Flying Forward: Weekly Preview 2/11/18-2/17/18

The Philadelphia Flyers look to continue their winning ways of late this week as they face some Metropolitan Division foes. 

The Flyers will start the week off  by playing their first ever game in Las Vegas against the Golden Knights, who have been a surprise team to most this year. Philly will then make a quick pit stop home to face the struggling New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night. The Orange and Black will then head out to Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets, who have not had the easiest of times this season and are underachieving so far. The Flyers need to be very good this week or it could cost them some valuable points in the playoff race as the Metropolitan Division is very tight.

The Flyers take on the surprising expansion team, Vegas Golden Knights, who have the second best record in the NHL just behind the Tampa Bay Lightning. Philadelphia is going to need to play a solid, 60 minute road game and limit their mistakes and turnovers. They will have to do a good job at protecting the puck while getting off to a good start in this one. The Flyers need to get a good game from Michal Neuvirth, who got the win last night after he came in during a shootout after Brian Elliott was injured. The Orange and Black should try to stay out of the penalty box since the team has one of the worst penalty kills in the League and Vegas has a decent power play.

The Golden Knights should get plenty of shots on Neuvirth early and often to test him since he hasn't played a ton lately. Vegas needs to find a way to stop the now balanced lineup of the Flyers since they have three solid lines that can put the puck in the back of the new. The Golden Knight will want to force turnovers and get quality scoring chances. They should try to win the special teams battle since the Flyers power play has been red hot lately and is now in the top 10 in the League. 

Philly will come home to an important game against division foes, New Jersey Devils. The Flyers want to keep an eye on Taylor Hall and Nico Hischier since they are the two leading scorers for the Devils. The Orange and Black should be ready for this game and set the tone right from the drop of the puck since these two teams are very close in the standings. The Flyers need to play with discipline and when a penalty is taken then the penalty killers need to find a way to come up with some big stops. Philadelphia should try to get the forecheck and cycling game going early in this one to make the Devils defend.

The Devils want to know where Nolan Patrick and Travis Konecny are at all times when they are on the ice since they have really stepped up their games the past month or so. New Jersey needs to win the battle at even strength since that is an area where they've struggled the year. The Devils will want a good game from the goaltending since the Flyers now have three lines that are rolling and creating in the offensive zone. It would certainly help if the Devils could get the first goal of the game to take the home crowd out of the game a bit. New Jersey should keep an eye on the Flyers defense because they like to pinch and join the rush in the offensive zone.

The Flyers end their week on Friday night to take on anther division foe in the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Orange and Black need to get off to a good start in this one to take the home crowd out of the game early. Philly needs to get plenty of traffic in front of the net for deflections and to take away the goalie's eyes. The Flyers need to win the special teams battle since that has been a struggle for the Blue Jackets all season long. The Orange and Black should try to limit their mistakes and know where Artemi Panarin and Seth Jones are at all times when they are on the ice.

The Blue Jackets will want to play a 60 minute game, which hasn't come easy for them this year, but they did manage on of those games against the Devils last week. Columbus will want to win the even strength battle since it has been a struggle on special teams for them this year. The Blue Jackets need to be aware of Sean Couturier and Jake Voracek when they are on the ice since they are Philly's goal scoring leader and point leader. Columbus needs to play with discipline and take advantage of playing on home ice where they have been quite good this year. 

Sabres Slashes: Weekly Preview 2/11/18-2/17/18

The Buffalo Sabres will look to keep playing the role of spoiler and try to win some games against teams that are in the playoff race.

They may have to play some games without their leading scorer, Jack Eichel, who was injured in last night's game against the Boston Bruins. Eichel went to stop, lost his footing and went awkwardly into the boards. He left the game and did not return.

The Sabres have a busy week and will play four games in seven days. They'll start off the week against the Colorado Avalanche, who are battling for a playoff spot, but have been struggling lately. The Tampa Bay Lightning then come to town and that will be a tough game. The Sabres will then go to Ottawa to take on the Senators, who have been struggling all season long. Buffalo ends the week back at home to face the Los Angeles Kings.

Buffalo starts the week off against a struggling Avalanche. The Sabres are coming off of a big win against the Bruins, and need to ride the momentum of that win into this game. Buffalo could be without Jack Eichel, who was injured last night. The Sabres will want to get off to a fast start and try to get the first goal of the game. Buffalo needs to win the battle at even strength since the Avs penalty kill is one of the best in the League. The Sabres are going to need someone to step up if Eichel is out and that someone could be Ryan O'Reilly.

