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. 

Flying Forward: Weekly Preview 3/11/18-3/17/18

The Philadelphia Flyers will look to move up the playoff standings this week, but it won't be easy.

On Monday night, they'll face the Vegas Golden Knights, who are first in the Pacific Division. The Blue Jackets come to town on Thursday night in a game that could loom big for both teams. The Flyers end their week with a visit to Carolina on St. Patrick's Day.

The Flyers need to get off to a fast start against the Golden Knights tonight. They should set the tone early and be prepared to play with some energy from the beginning of the game. Philadelphia will want to establish the forecheck and cycle game early to get sustained offensive zone pressure to get some pucks on net and scoring chances. Petr Mrazek needs to have a stellar game and make saves. The Flyers should keep an eye on Jonathan Marchessault and William Karlson since they are the two top point producers for Vegas.

Vegas should get plenty of shots on goal in this game and test the Flyers goalie early, who has been inconsistent the past few games. The Golden Knights need to get the first goal of the game to take the home crowd out of the game. Vegas should try to win the battle of special teams with some power play goals. The Golden Knights want to play a solid road game and keep an eye on the Flyers top line since they have been playing well since being put together.

The Orange and Black will host the Blue Jackets on Thursday night and expect this game to be a close one. The Flyers need to be discipline because they have a poor penalty kill. The team is going to need to limit their mistakes and watch out for the speed of the Blue Jackets. Philly will need to get a ton of traffic around the front of the net for screens and deflections. The goaltending for the Flyers will need to come up big since Columbus has been playing good hockey of late and averages 34 shots per game.

Columbus will also want to play with some discipline even with the Flyers power play struggling of late. The Blue Jackets should try to win the special teams battle since the teams are both decent at even strength hockey. Columbus needs to get off to a fast start and get a goal early or make a play that gets the team energized. The Blue Jackets will want to have the lead after two periods since they are a much better team when leading heading into the third period then when trailing. Columbus should know where Claude Giroux and Jake Voracek are on the ice at all times ice since they have decent career numbers against them.

The Flyers end the week with another divisional foe in the Carolina Hurricanes. Philly needs to get the first goal of the game to take the home crowd out of the game. The Orange and Black want to play a solid road game and not make it easy for the Canes to do whatever they want on the ice. The Flyers need to win the battle at even strength since the opposition has outscored the Hurricanes 142-118 at even strength play this year; The Flyers will need to keep an eye on Jeff Skinner and Justin Williams since those two have not been kind to the Flyers in their careers.

The Hurricanes will want to play a team defense game with the forwards helping out. Carolina needs to get a good game from the starting goaltender. The Canes need to get the first goal of the game and keep attacking and not sit back. The Hurricanes should avoid the penalty box at all costs since their penalty kill has been an area of concern this season. Carolina will need to be aware of then defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere is on the ice since he has 10 points in 11 career games played against them.

Flying Forward: Weekly Preview 2/25/18-3/3/18

The Philadelphia Flyers look to continue extend their five game win streak this week as they take on some Eastern Conference opponents.

The Flyers start the week off with a rare Monday night game on the schedule. They will take on a disappointing Canadiens team in Montreal. On Thursday night, the Flyers return to the Wells Fargo Center to take on the Carolina Hurricanes. Philly will finish out the week on Saturday afternoon against the Lightning in Tampa Bay.

The Flyers will want to make sure that they establish the forecheck and cycle game early and often against the Canadiens. The Orange and Black will want to make sure that they take advantage of their power play opportunities since the Habs aren't exactly the best penalty killing team in the NHL. The Flyers will want to have a strong even strength game against Montreal since the team actually has a decent power play and can put some pucks in the net while on the man advantage. Philly should get some shots on goal since the rookie goalie will be starting tonight for the Habs.

The Canadiens have struggled mightily this year and have been one of the more disappointing teams in the League. They will want to get the first goal of the game and keep attacking because the Flyers have been finding ways to win games lately. The Habs should set the tone early whether it be physically or spending time in the offensive zone. Montreal wants to play discipline since they have a weak penalty kill, and the Flyers have good power play. The Canadiens need to play a consistent game and take advantage of being up a man on the ice since the Flyers have one of the worst penalty kills in the League.

On Thursday night, the Flyers take on Metropolitan Division foe, Carolina Hurricanes. The Orange and Black will need to play well at even strength, while still being discipline. Philly needs to take advantage of their power play opportunities since the Hurricanes seem to allow a lot of power play goals. The Flyers should use their speed to create chances and draw some penalties. The Orange and Black need to be aware of where Teuvo Teravainen and Sebastian Aho are on the ice since they are the leading point getters for the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes will want to be discipline and not give the Flyers too many chances on the power play. Carolina needs its goaltender to have a big game and not allow any soft goals. The Canes should try to get the first goal of the game and keep putting the pressure on the Flyers since they will turn the puck over. The Hurricanes need to win the special teams battle if they want to have a chance at winning the game. Carolina should be aware of the speed and creativity of forward Travis Konecny and defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who has killed them in his brief career.

