3 Things: Carolina Hurricanes @ Philadelphia Flyers (1/3/19)

The Philadelphia Flyers will take on the Carolina Hurricanes for the second time in four days.

The Flyers came out flat on New Year's Eve and paid the price. Carter Hart was pulled from the game and Michal Neuvirth was good in relief, but the rest of the team seemed to forget that they  actually had a game to play. They were outplayed and eventually lost the game 3-1.

1.) Complete Game for 60 Minutes- Hurricanes

The Hurricanes will want to copy their game plan from Monday night when they faced the Flyers, who should come out with more energy. They'll want to get plenty of pucks on net since Neuvirth is starting for the Flyers, and he can let in some soft goals. The 'Canes need to clog up the neutral zone and not let the Flyers get in behind them on the forecheck and start a cycle game. A good way to take the home crowd out of the game would be to get off to a fast start and get the first goal or two. If the Hurricanes can get the lead, they need to keep playing for a full 60 minutes since the Flyers can come back from down multiple goals in the final period to force overtime. 

2.) Revenge Game- Flyers

The Flyers got  badly outplayed in Carolina on Monday night from almost the beginning of the game. They should come out with more energy in this game so they don't get booed off their home ice at intermission. The Flyers need to set the pace early in this game and get plenty of pucks on net. The team could use the stretch pass to try to behind the neutral zone checking of the Hurricanes' defenders. Another way to get into the offensive one would be to dump the puck in, get after it and win some battles along the boards. If they want to get the two points then they'll need to get some good goaltending, capitalize on their chances and play with some effort tonight.

3.) Start- Hurricanes & Flyers

The start of the game is going to be important for both teams since it is a chance to set the tone for the rest of the game. The Flyers will want to be smart but also physical while getting in on the forecheck. The Hurricanes just need to play the same exact way that they played Monday night and they should get the two points. Both teams will be looking to get the first goal or two of the game since both have had some problems keeping the puck out of their own net so far this year. 

3 Things: Bufalo Sabres at Florida Panthers:- 3/2/18

The Sabres will take on the Florida Panthers, who are fighting to stay in the playoff picture, tonight in a big Atlantic Division game.

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

1.) LIMIT MISTAKES- SABRES

The Sabres need to limit their mistakes and play smart game. If they turn the puck over then they need to back check because if they don't then the Panthers will take it right into the offensive zone for a scoring chance. The Sabres need to make sure that the passing lanes are open and that they pass can't be deflected for the Panthers to go back the other way on an odd man rush. If a shot is there, then it needs to be taken instead of trying for the additional pass, which could be picked off and go the other way for a Panthers odd man rush or scoring chance. The Sabres just need to make sure that they make the smart play and not the high risk one that could be taken back the other way.

2.) TOP SIX FORWARDS- PANTHERS

The top six forwards for the Panthers do most of the damage for the team on the score sheet. If Evgenii Dadonov, Aleksander Barkov, Nick Bjustad, Jonathan Huberdeau, Vincent Trocheck and Denis Malgin get going then it cold be a long night for the Sabres. The six forwards have combined for a whopping 258 points of total offense. The top six can not only play in the offensive zone, but some of them are really good in their own zone. If the top six of the Panthers are ready to go early and have the chemistry clicking then the Sabres better watch out.

3.) GOALTENDING- SABRES & PANTHERS

The goaltending could be a deciding factor in this game since both teams will have their chances. The teams are going to need to make life for the goalies miserable by getting some traffic in front and going for deflections. The goalies are going to have to make the easy save, and if they let in a soft goal put it behind them pretty quick. They will need to make sure that they have good positioning and if they are out of position, they'll need to get back or hope that a teammate is there to help them out. The goaltenders may have to make some spectacular saves since they have not exactly been playing at Vezina-like levels all year.

3 Things: Buffalo Sabres at Tampa Bay Lightning- 2/28/18

The Buffalo Sabres look to steal a big two points from the Tampa Bay Lightning when they face them  tonight. The Sabres are out of playoff contention, but the Bolts are very much in the thick of things, and it is starting to get a little tighter at the top of the Atlantic standings.

