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 2/11/18-2/17/18

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shooting Stars: Weekly Preview 1/14/18-1/20/18

The Dallas Stars look to bounce back after a rough loss to the Colorado Avalanche coming off of their bye week. 

The Stars will face only Eastern Conference opponents this week, and it will be a long week on the road. They'll first face the Boston Bruins on Monday for a matinee game. Dallas will then travel to Detroit and take on the Red Wings on Tuesday night. The Stars will then travel to Columbus to take on a struggling Blue Jackets team on Thursday night. Dallas ends its week on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres.

The Stars take on a surging Bruins team on Monday afternoon. Dallas will need to get off to a fast start to establish the forecheck game early and often. The Stars will also need to limit their mistakes and play a good defensive game. Dallas will need to keep an eye on the first line of the Bruins, which is comprised of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak. The Stars need to get the first goal of the game. Dallas will need to get a good game out of the starting goaltender, Kari Lehtonen.

Boston need to keep playing the way that they are playing. The Bruins needs to keep getting contributions from their rookie and younger players. Boston will need to get the first goal of the game and keep the home crowd behind them. The Bruins want to have the lead entering the third and final period of the game since they are a better team when entering the third period with a lead. Boston should get a good game from their starting goaltender.

On Tuesday, the Stars take on what has been an average Red Wings team so far this year. Dallas will need to stay out of the penalty box even though the Detroit power play is the middle of the pack. The Stars need to take advantage of the middle of the pack penalty kill of the Red Wings. Dallas needs to get off to a fast start and establish the tone of the game early. The Stars will need to have a better third period and finish to the game since they have been outscored 49-33. Dallas wants the balanced scoring throughout the lineup to continue against this game.

The Red Wings need to play a complete game. Detroit wants to be better at even strength since they have been outscore 87-75. The Red Wings will need to stay out of the penalty box since the Stars have a decent power play. Detroit will need to have a lead entering the final period of the game, and the goaltending needs to be good. Detroit needs to find a way to stop Tyler Seguin and John Klingberg.

Dallas takes on a struggling Blue Jackets team that has only won four games in their last 10 games. The Stars want to get the first goal of the game and use their speed to create. Dallas will need to stop Artemi Panarin and Pierre-Luc Dubois, who are an important part of the Blue Jackets' offense. The Stars should be aware of where the Blue Jackets defense is because they like to join the play and create in the offensive zone. Dallas will want to take advantage of a struggling Columbus team by forcing turnovers and getting in on the forecheck.

Columbus needs to get a good game from its starting goaltender. The Blue Jackets need to make sure that they play with discipline since the Stars power play can be dangerous. Columbus will need to be better at even strength and they will somehow need to get their power play going, which has struggled all season. The Blue Jackets will need to get the first goal of the game and keep attacking. Columbus needs to get off to a fast start and set the tone of the game early.

The Stars end their busy week with a visit to the Sabres. Dallas will need to pressure the puck carrier and force turnovers. The Stars should establish the forecheck early and get the cycle game going. Dallas wants to get the first goal of the game and not sit back. The Stars will also want to make sure that they don't play down to the opponent or overlook the Sabres.

Buffalo will want to establish a forecheck early and spend some time in the offensive zone. They should also try to get a good cycle game going early in the game. The Sabres want to come out with some energy, and establish the tone of the game early. Buffalo wants to be smart and limit their mistakes throughout the game. The Sabres will need to get some secondary scoring. Buffalo will need to have a good game from their goaltending. 

Shooting Stars: Weekly Preview 12/31/17-1/6/18

The Dallas Stars are ending the year and ringing in the new year with a busy schedule. They will play four games in seven days, but the good thing is that they will all be at home. 

The Stars end 2017 with the San Jose Sharks in town. On Tuesday night, Dallas will play host to the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have been struggling lately. On Thursday, it is the red hot New Jersey Devils turn to visit the Stars. Dallas will end the week with a visit from the suddenly hot Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid.

The Stars will need to stay out of the penalty box against the Sharks, who have the sixth best power play in the League. Dallas should try to get the first goal of the game an keep the home crowd in the game right off the bat. The Stars must have the lead when entering the final period of the game since they don't have any come from behind wins when trailing after two periods. Dallas needs to make sure that they are good at even strength because the special teams of the Sharks are really good. The Stars must get the defense involved in the offense and use the stretch pass to breakout of their own zone.

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 Stars net because if the goalies can see the puck then they will likely stop it.