The Avalanche should take advantage of a weak penalty kill of the Sabres. Colorado needs to get the first goal of the game and have the lead entering the final period of the game. The Avs want to spend some time in the offensive zone so they should get the forechecking and cycling game early in the game. The Avalanche will want to keep an eye on Sam Reinhart and Evander Kane since they can really skate and put the puck in the net.

The Sabres will have to play their best game of the season if they want to take two points away from the Lightning. Buffalo needs to stop the balanced lineup of the Bolts, which includes Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov and Victor Hedman, by playing in the offensive zone. The Sabres will likely need the goaltender to have a spectacular game and steal the game for them. Buffalo should play with some discipline since they have one of the worst penalty kills in the League, while the Bolts have one of the  best power plays in the League. The Sabres need to use their speed to draw penalties, and take advantage of a weak penalty kill of Tampa Bay.

The Bolts will want to have a good start to the game and not play down to their opponent. The Lightning need to play their game and attack in the offensive zone. Tampa Bay should play with some discipline because the penalty kill is the one weak area of this team. The Bolts should try to force some turnovers for quality scoring chances. Tampa Bay is going to need to be aware of Rasmus Ristolainen when he is on the ice since he has started to pile up the points from the blue line. 

Buffalo will visit the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night. The Sabres need to keep an eye on Mark Stone and Erik Karlsson when they are on the ice since the are two of the leading scorers for the Sens. Buffalo needs to set the tone early to take the home crowd out of the game. They'll need to get the forecheck and cycle game going early and often. The Sabres want to get off to a better start since they have been outscored by a wide margin in first period of games. Buffalo needs the goaltending to come up big since the Senators have some speed.

The Senators will need to play a 60 minute game, which has been difficult for the to do this season. Ottawa needs to win the battle at even strength since the Sabres have not been good in this area. The Sens will need to play with discipline since they don't have the best penalty kill in the League. The Senators will need to be aware of when Ryan O'Reilly and Sam Reinhart are on the ice since they both can produce. Ottawa wants to get the first goal of the game and build off of it.

The Sabres end their week with a visit from the Los Angeles Kings. Buffalo needs to get what they early in the game because the Kings tend to get better defensively as the game goes on. The Sabres need to get the first goal of the game and keep attacking. Buffalo will want to find a way to stop the top six forwards of the Kings, which include Anze Kopitar and Tanner Pearson. The Sabres need to find a way to force turnovers and take advantage of mistakes that the Kings make. 

The Kings need to get off to a better start and not give up too many goals in the first period. Los Angeles will want to find a way to get their power play going against one of the worst penalty kills in the League. The Kings need to keep an eye on Evander Kane when he is on the ice for the Sabres since he is one of the leading producers on the team. Los Angeles needs to win the battle at even strength and play a smart game by not making mistakes and turning the puck over. 

Shooting Stars: Weekly Preview 2/11/18-2/17/18

The Dallas Stars will look to gain some important points in the playoff race this week. They only play two games this week with a four day break between games.

The Stars will start the week off on Sunday with a visit from the Vancouver Canucks, who are seventh in the Pacific. The Canucks are 3-7-0 in their last 10 games played. Dallas will then have the next four days off before they return to action to face Central Division rivals, the St. Louis Blues. The Blues are a hot team having won seven of their last 10 games. 

Dallas starts the week off against a struggling Canucks team. The Stars need to be ready to play from the drop of the puck and not look ahead to the game against the Blues. Dallas should try to stay out of the box because the power play has been the one area that has been clocking this season for the Canucks. The Stars need to keep an eye on the Sedin twins when they are on the ice since they can put up some points. The Stars want to take advantage of a weak penalty kill by the Canucks and score on some of their power play opportunities.

The Canucks want to get off to a good start in this game and establish a tone early. Vancouver needs to establish a forecheck early and often to make the Stars play in the own zone and not be able to get any offensive attack time. The Canucks should stay out of the box since they have one of the worst penalty kills in the League. Vancouver needs to win the even strength battle and try to score some goals. The Canucks need to get a good game from the goaltending because the Stars will get their chances and have more than one guy that can put the puck in the net. 

The Stars will have some time to rest and prepare for what should be a Central Division battle against the Blues. Dallas will want to get off to a fast start and establish the forecheck game early to make the Blues play in their own end. The Stars need to have the lead entering the final period of the game since they only have one regulation win when trailing after two periods. Dallas will want to get a good game from the goaltending since the Blues have a balanced lineup and find ways to score. The goalie should try to have good rebound control and keep the Blues from second opportunities. Dallas should have a better finish to this game since the third period has been a problem for the team all season.