Here are three things to watch for in this Atlantic Division tilt:

1.) TAKE ADVANTAGE OF POWER PLAY OPPORTUNITIES- SABRES

If there has been one thing that the Bolts have struggled at this season it has been killing penalties. Tampa Bay has allowed 45 power play goals while being shorthanded 203 times this year (77.8%). The penalty kill is ranked 24th in the League, which mean only seven teams are worse than the Bolts at killing penalties so the Sabres need to make sure that they capitalize when they have the man advantage. The Sabres need to make sure that they capitalize on the power play since they have been outscored badly while play at even strength. Buffalo will also need to make sure that they protect the puck and make the smart play while shorthanded because the Bolts have scored eight goals while shorthanded.

2.) SPECIAL TEAMS- LIGHTNING

The Lightning have played extremely well at even strength this year, outscoring opponents 143-103. The Bolts have also had some incredible success on the power play, and have the second best one in the NHL. Buffalo has a weak penalty kill so the Bolts have the advantage. The one area that has been a weakness all year has been the penalty kill, and in order for them to have success down the stretch this will need to improve. Tampa Bay needs to clear the puck out of their own zone and avoid failed clears when shorthanded.

3.) DISCIPLINE- SABRES & LIGHTNING

These two teams will need to play with some discipline and stay out of the penalty box. The Sabres have a weak penalty kill and the power play of the Lightning will burn them, if given the chance to do so. The Bolts need to stay out of the box because their penalty kill has been a disaster from the start of the season, and they don't want the Sabres to get a couple of power play chances and put the puck in the net a few times. When these two teams are on the power play then they need to be aware of the shorthanded goals because the Sabres have score nine this year, while the Bolts have eight of their own. 

3 Things: Toronto Maple Leafs @ Florida Panthers: 2/27/18

The Toronto Maple Leafs take on Atlantic Division foes, the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night.

Here are three things to watch for in the game:

1.) POWER PLAY- MAPLE LEAFS

The Leafs will want to take advantage of their power play opportunities since they pretty much play even with the opposition at even strength. The Leafs have two decent power play units, but are missing Auston Matthews, their leading goal scorer. Toronto's power play is operating at over 20% on the year. The Panthers penalty kill is one of the worst in the League at under 80%.

2.) START- PANTHERS

The Panthers will want to get off to a good start in this game to have some momentum to build off of for the rest of the game. Florida should set the tone early by getting the first goal of the game in front of the home crowd. The Panthers should establish the forecheck and cycle game early in the game to create chances and spend a ton of time in the offensive zone.

3.) FLORIDA TOP SIX- LEAFS & PANTHERS

The Leafs are going to need to find a way to stop the top six of the Panthers since those guys have basically carried the Panthers offense all year long. The best way to isolate them is to play in the offensive zone when they are on the ice. The Panthers want to get these guys going and early in the game so they have an impact on the rest of the game. Florida should try to establish the forecheck and cycle game to spend some time in the offensive zone. The battle between these two teams should be a good one.

3 Things: Nashville Predators @ Winnipeg Jets: 2/27/18

The Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets will face-off in a Central Division game with a pivotal two points on the line in the playoff race.

Here are three things to watch for in the game:

1.) EVEN STRENGTH PLAY - NASHVILLE

If the Preds want to have a shot at winning this game and gaining an important two points then they will need to win the even strength play. The Predators have relied on their power play at times to get them going, but the Jets have a really good penalty kill so their play at even strength is going to be important. Nashville does have a decent amount of  even strength goals so far on the year so they can play while at 5-on-5. The Preds will need to play a solid defensive game, yet have some sustained offensive zone pressure. Nashville should establish a cycle game and a forecheck game to help win the battle at even strength.

2.) NASHVILLE D- WINNIPEG 

The Jets are going to have to keep an eye on the Predators defense since they do like to join the play in the offensive zone. Nashville defense has 150 points on the season, which accounts for 31% of the total offense. The Predators defense will also use the stretch pass as a way to get out of their own zone and spring the forwards into the offensive zone. The Preds defense is lead in points by P.K. Subban and Roman Josi so Winnipeg should be aware of when they are on the ice.

3.) GOALTENDING- NASHVILLE & WINNIPEG

The goaltending is going to be a big key to this game since both teams will get their scoring chances with the talent on the rosters. The goalies are going to have to make the easy save and the spectacular save. If a soft goal is given up then they need to shake it off and keep their focus on the game. The goalies could potentially steal the game for one of theses teams with two huge points on the line.