Dallas will need to get their power play going against the Blue Jackets since their penalty killing is in the middle of the pack in the League. The Stars must have the lead entering the final period of the game, and must play better in the final period since they are getting outscored 42-28 by their opponents. It would benefit the Stars to get the first goal of the game. Dallas needs to keep an eye out for when Zach Werenski and Seth Jones are on the ice for Columbus since the two defensemen can drive the play in the offensive zone. The Stars need the defense to be good and that includes the forwards helping out.

The Blue Jackets are going to need the power play to get going if they want any chance to win this game. Columbus has been struggling in their last 10 games so they want to get back on track and play with better effort. The Blue Jackets need to play a full 60 minutes and not just play 40 minutes. Columbus is going to need to stop the trio of Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and John Klingberg since they are three of the top players on Dallas at driving the offense. The Blue Jackets will need to get good goaltending in this game since Dallas has the offensive power to score some goals.

The Metropolitan leading New Jersey Devils will visit the Stars on Thursday night. The Stars need to get off to another good start in this game and be sure to get the forecheck established early. Dallas wants to stay out of the penalty box since they will be facing another good power play unit. The Stars need to play a solid 60 minute game and make sure that the whole team is involved from the drop of the puck.

The Devils need to force some turnovers and capitalize on them. New Jersey will want to keep an eye out for Alexander Radulov and Esa Lindell since they both can put up some numbers on the offensive side of the puck. The Devils should try to win the even strength battle and just play their game. New Jersey needs to play a solid, 60 minute road game and not give up too many chances or goals.

The Stars end the week with a visit from the suddenly hot Edmonton Oilers. Dallas needs to take advantage of a very weak penalty kill of the Oilers, who rank last in killing off penalties taken. The Stars should try to get the first goal of the game and keep Connor McDavid off the board, or at least in check during the game. Dallas should have the lead entering the final period of the game. The Stars want to keep an eye on the centers of the Oilers because they can really skate and drive play in the offensive zone. Dallas needs to win the even strength battle.

The Oilers want to win the special team battle since the teams numbers at even strength are similar. Edmonton needs to play a consistent 60 minutes and not have mental lapses during the game. The Oilers should have the lead entering the final period since they don't have many come from behind wins in the third period. Edmonton will want to keep an eye on Matthias Janmark and Radek Faksa since they can put the puck in the net. The Oilers need to get some good goaltending in order to keep pace with the Stars in this game. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Sabres Slashes: Weekly Preview 10/22/17-10/28/17

The Buffalo Sabres look to build some momentum off of its big overtime win against the Boston Bruins last Saturday. 

The Sabres will have two home games with a quick trip to Ohio in the middle of the week. On Tuesday night, they will host Detroit Red Wings. Then Wednesday night, they will travel to Ohio to face the Columbus Blue Jackets on the Wednesday Night Rivalry Game. They will finish up the week back at home where they will take on the San Jose Sharks.

The Sabres need to build off of its big win on Saturday night against the Bruins. They need to get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd in the game. Buffalo is going to need to be aware of the Red Wings physical game, but don't play tentative. The Sabres will need to play a good defensive game and eliminated the turnovers that have plagued them in the early season. Buffalo is going to need to keep an eye on Henrik Zetterberg and Dylan Larkin since those two can put up points during game.

The Red Wings will need to get the first goal of the game and make the Sabres play from behind. Detroit will need to win the special teams battle since the Sabres are pretty evenly matched at even strength. The Red Wings will need to stop the trio of Evander Kane, Jack Eichel and Jason Pominville since they each have 11 points already on the year. The Red Wings need to get off to a better start since they are being outscored in the first periods of games. They'll need to get pucks on net and attack the Sabres defense. The Red Wings will need to get the road power going since the Sabres don't have the best penalty kill.

On Wednesday night, the Sabres take on the Blue Jackets in Columbus. Buffalo will need to figure out a way to get some pucks past Sergei Bobrovsky, if he is in net. The Sabres will need to be ware of the Blue Jackets defense since they can join the offense. Buffalo will also need to get the first goal of the game and keep attacking to neutralize the balanced attack of the Blue Jackets. The Sabres will need to limit the mistakes, turnovers and be better with the puck on the power play.

The Blue Jackets will need to attack the Sabres and keep attacking. The Blue Jackets will need to hold the top line of the Sabres in-check since they are the best producing line. The Blue Jackets need to take advantage of the weak penalty kill of the Sabres while on the road. Columbus need to look for shorthanded chances because the Sabres will give up chances. They will also need to be aware of shorthanded chances while Evander Kane is in the ice.

