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. 

3 Things: Devils @ Flyers 2/13/18

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

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

1.) DISCIPLINE- FLYERS

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

2.) GET FIRST GOAL- DEVILS

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

3.) GOALTENDING- DEVILS & FLYERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sabres Slashes: Weekly Preview 1/28/18-2/3/18

The Buffalo Sabres are looking to continue the momentum of two shutout wins against the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks before the All Star Break.

They will take on the New Jersey Devils tonight at home. On Thursday night, the Florida Panthers come to town, and then they end the week by facing the St. Louis Blues.

Buffalo needs to get off to a fast start in this game, and set the pace early. The Sabres need to win the special teams battle since they haven't exactly been the strongest team on the power play and penalty kill this season. Buffalo should try to force some turnovers to spend some time in the offensive zone, and get some shots on goal to test the goalie out early in the game. The Sabres will have to figure out a way to stop Taylor Hall, who leads the Devils in goals, assists and points since he will be returning to the lineup after missing a few games due to injury. Buffalo will want to use its speed to create in the offensive zone and draw some penalties.

The Devils should test out the goaltending early and often since a both teams are coming off of the All Star Break. New Jersey will want to establish the forecheck and cycle game to spend some time in the offensive zone. The Devils need to take advantage of a weak Sabres' penalty kill. New Jersey will want to try to get off to a fast start and get the first goal of the game if they want to try to get on a roll to acquired some points. The Devils need to make sure that they don't play down to their opponent, and stay focused.

On Thursday night, the Sabres take on a fellow Atlantic Division team in the Florida Panthers, who have been struggling lately. Buffalo needs to get pucks on net with traffic especially if the veteran goalies James Reimer and Roberto Luongo aren't back from their injuries. They'll want to test the young starting goalie. The Sabres should come out with more energy to get better starts to games since they've been outscored 44-22 in first periods of games. Buffalo needs to play with discipline since they don't have the best penalty kill. The Sabres want to be the better team while playing at even strength since the Panthers have struggled in this area. Bufffalo will want to stop the balanced attack of the Panthers especially Jonathan Huberdeau and Vincent Trocheck.

The Panthers will want to have the lead entering the third period since they are only 5-17-3 when trailing after two periods. Florida needs to get the power play going against a weak penalty kill since they have the talent on the power play to score some goals. The Panthers will need to get off to a better start and set the tone early in the game. Florida will need to take care of the puck because the Sabres have a few guys that can take advantage of turnovers like Jack Eichel and Evander Kane. The Panthers need to break out of a slump and this would be the perfect game to do so.

Buffalo ends the week with a visit from the St. Louis Blues, who have been playing better hockey as of late. The Sabres will need a good defensive game from top to bottom since the Blues have the fire power to score a ton of goals. Buffalo needs the goaltending to come up big in this game since the Blues will have their chances. The Sabres will need to play a good game at even strength. Buffalo will need to stop the balanced attack of the Blues, and to be aware of the Blues defense corps since they can rack up some points.

The Blues need to make sure that they have the lead entering the final period. St. Louis needs to make sure that they get the first goal of the game and keep attacking. The Blues need to make sure that they play a good game and don't lose focus to the Sabres, who are looking to play spoiler for teams in the playoff race. St. Louis will need to stop Jack Eichel and get plenty of shots on goal with traffic in front. The Blues will need to make sure that they are good at even strength since they don't have the best special teams numbers in the League.

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 12/24/17-12/30/17

The Buffalo Sabres will look to close out their year by getting back on track with some wins and points.

It won't be an easy task for the Sabres, who will be on the road while facing two Metropolitan Division opponents. The Sabres will take on the New York Islanders tonight, while facing a much improved New Jersey Devils team on Friday night. Buffalo needs to not look past these two opponents to the Winter Classic on Monday, January 1.

The Sabres will need to somehow stop the top six forwards of the Islanders since they have been their main point producers. Buffalo will need to be disciplined and stay out of the penalty box since the Isles power play is ranked in the top five of the NHL. The Sabres will need to force turnovers and have a good effort from start to finish, which includes getting in on the forecheck and winning board battles. Buffalo will need to limit their mistakes with and without the puck. The Sabres also need to get off to a fast start and play with some energy. Buffalo will need to get their road power play going since the Islanders home penalty kill is only operating at 76%.

The Islanders will need to force turnovers by getting in on the forecheck and playing a smart game in the neutral zone. New York will need to take advantage of when they are on the power play since the Sabres road penalty kill is only killing off 75% of the penalties taken. The Isles need to play their style of hockey and not play down to the level of their opponents. The Islanders will need to keep their foot on the gas pedal the whole game and not show a lack of effort at times. New York will need to have the lead entering the third and final period since the Sabres have only one regulation win when trailing after two periods.

On Friday night, the Sabres will take on the New Jersey Devils in their final game before the Winter Classic. Buffalo will need to get traffic in front of the net and get some second chances opportunities. The Sabres will need to stay out of the penalty box since the Devils have the tenth best power play in the League. Buffalo need to be better at even strength since the Devils have outscored opponents by five goals this year while playing 5-on-5 hockey. The Sabres will need the goaltender to step up and make some saves, and not allow any soft goals. Buffalo will need to play a solid, defensive road game in order to stop the balanced attack of the Devils.