3 Things: Toronto Maple Leafs @ Tampa Bay Lightning 2/26/18

The Tampa Bay Lightning will take on the Toronto Maple Leafs in a pivotal game in the Atlantic Division standings tonight.  The Leafs are just four points behind the Bolts, and both teams made deadline deals.

Here are three things to look for in tonight's game:

1.) SPECIAL TEAMS- MAPLE LEAFS

The Maple Leafs will need to have a stellar game on special teams since their even strength play isn't spectacular. They have allowed and scored 149 even strength goals this year. The Leafs need to keep the second best power play unit off the board, while taking advantage of one of the League's worst penalty kills. Toronto needs to apply a ton of pressure and get pucks on net when on the power play.

2.) FORECHECK- LIGHTNING

The Lightning should establish their forecheck game early and often against the Leafs. Toronto will turn the puck over and make mistakes when under pressure. The Bolts need to attack the puck carrier and make sure that he is under pressure when skating up the ice or trying to clear the defensive zone. Tampa Bay needs to be aware of being to overly aggressive though because that could lead to odd man rushes through the neutral zone for the Leafs, who have a ton of speed.

3.) MITCH MARNER VS. BRAYDEN POINT- LEAFS & LIGHTNING

Mitch Marner has been on absolute fire of late so much so that he went from being on the fourth line to now playing on the top line with Auston Matthews out of the lineup. Marner has gotten his confidence back and is creating and scoring goals because he is using his speed. Brayden Point has been an important part of the Bolts team since the beginning of the season. He plays even strength minutes and on the power play unit and now with the loss of Vladimir Namestnikov, he could see even more ice time. These two young kids will be two players to keep an eye on during tonight's game.

3 Things: Carolina Hurricanes @ Philadelphia Flyers : 3/1/18

The Philadelphia Flyers will look to gain two valuable points tonight at home against the Carolina Hurricanes.

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

1.) GOALTENDING- HURRICANES

The goaltending is going to need to come up big for the Hurricanes to even have a shot at winning the game. The goalie is going to have to make the big save and make the easy save. The defense will need to help the goalies out and clear the front of the net so he can see the shots that are coming towards him. Whether it be Cam Ward or Scott Darling in the crease for the Hurricanes, the goalie needs to make sure that they are in position to stop the puck and not give up too many rebound chances. The goalies need to bounce back really quick if a soft goal is given up or scored.

2.) SHAYNE GOSTISBEHERE- FLYERS

Gostisbehere has been a Hurricane killer in his brief career especially in overtime. In 10 games in his career against the Hurricanes, Ghost has 10 points including four goals and six assists. Of his four career goals against the Hurricanes, three of them have been game-winning goals. Gostisbehere loves playing against the Hurricanes and the Canes need to be aware of when he is on the ice and where he is on the ice.

3.) TEUVO TERAVAINEN VS. TRAVIS KONECNY

Teravainen is tied for the team lead in points with Sebastian Aho for the Hurricanes. In 62 games played this year, he has 47 points including 15 goals and 32 assists. The Canes have sturggled to score this year at time, but Teravainen has been one of their more consistent players. Travis Konecny started the season off very slow, but has been on fire since he was put on the top line with Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier. In 61 games played, he has 34 points to go with 15 goals and 19 assists. He plays at even strength and on the second power play unit. In his last five games played, he has two goals, three assists and five total points.

3 Things: Boston Bruins @ Buffalo Sabres: 2/25/18

While the Buffalo Sabres wait and see what is going on with Evander Kane and whether he will get traded or not, the team still has some games to play.

It will not be an easy week for them this week as they face three Atlantic Division foes, starting tonight, with facing the Boston Bruins.

Here are three things to watch for in the game:

1.) RICK NASH- BOSTON

The Bruins acquired forward Rick Nash from the New York Rangers earlier today for a haul that included Ryan Lindgren, Ryan Spooner, Matt Beleksey and some draft picks. If he does play in tonight's game, how effective will he be, and which line will he be on? The already balanced lineup of the Bruins gets a lift since Nash has 18 goals on the year to go with 28 points. Will the addition of Rick Nash affect the chemistry of the lines or will he just do what he does best and score goals? There are a lot of questions surrounding Rick Nash tonight, but the timing of the trade is perfect since Patrice Bergeron is a game-time decision due to an injury.

