NHL Awards: Vezina Trophy Finalists

The NHL Playoffs are upon us, which means the finalists for the NHL Awards are being announced. First up, were the finalists for the Vezina Trophy, which is awarded to the top goaltender in the League.

The three finalists were Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators and Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The winner will be announced on June 20th at the NHL Awards in Vegas. The General Managers will have the final say in which goalie gets to take home the hardware.

Connor Hellebuyck was slated to start the season as the backup goaltender for the Jets until the veteran Steve Mason struggled early and then got hurt. Once Hellebuyck got a chance at being the number one goalie, he never looked back. He played in 67 games this season and finished with a 44-11-9 record to go with a .924 save percentage and a 2.36 GAA. He finished eighth in goals against average and 10th in save percentage. The 67 games were tied for the most played by a goalie, while his 3,966 minutes were the most played. 

The 24-year-old is the first Vezina finalist in Winnipeg Jets/Atlanta Thrashers history, and it is also his first time being a finalist for the award. His 44 wins were tied for most in the league with Vasilevskiy, and were the most by a U.S. born goalie ever, breaking Tom Barasso’s record of 42 wins. Hellebuyck’s six shutouts were the third most in the league behind Rinne & Vasilevskiy. He won nine straight games to end the season, which is a franchise record. He faced the third most amount of shots (2,048) and made 1,892 saves. 

Pekka Rinne, 35, is a finalist for the Vezina for the fourth time in his career. He has never won the award, but came in second in the 2010-11 & 2014-15 seasons. Rinne finished third in voting in the 2011-12 season. He finished the season with a record of 42-13-4 to go with a 2.31 goals against average and a .927 save percentage in 59 games played. His 2.31 GAA was the fifth best in the league and his .927 save percentage was ranked seventh best. Rinne’s eight shutouts were tied for tops in the league with Vasilevskiy and set a franchise record.

Rinne was the most consistent of the three finalists this year. He managed to keep his team in games and give them a chance to win with timely saves. The goalie helped his team to win 11 straight games from February 19-March 19, which helped the Predators clinch the Presidents Trophy and the Central Division.The 42 wins were third in the NHL, and it marked the third time in his career that Rinne has reached 40 or more wins in a season. Yes, his number may not have been as good as the two other finalists, but without him the Predators may not even win the Central Division.

Andrei Vasilevskiy took over the starting goaltending position this season after splitting some time with other goalies the past two seasons. This is his first time as a finalist for the award and if he wins, he could be the first ever goalie to win the award in Tampa Bay Lighting history. The numbers could have been better, but he admitted towards the end of the season that he was starting to get tired due to the heavy load this year. He was 44-17-3 with a 2.62 GAA and a .920 save percentage in 65 games played in the regular season. His 3.825 minutes played were the fourth most in the league as were his 65 games played. 

The 23-year-old was tied for first in wins (44) and shutouts (8), which were both franchise records. He led his team to the best record in the Eastern Conference and to the best season in franchise history. Vasilevskiy won in straight on the road from October 9-30, which is a new Lightning record. He became the 12th goalie in NHL history to finish the season with a share of the NHL lead in wins prior to his 24th birthday. He did allow a lot of goals on the power play, but that was a product of his team not being very good in front of him.

My projected winner for the Vezina Trophy is Pekka Rinne. He did so much for his team this year, and led them to a franchise record in wins (53) and points (117). Rinne kept his team in games, and was the most consistent goaltender from start to finish despite only playing in 59 games this year. 

Preds Prey: Weekly Preview 3/11/18-3/17/18

The Nashville Predators look to add some distance between them and the rest of the playoff contenders this week as they play three games. They will have to gain some points while on the road since two of the three games are away from Bridgestone Arena.

The Preds will take on the Winnipeg Jets at home on Tuesday night, which should be an entertaining game. They will then travel to Arizona to take on the Coyotes, whom they should not underestimate since the Coyotes have been play decent hockey of late. Nashville will end the week in Colorado facing an Avalanche team that has surprised everyone and is right in the thick of the playoff race this year.

