Flying Forward: Some Games, Finally!

The Philadelphia Flyers have only played one game on the season, but it was part of the NHL Global Series so the rest came with playing in the game. The team looked good, played with the pace that new head coach Alain Vigneault wants. There were still too many turnovers, but Carter Hart played a solid game and cleaned up some of those turnovers. The Flyers got the win without the top line getting any points. The depth scoring is going to be a major factor in how well the team does this season.

The Flyers will finally be able to play some more games, but it will only be two this week. They play its official home opener on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019, against the New Jersey Devils. Wayne Simmonds makes his return to Philadelphia after being traded to the Nashville Predators last season. The team then has off until Saturday night when they face the Vancouver Canucks on the road. The time off should affect how they play, but if the team looks sluggish to start against the Devils, I wouldn't be surprised.

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019- Devils at Flyers- 7:30 p.m.- NBCSN

The Devils have struggled to keep the puck out of its net to start the season, and that is something that needs to be fixed. The team will need to match the pace of the Flyers, who should come out flying since its the team's official home opener. The Devils need to have a better start to this game, they only have one goal in the first period in two games. The goaltenders, whether it be MacKenzie Blackwood or Cory Schneider, need to make saves for this team to get a win. 

The Flyers have to have their skating legs early in this game to set the pace at which they want to play. The team should try to get the first goal to keep the crowd in the game, and to get the Devils off their game. The Devils haven't been good on the penalty kill so the Flyers want to take advantage of its power play opportunities. The key to this game will be how the Flyers play at even strength, and whether or not they play a clean, solid defensive game. 

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019- Flyers at Canucks- 10:00 p.m.

The Canucks may be struggling to start the season, but they may have one of the more entertaining young stars in Elias Pettersson. Pettersson was one of the bright spots on the Canucks last season, and I expect him to be just that again this season. The Canucks need to get him and Brock Boeser going, and they can do that by having them use their speed and get pucks on net. The Canucks are a better team when playing the lead rather than chasing the game, so they need to get the first goal of the game. 

The Flyers managed to get a win in their first game without getting a point from Claude Giroux, Kevin Hayes, or Jakub Voracek. If the Flyers want to get the two points the team will need to get some production from this line. The Flyers want to establish a good forecheck early in the game to force the Canucks into turning the puck over. The Flyers need to get the first goal of the game because the Canucks have struggled when trailing especially after the first period. 

Flying Forward Prediction

The Flyers will go 2-0-0 this week and get four of a possible four points. It won't come easy because of the lack of playing games, and the travel schedule. The goaltending will steal a game this week, and the other game will be a close, defensive battle. Kevin Hayes will have a big week for the Flyers, scoring a few goals and assisting on a few others. 

Preds Prey: Weekly Preview 2/25/18-3/3/18

The Nashville Predators look to stay atop the Central Division even with having to play three of their four games on the road.

The week will begin on Sunday with a big Central  Division game against the St. Louis Blues, who haven't been playing well of late. The Predators will then visit Winnipeg to take on another Central Division foe in the Jets. They will then travel to Edmonton to face Connor McDavid and the disappointing Oilers. Nashville will end the week with another game on the road, where they will take on the Vancouver Canucks.

On Sunday afternoon, the Predators look to gain a valuable two points from the St. Louis Blues, who have not looked good in their last five games. The Preds will need to make sure that they get off to a good start in this game and set the tone early. Nashville should be good with the puck because the Blues can force some turnovers. The Predators want to establish the forecheck and cycle game to keep the puck in the offensive zone and make the Blues defend. The Preds need to win the special teams battle since the Blues have a power play that is not very good considering the players on both of their power play units. Nashville should keep an eye on Brayden Schenn and Vladimir Tarasenko when they are on the ice since they are the two leading scorers for the Blues this year.

The Blues need to be engaged in the game from the drop of the puck, whether that is physically or just getting some early offensive zone pressure. St. Louis is going to have to be willing to work for the puck and win puck battles since Nashville won't make it easy for them to do so with two big points on the line. The Blues need to be discipline because the Preds power play is among the best in the NHL. St. Louis will want to get the first goal of the game to have some of the momentum on their side and take the home crowd out of the game. The Blues need to be aware of when and where Viktor Arvidsson and Filip Forsberg are on the ice since those two can produce points.

On Tuesday night, Nashville will be in Winnipeg with another two huge points on the line. The Predators will want to play with discipline since the Jets power play is ranked third in the League. The Preds need to be very good while at even strength since the Jets special teams are ranked in the top 10. Nashville should get the first goal to take the home crowd out of the game. The Predators will need the goaltending to be very good and make saves. The Preds need to be aware of when and where Patrik Laine and Blake Wheeler are on the ice because they are two of the top scorers on the Jets.