2.) READY TO PLAY FROM DROP OF THE PUCK- BUFFALO

 The Sabres have really struggled since Jack Eichel hasn't been in the lineup due to injury. The team will need to be ready to play from the drop of the puck since the Bruins aren't going to hold anything back especially after a tough loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. Buffalo gave up the first goal of the game after sloppy play in their own zone last night in under a minute into the game. Phil Housley can't be happy with the team's play of late, giving up goals early and not playing the way that they should be playing.

3.) FORECHECK- BOSTON & BUFFALO

These two teams will both want to establish the forecheck early in the game for different reasons. The Bruins will want to get in on the forecheck to force some turnovers and get set up in the offensive zone so they can get a ton of pucks on net. The Sabres want to establish the forecheck to keep the Bruins hemmed in their own zone, defending, and not in the offensive zone firing the puck towards their goalie since the Bruins have a very balanced lineup. The two teams should also try to get the cycle game going. Buffalo needs to find a way to get that sustained offensive zone pressure to create chances and put some puck in the opposition's net.

3 Things: St. Louis Blues @ Nashville Predators: 2/25/18

The Nashville Predators look to gain an important two points in the playoff race and Central Division when they take on the St. Louis Blues on Sunday afternoon.

The puck will drop at noon, eastern time and will be shown on NBC.

Here are three things to watch in this Central Division matchup:

1.) READY TO PLAY FROM PUCK DROP- ST. LOUIS

The Blues need to be ready to play from the start of this game. They have been struggling lately, and not playing their best hockey. St. Louis needs to make sure that they are engaged, whether it be physically or mentally from the beginning of this game. The Blues need to win the battles, get to the loose pucks and not turn the puck over. It could help if the Blues can manage to establish a forecheck early and often to get some sustain offensive zone time.

2.) START- NASHVILLE

The Predators should look to get off to a good start and set the tone early in this one. There are two huge points on the line and the home crowd will be behind their team. The Preds should look to get the first goal of the game to put some doubt in the mines of the Blues players. Nashville should establish the forecheck and cycle game early and get some shots on goal.

3.) SPECIAL TEAMS- ST. LOUIS & NASHVILLE

The Blues have mediocre special teams while the Predators have very good special teams. The Blues need to find a way to get their power play going since they have too much talent on it for it to be ranked 28th in the League. St. Louis has a middle of the pack penalty kill, but will need to be better since the Preds power play is very good. The Predators power play is ranked fourth in the League, while their penalty kill (82.4%) is ranked eighth in the League. It should be interesting to see how each team's power play does against some decent penalty killing.

3 Things: Devils @ Flyers 2/13/18

The New Jersey Devils will take on the Philadelphia Flyers in a Metropolitan Divisional matchup that takes places tonight at the Wells Fargo Center. This game has huge playoff implications as the two teams are only separated by three points in the standings, but the Devils have a game in hand on the Flyers.

Here are three things to look for in tonight's game:

1.) DISCIPLINE- FLYERS

The Flyers need to find a way to carry over the discipline that they played with in Las Vegas into this game. The Orange and Black only took one penalty while playing a road game in Vegas. Philadelphia  has one of the worst penalty kill units in the League, only killing off 74.4% of the penalties taken. Their penalty kill at home is somehow worse than the overall penalty kill at just 72%. The Flyers need to avoid taking penalties especially the ones that are not necessary to take like high sticking and hooking.

2.) GET FIRST GOAL- DEVILS

New Jersey will want to get off to a good start in this game and get the first goal of the game to take the crowd out of the game. The Flyers have been good on home ice of late so if the Devils want to take the crowd out of the game then they will need to be ready to play from the start of the game. The Devils are a much better team when scoring the first goal of the game, but have also had some wins when the opposition has scored first. If the Devils can manage to get the early lead, they will have to keep attacking and not sit back because the Flyers have won 13 games when the opposition scores the first goal of the game.

