 10 points on the year. The Flyers will need to play a solid defensive game and limit the chances of the Wild. Philly needs to get off to a better start in this one since they have been outscored 13-9 in the first period of games.

The Wild are going to need to find a way to contain the Flyers top line of Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier and Jakub Voracek since they have a combined 53 points through the first 15 games of the season. Minnesota will also need to be aware of when Shayne Gostisbehere has the puck because he will try for the stretch pass out of the zone or even skate the puck out of the defensive zone. The Wild are going to need to play a disciplined game since the road penalty kill hasn't exactly been stellar this season, while the Flyers power play can put the puck in the net. Minnesota will need to have quick puck movement to get the puck through to the goalie since the Flyers like to block shots (237). The Wild need to be prepared for a physical game at times since Philadelphia doesn't shy away from throwing hits.

Lightning Strikes: Weekly Preview 11/5/17-11/11/17

The Tampa Bay Lightning look to continue their hot start to the season. It won't be an easy task this week as they take on the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings.

They will face the Sharks on Wednesday night and then the Kings on Thursday night. The Sharks are third in the Pacific Division, while the Kings are first in the Pacific Division. The Lightning could very well come out of this back-to-back situation with anywhere from zero points to four points.

The Bolts need to get off to a good start on Wednesday night to get the first goal of the game since the Sharks are only 2-3-0 when the opposition scores first. Tampa Bay needs to have a balanced lineup with everyone contributing like it has all season. If the Lightning should get down then they need to keep fighting since they haven't had any problems scoring goals. If the Bolts get the lead, then they need to be aggressive, and not sit back since they have blown some multiple goal leads this year. Tampa Bay needs to find a way to stop Logan Couture and know where defenseman Brent Burns is when he is on the ice, since Burns can act like a fourth forward when he is on the ice.

The Sharks will need to get the first goal since they are 6-2-0 when getting the first goal of the game, and only 2-3-0 when the opposition gets the first goal of the game. San Jose needs to get the defense involved in the offense. The Sharks have good special teams and will need to continue that trend, and maybe even avoid the penalty box all together. San Jose will need to get traffic in front of net to get deflections and take the goalies eyes off the puck. Good luck to the Sharks in trying to stop Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos because they will need it.

Tampa Bay will face the LA Kings on Friday night, and it won't be an easy game especially with the start that the Kings are off to. The Bolts will need to get the first goal of the game, and be sure to have plenty of traffic in front of the goaltender. Tampa Bay will need to keep an eye on Anze Kopitar when he is on the ice because he leads the teams with 17 points. The Lightning will want to be tight defensively, and avoid the turnovers.

The Kings will need to get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd in the game. They will need to get traffic in front of the net for deflections and rebound chances. Los Angeles also need to be aware of where the Tampa Bay defensemen are on the ice because they will join the play in the offensive zone. The Kings need to be aware of the use of the stretch pass by the Bolts to break out of their own zone. Los Angeles needs to stay out of the penalty box, even though they have a good penalty kill, since the Lightning have a really good power play.

Preds Prey: Weekly Preview 11/5/17-11/11/17

The Nashville Predators will look to get its focus back on the games, and not on the trade market. The Predators were part of a three-way trade where they acquired Kyle Turris from the Ottawa Senators.

The Preds will visit the Columbus Blue Jackets and Seth Jones on Tuesday night. The Predators will then have off three days before they take on the defending champions, Pittsburgh Penguins, at home.

Nashville's schedule seems to be more spread out this week, as does the rest of the NHL. They play a game and then have off a few days before playing its next game.


Nashville needs to get off to a good start, and then play a complete road game since the Blue Jackets have been very good on home ice this season. The Predators will need to find a way to stop the balanced lineup of the Blue Jackets, who can score in bunches or win a tight game. The Preds will need to be aware of when Seth Jones and Zach Werenski are on the ice since they have combined for 22 points on the top pairing for Columbus so far. Nashville will need to make sure that they get the first goal of the game, and have the period going into the third period since they are 5-1-0 with the lead versus 2-3-1 when trailing entering the third period. The Predators are going to need to get plenty of traffic in front of the opposition's net especially if Sergei Bobrovsky is there because if he can see the puck then he will make the save.