St. Louis should try to get the first goal of the game to take the home crowd out of the game early. The Blues will want to find a way to stop the balanced lineup of the Stars, who can put the puck in the net and create chances in the offensive zone. St. Louis needs to have a better start to this game since they have only score 35 goals in the first periods of games this year. The Blues want to find a way to get a struggling power play going since it could be the deciding factor in the game with both teams being pretty even at even strength.

3 Things: Lightning @ Oilers 2/5/18

The Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night at 9 p.m. EST. The Lightning will look to gain some important points in the playoff race. The Oilers are just looking to get back on track and string a few wins together to try to get back in playoff contention, which is going to take a lot of work.

Here are three things to watch for in tonight's matchup:

1.) CONNOR MCDAVID

The Lightning will need to figure out a way to stop McDavid, and that hasn't been an easy task for most of the NHL this year. McDavid can go from zero to sixty in seconds, and his speed through the neutral zone makes it difficult for the opposition to defend against. He has playmaking abilities and can finish. The best way to defend against someone like McDavid is to just establish the forecheck early and have a ton of sustained offensive zone time with a lot of scoring changes. The Lightning are going to need to win the battles to the loose pucks and just know where he is at all times on the ice.

2.) GOALTENDING

Cam Talbot is going to have to be better than he has been all season long. The Lightning are going to have prime scoring chances and Talbot will need to make some saves if the Oilers want to have a chance to win the game. Talbot is going to need to make the easy saves and the difficult ones. Andrei Vasilevskiy has been great all season long in net and that will need to continue tonight. Vasilevskiy has been putting up Vezina like numbers all season, but still needs to make some saves tonight and get the job done.

3.) LIGHTNING PP VS. EDMONTON PK

The Bolts have had one of the best power plays all season long and they will go against the Oilers penalty kill, which has been awful at home all season. The Lightning have 42 power play goals in 181 opportunities this year, and have only given up two short handed goals against. The Oilers have been short handed 159 times this year and have given up 45 power play goals against, but have score seven short handed goals. Edmonton has been god awful on the penalty kill at home by only killing 55.8% of penalties taken, which is good for last in the Leag

Shooting Stars: Weekly Preview 2/4/18-2/10-18

The Dallas Stars will look to continue their good play in order to gain some valuable points in the playoff race, but it won't be an easy week for them.

The Stars will start the week tonight at home against the struggling New York Rangers, who could be ready to be sellers at the deadline. Dallas will then travel to Chicago to take on the Blackhawks, who have a lot of work to do to get back into the playoff picture, on Thursday night. The Stars end their week with a home game against the red hot defending champions, Pittsburgh Penguins.

Dallas will look to gain an important two points in the comfort of their own building where they have played extremely well. The Stars need to play with some discipline and not give the Rangers too many power play advantages since they have been decent on the power play this year. Dallas will want to win the special teams battle since the Rangers are only in the middle of the pack in the  special teams categories. The Stars need to have the lead entering the third period since they have yet to register a regulation win when trailing entering the second period. Dallas should look to have a better finish to the game and play solid defense in the third period. The Stars should keep an eye on Mats Zuccarello and J.T. Miller when they are on the ice since they lead the team in points.

The Rangers need to find a way to get out of their funk and a big win against the Stars could be just what the doctor ordered for them. New York should be able to stop the balanced lineup of the Stars by establishing a forecheck early and spending some time in the offensive zone. The Rags will want to be discipline since the Stars have a lethal power play that can strike at any time when given the chance. The Rangers need to win the battle at even strength because they have struggled in this area. New York needs to get a good game from their goaltender, who needs to make saves and keep the team in the game.

On Thursday night, the Stars will take on Central Divsion Rivals, the Chicago Blackhawks. The Stars will need to know where Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat are when they are on the ice because they have been two of the best players for the Blackhawks this year. Dallas needs to play a consistent 60 minute game and be ready to play from the drop of the puck. The Stars will want to be solid at even strength since the Blackhawks have struggled on the power play. Dallas needs to take the two points that will be there for the taking and play a solid defensive game. 