The Jets need to be aware of the Nashville defensive corp since they like to join the play in the offensive zone and will use the stretch pass to get ahead of the defender. Winnipeg should keep an eye on P.K. Subban and Roman Josi since those two defensemen are the leading the defensive group in points. The Jets want to have a lead entering the third period since they only have points in four of the 17 games they've trailed going into the final period of the game. Winnipeg should try to win the special teams battle since both teams are pretty good playing at even strength. The Jets will absolutely need to get a good game from the goaltender since the Preds will get their chances.

On Thursday night, the Preds will take on Connor McDavid and the struggling Oilers. Nashville will want to take advantage of a weak penalty kill of the Oilers (56.8%) at home. The Predators need to avoid mistakes and turnovers that can lead to odd man rushes and scoring chances. The Preds will want to be good in the neutral zone to slow down the speed of the Oilers. Nashville should try to have the lead entering the final period of the game. The Predators need to be aware of when McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are on the ice because they can use their speed to produce points.

Edmonton needs to figure out a way to get some secondary scoring because Draisaitl and McDavid have been doing most of the damage offensively this year. The Oilers will want to get their special teams on track, or at least stay out of the penalty box so they don't have to kill any penalties. Edmonton needs to get the first goal of the game and build off that momentum. The Oilers should try to use their speed to create some havoc through the neutral zone and in offensive zone. Edmonton will need a big game from the goaltender, who will need to have a big game.

Nashville finishes out their week on Friday night against the Vancouver Canucks. The Preds will want to play a discipline game because the Canucks power play is surprisingly good, like top 10 in the League good. The Predators should attack, get some offensive zone pressure and some scoring chances. Nashville should take advantage of a weak penalty kill of the Canucks and not play down to their opponent.

Vancouver needs to have a good start to the game, and establish the forecheck. The Canucks should try to win the even strength play since the penalty kill is not great. Vancouver wants to be discipline since the Predators have a really good power play. The Canucks need to play a good defensive game and make sure that the gap is not too big. Vancouver should keep an eye on Kevin Fiala and Ryan Johansen since they can put up some points.

Lightning Strikes: Weekly Preview 1/28/18-2/3/18

The Tampa Bay Lightning are looking to continue the success that they've had all season long. They also look to get Victor Hedman back from an injury.

It won't be easy for the Bolts since they will have to be playing on the road in Canada. They will take on the Central Division leading Winnipeg Jets tonight. On Thursday night, the will take on the Calgary Flames, who are battling for a playoff spot. The Lightning will end the week with a visit to Vancouver to take on a struggling Canucks team.

The Bolts take on a Winnipeg Jets team who lost defenseman Jacob Trouba for the foreseeable future due to injury. The Lighting will need to establish a forecheck to get some offensive zone time and keep the balanced offensive lineup in their own zone. Tampa Bay needs to play a solid, 60 minute road game and everyone will need to pitch in since the Jets are 17-3-1 on home ice. The Bolts should try to stay out of the penalty box since Winnipeg has the second ranked power play in the League. The Lightning are going to need the goaltender to come up big.

The Jets will need to stop the balanced attack of the Lightning, who have four lines that can score. Winnipeg will need to have the lead entering the final period since they are only 1-12-1 when trailing after two periods. The Jets will need to get the first goal of the game and keep building from there. They will need to get off to a fast start, get plenty of pucks on net and get deflections. The Jets are going to need the goalie to come up with some big saves.

The Lightning will then travel to Calgary to take on the Flames on Thursday night. The Bolts need to be smart with the puck since the Flames can force turnovers. Tampa Bay will need to win the special teams battle since neither the Flames don't have a great power play and the Bolts have a weak penalty kill. The Bolts should get plenty of shots on goal and traffic in front of the net. The Lightning need to keep an eye out on the Flames defensive corps since they can put up some number offensively. Tampa Bay needs to stay out of the penalty box since they have a weak penalty kill.

Calgary should try to use their speed to create odd man rushes, and scoring chances. The Flames will need to be solid on the defensive side of the puck since the Lightning have a good offensive team. Calgary will need to protect the puck while making smart decisions to avoid turnovers. The Flames need to take advantage of the weak penalty kill of the Lightning, and get their own power play on track. They will also need to set the tempo of the game from the opening face-off, and not let the Bolts dictate how they will play the game.

On Saturday, the Bolts finish out the week against the Vancouver Canucks, who are struggling. Tampa Bay will need to play with discipline since the Canucks do have one of the better power plays in the League. The Lightning should try to get the first goal of the game and get off to a decent start. The Bolts want to get plenty of shots on goal since the goaltending has struggled at times this year for the Canucks. Tampa Bay will want to keep attacking and not sit back once they have the lead because the Canucks can score some goals.