The Blue Jackets need to stay out of the penalty box since Nashville has a decent overall power play. Columbus will also need to get the first goal of the game since the Predators are 4-0-2 when getting the first goal, while only 3-5-0 when allowing the first goal. The Blue Jackets will need to continue their dominance at even strength this season, to have a chance at beating the Predators. Columbus needs to be aware of the puck-moving defensemen of Nashville, and also needs to find a way to stop Filip Forsberg, who leads the Preds with 14 points on the year.

The Penguins come to Nashville for a rematch of the last season's Stanley Cup Final. The Predators will need to find way to stop Sidney Crosby, Evgeny Malkin and Phil Kessel. Nashville needs to get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd loud and in the game. The Preds will want to have the lead entering the third period since the Penguins aren't the best come-from-behind team in the third period this year. Nashville needs to get some pucks on net since the goaltending has been stellar for the Pens this year so far. The Preds also may want to stay out of the penalty box since the Pens have some guys that can flat out produce on the power play.

The Penguins will need to stay out of the penalty box since the Preds have a decent power play, and they have been mediocre on the penalty kill. Pittsburgh needs to play a better first period than they have been since they are getting outscored 22-11 in first periods this year. The Pens must play a good, solid game when even strength since they have been absolutely dominated at 5-on-5 this year. Pittsburgh should find a way to get some pucks on the net, and get some traffic in front of the Nashville goal.

Sabres Slashes: Weekly Preview 11/5/17-11/11/17

The Buffalo Sabres are looking to bounce back from a week where they only got two out of a possible eight points. It won't be an easy task.

The Sabres will take on the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night, and then they'll have two days off before a back-to-back situation with divisional implications. On Friday night, the Sabres will host the Florida Panthers, who have been struggling themselves. On Saturday night, Buffalo takes a trip to Montreal to face the Canadiens, who have managed to get a few wins lately.

The Sabres need to find a way to stop the balanced lineup of the Capitals. Buffalo will need to establish a forecheck, and a good cycle game to spend some time in the offensive zone. The Sabres are going to need to find a way to stop Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov. Buffalo needs to get some traffic in front of the net to take away the goalie's eyes and get some deflections. The Sabres need to get the first goal of the game and then keep building off of it. The biggest key to tonight's game is to avoid turnovers because the Capitals will take advantage of them and turn them into scoring chances and/or goals.

The Caps are only playing .500 hockey in its past 10 games. They need to pressure the puck carrier of the Sabres to force turnovers because the Sabres will turn the puck over at times. Washington needs to get the early lead and keep being aggressive or the Sabres will take advantage and try to get the win. The Caps will need to find a way to slow down Jack Eichel and Evander Kane. When the Capitals are on the power play, they will need to be aware of the shorthanded presence of Eichel and Kane, who have score a few shorthanded goals this year. Washington needs to get pucks on net because the goalies for Buffalo haven't exactly been reliable this season and have let in some soft goals.

The Sabres will have two days off before taking on the Panthers at home. Buffalo will need to take advantage of a weak penalty kill of the Panthers, and they also need to use their speed to draw penalties. The Sabres need to eliminate time and space from the skilled players of Florida like Jonathan Huberdeau, Sasha Barkov, Evgenii Dadonov and Vincent Trocheck. Buffalo will also have to be aware of where and when defenseman Aaron Ekblad is on the ice because he can fire it from the point. One of the goalies is going to have to step up and win a game for the Sabres, which they haven't done enough of this year. The Sabres just need to get pucks on net since the goalies for Florida haven't exactly been Vezina-like this year.

The Panthers will need to find a way to stop the top line of the Sabres, which consists of Evander Kane, Jack Eichel and Jason Pominville. The line has combined for 38 points in 14 games so far this year. Florida will also need to be sure that they have the lead after the second period because they haven't lost a game when leading after two periods, but they are only 1-6-0 when trailing heading into the third period. The Panthers need to use their speed through the neutral zone to back Buffalo into their own zone. The two teams are going to need to fight through the physical play. The Panthers need to get off to a fast start since the Sabres have allowed 17 first period goals.