The Devils will need to win the special teams battle since they are ranked in he top 10 in the League in both the power play and penalty kill. New Jersey will need to force turnovers and take advantage of the mistakes that the Sabres are going to make. The Devils will need to get off to a fast start and get the first goal of the game. New Jersey will need to find a way to keep Evander Kane and Jack Eichel, the top two point producers on the Sabres, off the board when they are on the ice. The Devils are going to need to be aware of Kane when he is out on the ice killing penalties since he has a few shorthanded goals already this year.

Leafs Notes: Weekly Preview 11/12/17-11/18/17

The Toronto Maple Leafs will only play two games this week, and that could either help them or hurt them.

The Leafs will take on the New Jersey Devils at home on Thursday night and then travel to Montreal to take on the Canadiens, who could still be without goaltender Carey Price. The Leafs will have a chance to get some more points and try to stay on pace with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Atlantic Division.





The Leafs will need to find a way to stop the balanced lineup of the Devils since they have five regulars in the lineup with 10 or more points. Toronto will need to limit their mistakes and spend a good amount of time in the offensive zone. The Maple Leafs can spend a lot of time in the offensive zone by having a good forecheck game, getting the cycle game going and moving the puck quickly and crisply. The Leafs need to find a way to stop Taylor Hall and Will Butcher, who have been the top scoring forward and defenseman for the Devils this year. Toronto will need to figure out a way to get the puck into the back of the net since the goalies have been good this year for New Jersey. They will want to get traffic in front, deflect some pucks, be in the slot for rebounds and work from behind the net.

New Jersey will want to get the first goal of the game and make the Leafs come from behind. The Devils will want to find a way to stop Nazem Kadri and Morgan Rielly, who are both having decent seasons so far. If the Devils get down ten they need to keep attacking because the Leafs will give up some goals when they have the lead. New Jersey just needs to get pucks on net since the goaltending has been a bit shaky for the Leafs. The Devils will need to make sure that they have the lead entering the final period of the game.

The Maple Leafs will have an opportunity to pick up an important two points within the division on Saturday night. They have played okay on the road, but have played much better at home. Toronto will need to get pucks on net especially if Carey Price is still out injured for the Habs, or just coming off of injury. The Leafs need to get the first goal of the game and start putting doubts in the minds of the Habs players, and that also goes into getting off to a fast start. Toronto will need to play a solid, defensive 60 minute road game and that might not happen since the defense hasn't been great all season. The Leafs need to find a way to stop Jonathan Drouin and Shea Weber.

The Canadiens will need to get pucks on net to generate chances and make sure that players are in position for second chance opportunities. Montreal  will need to get the lead and keep attacking because if they sit back or start making mistakes then the Leafs will make them pay by using their speed to score goals. The Habs will need to get off to a better start in this game then they have in other games this year since they have been outscored handily in first periods of games. Montreal will need to find a way to contain James van Riemsdyk and Patrick Marleau, who have been able to produce points at a decent rate this year. The defense of the Canadiens are going to need to be in good position, and the gap control will need to be good between the forwards and defense so the Leafs can't force too many turnovers.

Leafs Notes: Weekly Preview 10/8/17-10/14/17

The Toronto Maple Leafs will starts its week at home and end it on the road. 

The Leafs will face the Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils and the Montreal Canadiens.  The Leafs and Blackhawks will be an interesting matchup since they have each scored 15 goals in two games to start the season. 

The Maple Leafs need to play a solid defensive game or it could be along game for this team. They have the ability to put the puck in the net, but so do the Blackhawks. Toronto will want to get shots on goals and test Anton Forsberg early because this will be his first game action of the year. Toronto needs to get the first goal and be smart with the puck, avoiding those pesky turnovers. The Maple Leafs are going to have to keep an eye on Brandon Saad, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith since they all have decent career numbers against Toronto. 

The Blackhawks are of to a good start especially offensively, but they haven't given up much defensively either. The Hawks are going to want to pressure the defense of the Leafs especially the third pairing if the two rookies, Andreas Borgman and Calle Rosen, start the game. Connor Carrick is a game-time decision for the Leafs after suffering  an injury last game. Chicago is going to have to watch out for the speed of the Maple Leafs, who create a lot off the use of its speed. The Blackhawks are going to have to capitalize on the mistakes that the Leafs are going to make. 

On Wednesday night, the Devils make the trip to Air Canada Centre. The Leafs are going to need to stop the speed of the Devils and keep an eye on the defense since they aren't afraid to join the offensive play. Toronto needs to get the first goal to keep the crowd in the game and keep the top six of the Devils off the board. They'll need to play a smart game and keep the turnovers to a minimum because the Devils can and will make a team pay for turnovers. 

New Jersey needs to attack the Leafs and make it hard for them to get through the neutral zone with speed. The Devils need to play a sound, defensive road game because Toronto has no problem a fast-paced back-and-forth pond hockey type game. New Jersey needs to elevate the puck and get rebounds chances since both Frederik Andersen and Curtis McElhinney have good career numbers against them. If the Devils can get the first goal then they'll need to keep attacking and not sit back for the rest of the game. 