The Blackhawks will want to get the first goal of the game to get off to a fast start. Chicago needs to find a way to minimize the damage that could be done by Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. The Blackhawks want to get the power play going, which has been struggling all season long. The goaltending of the Blackhawks is going to need to come up big and make some saves for his team. Chicago will need to get the forecheck and cycle game going early to keep the Stars in their own end and away from the offensive zone.

The Stars end their week with a huge test against the red hot Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens are heating up at the right time and the Stars look to put out the fire for at least one game. Dallas needs to find a way to keep Phil Kessel and Evgeni Malkin off the board, and that wil start with good sustained offensive zone pressure. The Stars need to get a good game from the goaltender since the Penguins will get their chances and possibly a ton of them. Dallas needs to avoid turnovers and play some smart hockey because the Penguins will take advantage of those turnovers. The Stars needs to have a good third period and finish to the game.

The Penguins need to have a good start to the game and set the tone early to take the home crowd out of the game. Pittsburgh will need to stop the balanced lineup of the Stars by spending some time making them defend. The Pens need to have the lead entering the final period of the game since the Stars have zero regulation wins when trailing after two periods. The Penguins should win the special teams battle since they are top five in the League in bother the power play and penalty kill percentages. The Pens just need to play a solid, defensive road game and take some chances, if needed. 

Leafs Notes: 2/4/18-2/10/18

The Toronto Maple Leafs look to gain some ground on their Atlantic Division foes this week in the race for playoff positioning while in the comfort of their own arena.

The Leafs will start the week by taking on a very deep Anaheim Ducks team tonight. Toronto will then play Wednesday night against a stacked Nashville Predators team, who is also battling for playoff positioning in the West. The Maple Leafs end the week on Saturday night against the Ottawa Senators, who look to play the role of spoiler and steal two points from the Leafs.

Toronto will want to come out prepared to play since the Ducks like to play a physical brand of hockey. The Leafs should establish the forecheck early and get their cycle game going to make the Ducks defend instead of spending time defending themselves. The Maple Leafs need to stop a very balanced lineup of the Ducks, who can put the puck in the net especially with some chances. Toronto should try to draw some penalties even though the Ducks have a decent penalty kill because that will disrupt the momentum and lines of Anaheim since certain players are on the penalty kill. The Leafs need to be aware of when and where Richard Rakell is on the ice at all times since he is the leading scorer for the Ducks this year.

Anaheim needs to play a solid road game and everyone needs to have their A game tonight. The Ducks want to play a consistent game, not be good for 40 minutes and then start giving up goals in the third period like they have been this year. Anaheim will need a good game from the goalie tonight since the Leafs use their speed to create and will get their chances. The Ducks should try to have a better third period since they have been out scored 55-49 in the final periods of games this year. Anaheim wants to play a strong game at even strength since the Leafs have really goood special teams numbers this year and the Ducks are mediocre on special teams.

The Maple Leafs will take on the defending Western Conference Champions on Wednesday night at the ACC. Toronto will want to use their speed to create and draw some penalties to take the Preds off of their game a little bit. The Leafs should try to win the special teams battle since the Preds have been good at even strength hockey this year. The Maple Leafs need to have the lead entering the final period since the Predators aren't a good team when entering the final period trailing. The Leafs starting goalie will need to come up with some big saves to keep his team in the game. Toronto shouldn't take their foot off the gas pedal, but just attacking no matter the score.

The Preds need to get off to a good start in this game, set the tone early and get that first goal to take the home crowd out of the game. Nashville wants to have the lead entering the third period since they are 0-10-2 when trailing after two periods. The Predators should be aware of the speed and creativity of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner when those two are on the ice. The Preds will want to stay away from the penalty box since the Leafs have a decent power play. Nashville should try to establish the forecheck and be a little physical early in the game to try to stop the speed of the Leafs.

Toronto ends their week with a visit from the Ottawa Senators, who have had a disappointing season. The Leafs need to make sure that they don't take their opponent lightly and not play down to their level. Toronto should establish the transition game early and often to get some odd man rushes to test the starting goalie early. The Maple Leafs needs to force some turnovers since the Senators will turn it over, but the Leafs also need to make sure that they take care of the puck since the Sens do have a decent amount of takeaways on the year too. The Leafs need to be aware of Erik Karlsson and take advantage of a weak penalty kill of the Sens.

The Senators should try to get the first goal of the game and set the tone early. Ottawa wants to  get to the net and try to get in the goalie's sight line to deflect pucks. The Sens need to be the better team at even strength since they have had problems on the penalty kill this year. Ottawa will want to play solid defense and make sure that they have their man covered and not let the Leafs get behind them for an odd man rush. The Senators need to get in on the forecheck to spend some time in the offensive zone. 