The Sabres visit the Canadiens, who could still be without an injured Carey Price. The Sabres need to make sure that they have the lead entering the third period since they give up a lot in the third period of games. Buffalo need to watch out for the Shea Weber bombs that can come from the point especially on the power play. The Sabres need to be a lot better when playing at even strength, and they need to get off to a fast start, which has been a problem this season. Buffalo is going to need to find way to contain Jonathan Drouin and Brendan Gallagher.

The Canadiens need to make sure that they get pucks on net and have plenty of traffic in front of the opposing goalie. The Habs need to find a way to take advantage of the weak road penalty kill of the Sabres. Montreal needs to get off to better starts since they have been outscored 23-14 in first period of games. The Canadiens need to play a complete game, tighten up on defense and avoid turnovers. If the Habs an get some pucks on net then they are bound to get a few goals since the Sabres goalies haven't been the best this year.

Rapid Review: 10/29/17-11/4/17

It was a busier week for some teams than others in the NHL last week. Some teams managed to have a really good week while others just couldn't find any consistency, or found consistency, but not in a good way.

Here is a recap of the week for the teams covered in this blog:

1.) BUFFALO SABRES (1-1-0)

The Sabres came out and beat a team that they were supposed to, and lost to a better team. Buffalo beat the Arizona Coyotes by a score of 5-4, but almost blew the game by allowing the Coyotes to score three goals in the final 7:49 of the game. The Sabres got off to yet another slow start and were down 4-0 after the first period against the Stars. Robin Lehner was pulled after allowing four goals on seven shots. The Sabres need to get better defensively and have the goalies make some saves for them.

2.) DALLAS STARS (2-1-0)

The Dallas Stars started the week with a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Ben Bishop had 38 saves and Alexander Radulov score the game-winning goal in OT. The Stars then gave up five goals to the Winnipeg Jets in a game where Mark Schiefele had a hat trick. Dallas just didn't play well in Winnipeg and the game couldn't end fast enough. The Stars ended their week by rebounded and beating the Sabres by a 5-1 score after jumping out to a 4-0 lead after the first period.

3.) NASHVILLE PREDATORS-(2-1-0) 

The Preds were on the West Coast and managed to come out of it with a winning record. The Preds lost to the San Jost Sharks, 3-2, even after playing a majority of the game down a man. Nashville then beat the Anaheim Ducks, who were without some key players, by taking an early 4-1 lead and then  never looking back. The Predators ended their week at the Staples Center visiting the Los Angeles Kings. Nashville blew a 3-0 lead but then won the game in overtime.

4.) PHILADELPHIA FLYERS (1-1-2)

The Flyers didn't have a good week overall, on the ice and with all the injuries to their defensemen. On Monday night, the Flyers were the victims of the Coyotes first win of the season, after battling back to tie the game late, the Flyers lost in overtime. The Flyers dominated the Blackhawks on Wednesday night, but just couldn't finish and lost another defenseman to injury. Philadelphia then played the Blues on Thursday night, and with a depleted defense corps, managed to win 2-0, after a stellar performance in net by Michal Neuvirth. The Orange and Black ended their week with another overtime loss, this time to the Colorado Avalanche, even though Shayne Gostisbehere returned to the lineup.

5.) TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING (2-0-1)

The Bolts managed to have a very good week with their only loss coming in overtime. The Lightning do need to tighten up on defense because they are blowing too many leads. Tampa Bay is going to need some production from Tyler Johnson and need to keep the balanced scoring in the lineup. The Bolts need to stop relying on its offense and Andrei Vasilevskiy to win games, and play some defense.

6.) TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (1-3-0)

The Leafs were a little undisciplined last week and need to play better to stay out of the box. The Maple Leafs need to play complete games and stop sitting back after they get a two or three goal lead since they let the other team back in the game. Once they get the lead, Toronto needs to keep being aggressive. Toronto was doomed by its bad defense and bad goaltending. The goalies need to start stopping some pucks and not allowing the soft goal.