Nashville will face the Jets on Tuesday night and this game has the potential to be bonkers. The last time these two teams met, the Predators pulled out a 6-5 regulation win. The Preds will want to play with some discipline since the Jets power play is the second best in the NHL. Nashville will want to get the first goal of the game to keep a raucous crowd involved in the game. The Predators will want to get the forelock established in this game and be willing to win the board battles. Nashville is going to need to find a way to keep Patrik Laine and Blake Wheeler in check since they are the two leading scorers for Winnipeg.

The Jets need to have Connor Hellebuyck to have one of his best games of the year, if they want to steal two points on the road against the team directly in front of them in the standings. Winnipeg should be aware of how Nashville's defensemen like to jump up and be involved on the offensive side of the puck. The Jets need to get off to a fast start, and be engaged in this game from the drop of the puck. Winnipeg wants to limit their mistakes and turnovers while playing some really good team defense.

On Thursday night, the Preds need to be careful not to take the Coyotes lightly or overlook them. Nashville wants to get off to a fast start and get the first goal of the game. If the Predators can get an early  lead then they need to keep attacking and not sit back to allow Arizona to get back in the game. Nashville should try to take advantage of a weak Coyotes penalty kill. They will need to win the battle at even strength and just make sure that they come out ready to play with energy and effort.

The Coyotes will want to get the first goal of the game to build their confidence. Arizona needs to have the lead entering the final period since they are 14-3-3 when leading after two, while being 4-25-4 while trailing after two periods. The biggest key to winning this game or even competing against the Predators is to avoid the mental mistakes and turnovers because they can turn into goals for Nashville pretty quickly. Arizona needs to get some bodies in front of the net to take away the goalie's eyes.

Nashville ends the week with another game against a Central Division opponent, the Colorado Avalanche. The Preds should try to get the first goal of the game since the Avs are 30-6-3 when scoring first. Nashville will want to play with discipline because the Avalanche can score some goals while on the man advantage. The Preds need to make sure that they have energy from the drop of the puck because if they aren't ready to play then the Avs could jump all over them and take the early lead. The Predators need to get a really good game from the starting goalie, who needs to make saves when needed and not allow any soft goals.

Colorado will want to get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd in the game, which could feel like a playoff game. The Avalanche needs to have the lead entering the third period since they are only 2-20-4 when trailing after two periods this year. The Avs will also need their starting goalie to come up big when called upon because the Preds will get their opportunities to score. Colorado will have to play a complete 60  minute game to have a shot at beating their Central Division foe.

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

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

Here are three things to watch for in the game:

1.) EVEN STRENGTH PLAY - NASHVILLE

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

2.) NASHVILLE D- WINNIPEG 

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

3.) GOALTENDING- NASHVILLE & WINNIPEG

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sabres Slashes: Weekly Preview 12/31/17-1/6/18

The Buffalo Sabres will look to gain some valuable points in the standings this week as they take on some tough teams.

On Monday, they will play the New York Rangers in the annual NHL Winter Classic outdoor game. They will then face the Minnesota Wild and Winnipeg Jets on back-to-back nights to end their week.

The Sabres need to find a way to slow down Mats Zuccarello and Mika Zibanejad since they are the two top point getters on the Rangers. Buffalo will want to limit their mistakes and not turn over the puck especially through the neutral zone and while breaking out of their own zone. The Sabres should make sure that they have plenty of traffic in front of the net to make it difficult for the goaltender to see the puck. Buffalo wants to make sure that they are better at even strength hockey, and they can do that by getting a good forecheck game established early and by making the smart play instead of just making a play to make a play. The Sabres need to play with discipline even though the Rangers power play is only in the middle of the pack in the NHL. If Buffalo takes too many penalties then it could come back and haunt them during the game.

The Rangers need to get off to a better start in this game since they've been outscored 33-30 in first periods of games. New York should be aware of when Jack Michael and Kyle Okposo are on the ice since they both can produce and put the puck in the net. The Rags want to get the first goal of the game and keep building on the momentum of that first goal. New York has a mediocre power play, but that doesn't mean that they shouldn't take advantage of the power play opportunities when they are there. The Rangers need to not play down to their opponent, get plenty of pucks towards the opposition's net and limit the mistakes when playing at even strength.