Preds Prey: Weekly Preview 2/4/18/2/10/18

The Nashville Predators will look to gain some important points in the playoff race while spending some time away from the comforts of home, and without forward Filip Forsberg, who was suspended for three games.

The Predators will start off the week with a visit to the struggling New York Islanders tonight. Nashville will then visit the Toronto Maple Leafs for what could be a very good game, and will certainly have some playoff standing implications. The Preds and Kyle Turks get right back at it on Thursday night with a visit to an Ottawa Senators team that hasn't quite played up to their standards this year. The Predators will end their week with a visit to Montreal to face Carey Price and the Canadiens on Saturday night. 

The Predators will have to find a way to replace some of the offense lost by the Forsberg suspension, but that shouldn't be a problem since they did it while he was out of the lineup with an injury. Nashville will need to get off to a good start and not let the Islanders play the fast-paced, back-and-forth type of style that they like to play. The Preds will need to make sure that they play with some discipline since the Islanders power play can be a threat in a game. The Predators will need to get their defensemen to join the play in the offensive zone while being aggressive in the neutral zone trying to force turnovers. Nashville will need to have a good third period since they have struggled in the final period and the Islanders have outscored their opponents 64-56 in the final frame. The Preds should try to win the even strength battle since the Islanders have one of the worst penalty kills in the League.

The Islanders need the goaltending to come up big and make some stops since the Predators are going to get their chances in the offensive zone. New York wants to make sure that they play with some discipline since they have had a rough go of killing penalties this year. The Isles should try to set the tone of the game early and get that first goal of the game so the home crowd doesn't turn on them too early in the game. The Islanders will want to be aware of where P.K. Subban is on the ice at all times since he is the leading assist getter for the Predators. New York needs to be the better team at even strength to have a shot at winning this game.

Nashville will head to the Air Canada Centre for a visit with the Maple Leafs, and this game is sure to have playoff standing implications since the playoff race in both conferences is tight. The Predators will need to get off to a good start in this game since the Leafs have outscored the opposition 56-45 in the first period of hockey games this year. The Preds should have the lead entering the final frame since they have zero regulation wins when trailing entering the third period. Nashville will want to find a way to contain the speed of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, who can absolutely fly. The Preds want to play with discipline since they will be facing a good power play unit. The Predators will want to establish the forecheck and cycle game early, and make the Leafs spend some time defending in their own zone while getting plenty of pucks at the starting goalie.

The Maple Leafs need to use their speed to create in the offensive zone and draw some penalties. Toronto is going to want to win the special teams battle since the Predators have a one of the best power play units in the League. The Leafs should have the lead entering the final period since they are only 3-16-1 when trailing entering the third period. Toronto will need to get a big game from the goaltending since the Predators will no doubt get their shot at some chances. The Leafs can't afford to take their foot off the gas pedal and need to keep pushing the pace if they have the lead.

On Thursday, the Predators will take on the Ottawa Senators. This will face Kyle Turris against his old teammates. Nashville is going to need to find a way to stop Mike Hoffman and Erik Karlsson, who leads the team in assists. The goaltending will need to be good for the Preds to win this game since the Senators can score some goals. The Preds want to draw some penalties and take advantage of the power play opportunities that will come their way.

 

The Senators will want to find a way to stop Kevin Fiala and Kyle Turris, who have had some chemistry playing on the same line together. Ottawa will need to get off to a good start and not allow any bad goals in the game. The Sens need to play a good game at even strength to have a shot at winning the game. Ottawa needs to get the first goal of the game to try to set the tone early, and keep the home crowd in the game. The Sens need to play solid team defense, and make sure that they help out, if needed.

 

The Predators finish off the week by taking on the Montreal Canadiens. Nashville should take advantage of a weak penalty kill by the Canadiens. They will want to pressure the Canadiens and force some turnovers. Montreal may not be good this year, but Carey Price can always steal a game so the Preds will want to play a good, solid road game. They will have to keep an eye on Alex Galchenyuk and Max Pacioretty.

 

The Habs need to get off to a good start to this game and keep attacking. They will want to stay out of the penalty box since the Preds have the third best power play in the League. The Canadiens need to win the battle at even strength. Montreal will want to get a good game from the starting goalie to keep the team in the game. The Canadiens need to find a way to score some goals whether it is getting pucks on net or getting traffic in front of the net.