The Maple Leafs end their week with a divisional match against the Habs in Montreal. The Maple Leafs need to get off to a fast start that includes a decent forecheck and cycle game. Toronto needs to make sure that they have the lead after the first period, and if they do, don't take their feet off the gas. The Leafs need to get pucks on net whenever they have the chance and get traffic in front of the opposing goalie. Toronto is going to need to keep an eye on Tomas Plekanec since he has had a ton of success in his career against the them (69 gp,16 g, 27a, 43 its).

The Habs need to find a way to score some goals, which is not something new they are facing. They also had a lack of offense last year, but Carey Price bailed them out most games. Montreal needs to get the power play going, and start throwing pucks on net. The Habs are dangerous on the penalty kill as they already have two shorthanded goals for this year compared to their one goal at even strength. They need to get the first goal and build off of its momentum and the home crowd. 

Sabres Slashes: Weekly Preview 10/8/17-10/14/17

The Buffalo Sabres are looking for its first win of the season, and it is a tough week ahead for the team, who has been struggling both offensively and defensively. 

It has only been two games, but the Sabres have looked like the same old Sabres. The team is going to need an adjustment period, but they need to get better in every aspect of the game. The New Jersey Devils come to town to take on the Sabres on Monday afternoon. Buffalo will then make its way to the West Coast, where they will take on the San Jose Sharks on Thursday and the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. The best chance to get its first win of the season for the Sabres is against the Sharks, who have been struggling in every phase of the game. 

The Devils will visit the KeyBank Center on Monday afternoon. The Sabres are going to need to avoid turnovers and be smart with the puck. The Devils had 15 takeaways in its first game against the Colorado Avalanche. Buffalo will need to keep an eye on the defense joining the play in the offensive zone especially Will Butcher since he had three assists in his first NHL game. The Sabres need to get a forecheck going early, get off to a good start and be sure that they get plenty of traffic in front of the goalie. Buffalo should keep an eye on Marcus Johansson since he has nine goals, six assists and 15 points in 22 games played against the Sabres in his career.

New Jersey is playing in its first road game of the year, and they'll need to put in a good effort defensively. The Devils need to be sure to get shots on goal as they'll either be facing Robin Lehner (off to a not-so-great start) or Chad Johnson (first action of the season). New Jersey needs to win the special teams battle since they have zero even strength goals. The battle of the penalty kill should be an interesting one as the Devils have one shorthanded goal and the Sabres have two shorthanded goals, both scored by Evander Kane. New Jersey needs to get its top line going, and they'll have to keep an eye on Kyle Okposo (41 gp, 8 goals, 14 assists & 22 points) and Matt Moulson (37 gp, 10 goals, 5 assists, 15 points). 

Buffalo will then have the next two days off to travel to the West Coast, where they will take on the Sharks on Thursday night. The Sabres should use its speed to create so they can get plenty of shots on goal. It would be nice if the Sabres could take the lead going into the third period since the Sharks have yet to mount a third period comeback in the young season. The forecheck should be established early in the game along with better play while at even strength. The Sabres will need to keep an eye on Paul Martin (37 gp, 3 goals, 13 assists, 16 points), Brent Burns (12 gp, 3 goals, 7 assists, 10 points), Joe Thornton (51 gp, 8 goals, 30 assists, 38 points) since they all have decent career numbers against the Sabres.

This could be the game where Martin Jones puts it all together for the Sharks since in four games played in his career against Buffalo he is 2-1-1 with a .919 save percentage and 2.22 goals against average. Jones and Burns really need to get it together and fast if this Sharks team wants to compete in the Pacific Division. San Jose is going to have to play a discipline game because the Sharks are struggling on the penalty kill. The Sharks need to get the first goal of the game, and keep the energy throughout the game. San Jose needs to establish a good forecheck and pressure the Sabres into some turnovers.

The Sabres end its week in Los Angeles, where they'll take on the Kings. Buffalo is going to need to be aware of the Kings speed, because this isn't last year's team. The Sabres should shoot the puck on net when they have the chance especially if there is traffic in front of the goalie. They'll also want to have someone in the crease area looking for rebound chances since the goalies will give them up. The Sabres need to pay attention to the following Kings players: Jeff Carter (30 gp, 15 goals, 10 assists, 25 points), Anze Kopitar (13 gp, 5 goals, 8 assists, 13 points) and Mike Cammalleri (21 gp, 8 goals, 9 assists, 17 points). Jonathan Quick has amazing numbers against the Sabres in his career including a 5-1-0 record, .944 save percentage and 1.22 GAA in 8 games played. 

Los Angeles is going to need to use its speed and get pucks on net. The Kings haven't has many power play opportunities this year so if they use their speed to draw penalties, they'd have some time to try to get its power play going. Los Angeles is going to have to keep its eye on Evander Kane, who has looked good early in the season especially on the penalty kill. Jason Pominville has four goals, 11 assists and 15 points in 18 career games against the Kings.