The Canucks need to establish the forecheck and cycle game early to keep the Lightning in their own zone and defending. Vancouver will want to get plenty of traffic in front and shoot high especially if Andrei Vasilevskiy is in net. The Canucks should try to get more than just Brock Boeser, the phenomenal rookie, involved in the goal scoring. Vancouver will need to find a way to stay in the game and hope that they goaltending can come up with some big saves when needed. The Canucks need to get the first goal of the game and limit their mistakes with and without the puck.

Leafs Notes: Weekly Preview 12/31/17-1/6/18

The Toronto Maple Leafs will have a busy week with four games in seven days. They look to gain some ground on the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are in first place in the Atlantic Division, but it won't be easy.

On Sunday afternoon, the Leafs will take on the Vegas Golden Knights, who have only two regulation loses and one overtime loss at home so far. Toronto will then come home to face the Lightning on Tuesday night, which should be a good game. The San Jose Sharks will visit the Air Canada Centre on Thursday night, and they are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games. On Saturday night, the Leafs will take on the Vancouver Canucks, who have been struggling lately.

The Maple Leafs have a tough task trying to win in Vegas since the Golden Knights are 15-2-1 on home ice this year. Toronto will need to play good team defense and not have a big gap between the forwards and defense, since the Golden Knights are 9-0-1 in their last 10 games played. The Leafs must stay focused, get tons of shots on net and have traffic around the net for second chance opportunities. The Maple Leafs needs to have a solid effort for 60 minutes and not have any lapses in judgment or play sloppy and turn the puck over. Toronto need to use their transition speed and be accurate with their passes. The Leafs need to figure out a way to stop the balanced attack of the Golden Knights, and one way to do that is to have a good forecheck game and sustained offensive pressure.

The Golden Knights will need to stay out of the penalty box since they are killing off less than 80% of the penalties taken, and the Leafs have the 5th best power play in the NHL. Vegas will need to get off to a fast start and play with good energy from the drop of the puck. The Golden Knights should try to force turnovers and pressure the puck carrier since the Leafs will turn the puck over and give up some decent scoring chances off of turnovers. Vegas will need the goaltending to be really good in order to win and not to let in any soft goals. The Golden Knights must find a way to stop Mitch Marner, who has been playing a lot better lately and creating with his speed.

On Tuesday night, it's going to be a big game against division rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Toronto must stay out of the penalty box since the Bolts have the best power play in the League. The Maple Leafs need to have the lead entering the final period since they have one win when trailing entering the third period. The Leafs must have a big game from the goaltender since the Bolts will have their chances and the goalie will need to come up with some big saves. Toronto should try to get off to a fast start, get the first goal, and keep the home crowd involved in the game early. The Maple Leafs must find a way to stop the duo of Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, who have dominated for the Lightning so far this year.

Tampa Bay must play with some discipline because they have one of the worse penalty kills the League, while the Leafs have one of the best power plays in the NHL. The Lightning need have the lead entering the final period since they only have two wins when trailing entering the third and final period of regulation. The Bolts should try to have some crisp passing and use the stretch pass to get some quick transition opportunities and odd man rushes. Tampa Bay need to limit their mistakes and turnovers because the Leafs will capitalize on them. The Bolts should get the first goal of the game to get the home crowd out of the game.

On Thursday night, the Sharks will visit the Leafs. The Maple Leafs want to be patient but have quick puck movement since the Sharks don't give up too many goals to the opposition. Toronto needs to get shots on goal with plenty of traffic in front of the net because the goalies for the Sharks are pretty good. The Leafs should try to get the first goal of the game and keep attacking the Sharks. The Maple Leafs need to have the lead entering the final period of the game. They will also want to find a way to stop Joe Thornton and Brent Burns, who can act like a fourth forward when he is out on the ice.

The Sharks will need to get some good goaltending from either Martin Jones or Aaron Dell. They should get their forecheck and cycle game going early and often. San Jose need to play with discipline and not take any dumb penalties. The Sharks will need to get off to a better start since they have been outscored in the first period of games by three goals. The Sharks must get traffic in front of the Leafs net because if the goalies can see the puck then they will likely stop it.

The Canucks come to town on Saturday night ending a tough week for the Leafs. Toronto must not play down to their opponent, who has two wins their last 10 games played. The Leafs want to take advantage of a weak penalty kill of the Canucks, and cash in on as many power play opportunities as they can. The Maple Leafs will want to find a way to shut down Brock Boeser, who has had an excellent rookie season so far. Toronto should force turnovers and finish their chances. The Leafs need to find a way to have a solid, 60 minute effort with no defensive lapses.

The Canucks will need to get the first goal of the game to build some confidence and help get off to a fast start. Vancouver must stay out of the penalty box and play with discipline. The Canucks want the goaltending and team defense to be on point, and not give up too many chances or goals. Vancouver should be aware of the speed and creativity of Mitch Marner. The Canucks need to play a solid, 60 minute road game and not give up too much to the Leafs.

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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