3.) GOALTENDING- DEVILS & FLYERS

The goaltending is going to be a big factor in this game and something to keep a close eye on. Keith Kinkaid will get the start for the Devils, while Michael Neurvirth looks to get the start for the Flyers. Kinkaid and the Devils have really struggled since losing Cory Schneider to an injury. Kinkaid will need to have one of his best games of the season to grab two points. Neuvirth is coming off of a big game against the Vegas Golden Knights where he only allowed one goal against. The goaltenders are going to have to step up their game tonight because these two teams will get scoring chances. The goalies could be the difference makers for these teams tonight.

3 Things: Lightning @ Sabres 2/13/18

The Buffalo Sabres will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight in an Atlantic Division game. The Sabres are coming off of a loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday night, while the Lightning are coming off of a regulation loss to the Maple Leafs last night.

Here are three things to look for in tonight's game:

1.) FAST START- SABRES

Buffalo will want to get off to a fast start in this game since the Bolts played last night against the Maple Leafs. The Sabres should set the tone and the tempo early in the game no try to draw some penalties. Buffalo needs to establish the forecheck early in the game to spend some time in the offensive zone. They will also want to get the cycle game going early so they can try to get some sustained attack time going in the offensive end of the ice. Buffalo wants to get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd into the game, and keep attacking the Bolts since they should be tired from playing last night.

2.) GOALTENDING- LIGHTNING

It looks as though backup goaltender, Louis Domingue will get the start between the pipes for the Lightning tonight. Andrei Vasilevskiy started the game last night, and allowed four goals. Domingue needs to make the easy saves and not allow any soft goals. He will also need to make some toy saves and possibly make some saves while facing the odd man rush. Domingue wants to have a good showing tonight and help the Lightning gain an all important two points.

3.) DISCIPLINE- SABRES & LIGHTNING

These two teams don't exactly have the best penalty killing units in the League so they will want to avoid the penalty box at all costs. The Sabres are in the bottom portion of the League in overall penalty killing stats, but are killing penalties at home a ton above an 80% clip. The one area of weakness for the Lightning has been their penalty kill all season long. The Sabres don't exactly light it up on the power play, but it would still be a good idea to try to play a disciplined game tonight if you are the Bolts.

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

3 Things: Pittsburgh Penguins @ Philadelphia Flyers (1/2/18)

The Philadelphia Flyers are looking to gain some points in the Metropolitan Division, and what better way to start then with a win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Penguins will take on the Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center tonight, and the game will be aired on NBCSN with the puck dropping around 7:00 p.m. ET.

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

1.) Even Strength Play 
The Penguins and the Flyers are both going to need to play a sound game at even strength since both teams have had their struggles while playing 5-on-5 hockey this year. The Orange and Black have only scored 65 goals while playing at even strength, while giving up only 56 goals. The Flyers have struggled to score goals at even strength, but aren't giving the opposition much while playing 5-on-5 hockey. The Penguins have only scored 53 goals while playing at even strength and they have given up 91 goals against. The two teams are going to need to be the better team while playing at even strength in order to win this game.

2.) Special Teams

It is no secret that the Flyers have had one of the worst penalty kills for the last few years, and this year, it hasn't been any better. The Orange and Black are only killing off 76.8% of their penalties taken, and are only 72.7% on the penalty kill at home. Philly's power play is in the middle of the pack, but they have converted on some opportunities of late, but the second unit needs to start pitching in for more balance. Pittsburgh has the third best power play in the NHL at 25%, and it can be dangerous so the Flyers want to stay out of the penalty box. The Pens penalty kill has been okay so far this year, and is ranked 15th in the NHL at 81%.

3.) Start

These two teams have struggled to start games well this season. The Flyers usually have dreadful starts to games coming off of long breaks, and they haven't played since Friday night in Tampa Bay. The Penguins are getting outscored 41-29 in opening periods of games so far this year. This is a rivalry game so I wouldn't be surprised if these two teams come onto the ice ready to play. These teams need to be ready to go from puck drop and not be sluggish or that could wind up costing them the game early.

3 Things: Nashville Predators @ St. Louis Blues (12.27.17)

The Nashville Predators look to get back on track after losing three straight games before the holiday break. It won't be easy as they face the leaders of the Central Division, the St. Louis Blues.