The Sabres end the week at home by facing the San Jose Sharks. The Sabres will need to get a fast start and establish the forecheck. They will need to get the first goal of the game and get some shots on goal with traffic. Buffalo will need to have the leads after two periods since the Sharks don't have any come-from-behind third period wins this season. The Sabres will need to stop the balanced attack of the Sharks, but especially Logan Couture. 

The Sharks will need to get the offense going against a bad team and capitalize on their chances. San Jose will need to have a lead heading into the third period since the Sharks don't finish games strong. San Jose will also need to be the better team at even strength since they have struggled in that department so far this year too. The Sharks will need to stop Rasmus Ristolainen and Ryan O'Reilly, who can both set up their teammates. They will also need to force turnovers and then capitalize on those chances. 

Lightning Strikes: Weekly Preview 10/15/17-10/21/17

The Tampa Bay Lightning look to continue their winning ways this week as they face Eastern Conference opponents.

On Monday night, the Bolts visit the Detroit Red Wings for an Atlantic Division matchup. The Bolts then visit the Prudential Center to take on the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night. On Thursday night, they'll visit the Columbus Blue Jackets, and then finish up their week on Saturday night when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

The Bolts need to get off to a fast start because the Red Wings seem to get stronger as the game goes on. The Lightning will need to get traffic in front of the net especially if Jimmy Howard is in net because he has been so good. Tampa Bay needs to bring its balanced attack and not just have one or two lines doing all the scoring. The Bolts will need to keep an eye on Martin Frk, who has three goals this year and has some speed. Tampa Bay will also need to stay out of the penalty box and play a disciplined game since the Red Wings have a decent power play. 

The Red Wings need to get the first goal of the game since the Lightning have a decent record when scoring first. Detroit needs to keep playing its game even if they get down early because they seem to get better as the game goes on. The Red Wings are going to have to win the special teams battle since they aren't exactly the best team at even strength. Detroit needs to be better at even strength since nine of the 12 goals against them this year have come at 5-on-5. The Red Wings will also need to elevate the puck if Andrei Vasilevskiy is in net since he covers the bottom part of the net pretty well.

The Lightning need to be smart with and without the puck when they face the Devils on Tuesday night. The Devils have more takeaways than giveaway so far on the season. The Bolts will need to get traffic and deflections in front of the goaltender. The Bolts will need to keep an eye on the rookies, Will Butcher and Jesper Bratt, since they both have contributed during the early going. Tampa Bay needs to cash in on its power play opportunities, but they also need to be careful with the puck since the Devils have scored three shorthanded goals this year.

The Devils need to have better special team play especially on the penalty kill. They will need to stay out of the penalty box because they haven't been great killing penalties and the  Lightning have a great power play. New Jersey will need to keep an eye on the defense of the Bolts since they can and will going the play in the offensive zone. The Devils need to keep an eye on Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov since they've been going good to start the season.

Tampa Bay will take on the Columbus Blue Jackets and they will need to get some traffic and deflections because if Sergei Bobrovsky can see a puck then he is likely going to stop it. The Bolts need to score first since, and not sit back but keep attacking once they get the lead. The Lightning need all four lines to contribute if they want to steal a win from the Blue Jackets. Tampa Bay will need to keep an eye on defensemen Zach Werenski and Seth Jones since they aren't afraid to join the play or shoot the puck from the point. They will also need to keep Sonny Milano and Artemi Panarin in-check.

The Blue Jackets will need to score first and keep the home crowd in the game. They will also need to be good defensively since the Lightning can attack with speed and be creative with the puck. The Blue Jackets do have good home special team numbers, but not good overall special teams numbers, so that is something that they can work on in this game. Columbus  need to stop the balanced attack of the Bolts and one way to do that is to spend a ton of time in the offensive zone.

The Bolts end their week against the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tampa Bay need to get off to a fast start and establish the forecheck early in the game. The Bolts will need to make smart decisions with and without the puck. The Lightning will need to make the bottom six forwards of the Penguins beat them and do their best to keep the top six off the score sheet. 

The Penguins need to get the first goal of the game, and have a good forecheck game early. They will need to get better goaltending especially from Antti Niemi, who has really struggled in his two games. The Pens should pressure the puck carrier to force some turnovers and use its speed in transition. Pittsburgh will also need to find a way to slow down the balanced attack of the Lightning, and that means spend a ton of time in the offensive zone peppering Vasilveskiy or Budaj with shots.