Philly ends their week with an afternoon game in Tampa Bay against the Lightning. The Flyers will need to find a way to stop the balanced attack of the Lightning by spending some time in their offensive zone. The Orange and Black are going to want to play a solid road game and keep the defensive gap pretty small. Philly wants to make sure that they get a ton of traffic in front of the net for deflections and to take the goalie's eyes away from the puck. The Orange and Black want to limit their mistakes and get some solid goaltending.

The Bolts need to play with discipline since their one weakness has been the penalty kill this year. Tampa Bay should get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd in the game and have the momentum. The Lightning want to win the special teams battle since both teams play a solid even strength game. The Bolts goaltender will need to make some big saves throughout the game and make the easy saves too. Tampa Bay is going to need to find a way to stop the balanced attack of the Flyers by making them defend in their own zone.

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.

Sabres Slashes: Weekly Preview 12/10/17-12/16/17

The Buffalo Sabres look to get back on track after losing three of their first four games to start the month of December.

The Sabres will take on one Western Conference team and three Eastern Conference teams this week. On Sunday night, they'll face the St. Louis Blues, who will be without Jaden Schwartz due to an ankle injury. They will then come home to face the struggling Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night. It's back on the road to face the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night, and Buffalo finishes out their week with a game at home against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Sabres need to have some kind of energy to start this game against the Blues or they will be down a few goals before they know it. Buffalo will need to get the first goal of the game, and keep attacking. They will need to establish a forecheck early and often because the best way to stop the Blues offense is to make them defend. The Sabres will need to play with discipline and avoid a parade to the penalty box since the Blues have a good power play. Buffalo will need to get a good game from the goaltender, who will need to make some saves since the Blues should get their chances.

St. Louis will need to get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd in the game. The Blues lines will be a bit different looking tonight with the loss of forward Jaden Schwartz, and it should be interesting to see how the loss of Schwartz affects the play of Brayden Schenn since the two have developed some chemistry early on this year. St. Louis will need to find a way to keep Evander Kane and Jack Eichel off the board since they have a hand in a lot of the offense for the Sabres. The Blues will need to force some turnovers, since the Sabres will turn the puck over especially in their own zone. St. Louis needs to not play down to the opponent tonight, and just play their game.

Buffalo will then face a struggling Ottawa Senators, who have been shutout in three of their last four games. The Sabres will need to find a way to stop Derick Brassard and Erik Karlsson, who are among the leading point producers on the Senators roster. Buffalo will need to watch the speed of Ottawa in transition since they can get the pucks behind the defensemen. The Sabres will need to attack and not sit back in this game since the Sens have been struggling to score lately. Buffalo needs to get the power play going and the Senators are not one of the better penalty killing teams in the League. The Sabres will need to make sure that they have the lead going into the third period.

The Senators will need to figure out a way to get their offense going in this game. They are playing one of the worse teams in the NHL, and they should be able to put some pucks into the net. Ottawa will need to get the first goal of the game to get some confidence going and then build on the lead from there. The Sens need to have a good game from the starting goalie, who needs to make saves and not allow any soft goals. Ottawa will need to have a better effort all around then they have had the past few games. It would be a good idea for them to just get pucks on net, and then crash the net for any rebounds or loose pucks in the crease area.

The Sabres then take on the Flyers on Thursday night in Philly. Buffalo will need to get the first goal of the game since the Flyers are a better team when playing with the lead. The Sabres will need to keep attacking and get some sustained pressure in the offensive zone to keep the new balanced lines off the board for Philly. Buffalo will need to stay out of the penalty box since the Flyers have a decent power play even though they have allowed four shorthanded goals against this year. The Sabres will need to keep Jake Voracek and Shayne Gostisbehere in check since they play a big part in the offense. Buffalo will need to be aware of the Philadelphia defense since they have no problem joining the play in the offensive zone.

The Flyers will need to keep the new look lines and balanced attack going against the Sabres. Philly needs to not play down to their opponent since they have been known to do this the past few years. The Flyers will need to get in on the attack, establish a forecheck early in the game and force a ton of turnovers throughout the game. The Orange and Black need to be better with the puck, and limit their mistakes since they have had plenty of costly turnovers lately. Philly needs to avoid the penalty box since the penalty kill has been in the bottom of the League all season long. The Flyers need to be aware of where Jack Eichel and Jason Pominville are on the ice.

Buffalo face the Hurricanes at home on Friday night. The Sabres will need to get off to a really good start in this game, and score some first period goals. Buffalo will need to keep Teuvo Teravainen and Jeff Skinner in check while they are on the ice. The Sabres need to avoid turnovers and mistakes with the puck since Carolina can make you pay for your mistakes. Buffalo will need to get their home power play going since they have only converted on 8.9% of their home power play opportunities. The Sabres need to get some offense from the defense even if they are just pitching in with assists.

The Hurricanes will need to get the first goal of the game to take the crowd out of the game. Carolina will need to be better on special teams since they haven't had the most success on them all season. The 'Canes will need to find a way to stop Jack Eichel and Evander Kane, since they are the two top point getters on the team. Carolina will need to get some stops from their goaltender and to play a solid, 60 minute game.

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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