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

1.) SOLID ROAD EFFORT- NASHVILLE

The Preds need to get back on track, and one way to do that would be with a nice road victory to take over the lead in the division. Nashville will need to be really good defensively, and the forwards are going to need to help out. The Preds will need to limit the mistakes with and without the puck and avoid turnovers. The Predators should get a good forecheck going early and win some battles along the boards. Nashville is going to need to be in good positioning and help each other out should the someone be out of position.

2.) EYE ON NASHVILLE D- ST. LOUIS

The Blues are going to need to keep an eye on the defensemen for the Predators. The defense corps isn't afraid to join the play in the offensive zone or shoot the puck. Nashville's defense will use the breakout pass to try to get out of their own zone quick so the Blues will also need to be aware of that. The Preds defensemen can also skate and move the puck extremely well so the Blues need to be aware of them at all times.

3.) GOALTENDING- NASHVILLE & ST. LOUIS

The goaltenders could play a big part in the outcome of the game. It could come down to one big save by either starting goalie. The goalies need to be square to the shooters and not give up too many rebounds chances because that leads to second chance opportunities. The goaltenders must make the easy save and not give up any soft goals. The players are going to need to get in front of the goalies to make life miserable and so they can't see the puck. This game could very well come down to which goalies makes the timely saves, whether at even strength or on special teams. 

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.

3 Things: Lightning vs. Panthers

The Florida Panthers don't have to wait long to try to avenge last night's 5-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Bolts and the Panthers will play again tonight, but this time it will be be Panthers home opener.

Here are three things to watch for:

1.) Get Off to a Fast Start- Lightning

The Lightning need to get off to a fast start tonight since they won't have the crowd behind them. If the Bolts can get the first goal then they need to build on the lead. They did this in last night's game, but then let a two-goal lead slip away before pulling away. Ondrej Palat and Brayden Point each had multiple point games. It would be nice to see Tyler Johnson get a confidence boost with a  goal or some points on the board tonight. Tampa Bay can get off to a fast start by spending some time in the offensive zone with a good forechecking and cycling game.

2.) Balanced Attack- Panthers

The Panthers are going to need each line to step up and get some offense pressure tonight. The defense did pitch in on all three goals for the Panthers last night and that is something that will have to continue tonight. The top line needs to get more offensive zone time and pressure. If the Panthers want to bring a balanced attack against the Lightning then they may want to get the power play clicking tonight. Florida had zero goals in four power play opportunities last night.

3.) Goaltending- Bolts & Panthers

The goaltending for both teams is going to have to come up big tonight. Vasilevskiy had a solid game for the Bolts last night and could start again tonight with two more huge divisional points on the line and the Bolts taking on the Capitals at home on Monday. James Reimer will likely get the start in goal for the Panthers since Roberto Luongo got the start last night. The two teams can score so whichever goalie can keep the puck out of the net has a shot to win the game. 

3 Things: Panthers vs. Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning will open its season at home against the Florida Panthers tonight at 7:30 p.m. 

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

1.) Make Bottom Six Beat You- Bolts

The Lightning are going to need to keep the top six forwards of the Panthers off the board. If they can manage to keep them off the board or at least in check then they will have a chance at winning the game, and stealing two important divisional points. The Panthers don't seem to have a lot in the bottom six that would really scare you offensively so the Bolts need to get favorable matchups out tonight especially with last change. If Tampa Bay can keep Jonathan Huberdeau, Sasha Barkov and Vincent Trocheck off the board then they should be in good shape tonight.

2.) Attack the Lightning Defense- Panthers

The Panthers need to get in on the forecheck and pressure the Lightning's defense every time they have the puck. Dan Girardi is being used with Victor Hedman on the top pair for the opening game, and he will turn the puck over if pressured. Mikhail Sergachev is a rookie playing in only his fifth NHL game, so Florida should see if they can rattle him, and hit him at every opportunity they  have. The Lightning defense will turn the puck over, but they can also move the puck well so the Panthers are going to need to get in on the forecheck quick tonight.

3.) Get the First Goal- Bolts & Panthers

Tampa Bay will have the home crowd behind them tonight especially since it is the home opener. The Bolts will need to get the first goal to keep the crowd into the game, and then keep building on the lead. The Panthers need to get the first goal to get the crowd out of the game, and make the Bolts chase the lead. If Florida can manage to get the first goal then they need to build on the lead.