Buffalo will travel to Minnesota to take on the Wild on Thursday night. The Sabres will need to make sure that they are aware of where and when Jason Zucker and Eric Staal are on the ice since they are the leading scorers for the Wild. Buffalo wants to get the first goal of the game and take the home crowd out of the game. The Sabres are going to need to play a good defense oriented game since the Wild are pretty good on home ice. Buffalo needs to win the battle at even strength since the Wild have a really good penalty kill. The Sabres need to get some good goaltending in this game and saves need to be made.

The Wild want to make sure that they have the lead entering the final period of the game since they only have one come from behind win. Minnesota should attack and force turnovers since the Sabres are a team that will cough the puck up. The Wild need to make sure that they are competing and not just expecting to win the game because they are playing one of the worst teams in the NHL. Minnesota definitely will want to be better in the third period since they have been outscore 54-45 in the final periods of games so far this year.

The Sabres will finish out their week by visiting the Winnipeg Jets. Buffalo will need to get the power play going since they have been horrific on the power play so far this year. The Sabres want to get the first goal of the game and keep attacking, don't sit back. Buffalo will want to play a solid road game by limiting their mistakes, getting good goaltending, forcing turnovers and staying focused throughout the game. The Sabres will want to get off to a good start and establish the tone very early in this game. Buffalo needs to keep an eye on Blake Wheeler and Patrik Laine since both players can get on the board.

The Jets are going to want to make sure that they have the lead entering the final period of the game since they have one come from behind win when trailing after two periods. Winnipeg will need to be good while playing at even strength and not let the Sabres take it to them. The Jets will need to use their speed to get through the neutral zone and make the Sabres defenders back into the own zone and not let them stand up at the blue line. Winnipeg needs to get off to a good start and keep the home crowd in the game. The Jets will need to be aware of Jack Eichel and Evander Kane when they are on the ice because they have been two of the bright spots on the Sabres this year.

Preds Prey: Weekly Preview 11/19/17-11/25/17

The Nashville Predators will look to continue their hot streak this week as they face a couple of Central Division foes and a team that is struggling in all aspects of the game.

The Predators will face the Winnipeg Jets, Montreal Canadiens and St. Louis Blues this week. They have a chance to gain some points within the division and those points are always important and they want to get as many as they can.

Nashville will need to make sure that they contain Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele by spending time in the offensive zone, and not taking any bad penalties. The Predators will need to get the first goal of the game and keep the crowd involved from the start. Nashville will need to have a better start to this game since they've struggled in first periods of games at times this year. The Preds will need to stay out of the penalty box since the Jets' power play is operating at almost 22%. Nashville will need to get traffic in front of Connor Hellebuyck since he has had a great start to the season, and has taken over the number one goalie position over Steve Mason.

The Jets will need to find a way to contain Filip Forsberg, who leads the Preds in all three major offensive categories. Winnipeg will need to be aware of the Predators defense since they like to join the play in the offensive zone and can put up some points. The Jets need to get the first goal of the game to quiet the crowd. Winnipeg will need to stay out of the penalty box since Nashville's power play can strike at any time. The Jets will need to shoot the puck and make sure they get plenty of traffic in front of the net.

The struggling Canadiens visit Nashville on Wednesday night. The Predators will need to shoot the puck since the Habs are starting a rookie goalie, and are struggling defensively. Nashville will need to get off to a fast start, attack and get in on the forecheck. The Preds need to get the tone from the beginning of the game and not sit back at any point. Nashville shouldn't look past the Habs to the Blues because that would be a mistake even though the Habs are really struggling.

The Habs will need to be aware of where Filip Forsberg is on the ice at all times. They need to make sure that they play a discipline game and not give the Preds anymore chances on the power play than necessary. Montreal will need to be consistent within the game, and stay focused instead of having lapses throughout the game. The Habs will need to get anyone on the roster going and have a big game. Montreal will need to find a way to keep Roman Josi and P.K. Subban out of the offense for the Preds.

The Predators finish up their week against the St. Louis Blues, who are one of the best teams in the League. Nashville will need to contain the line of Jaden Schwartz, Brayden Schenn and Vladimir Tarasenko since they have been on fire to start the season. One way to stop that line is to win offensive zone draws since they start a lot of the time in the offensive zone. The Preds will need to play a solid all around game for 60 minutes. Nashville will need a big game out of Pekka Rinne, should he be starting in this game. The Predators need to finish better since they have been outscored 25-17 in the third period of games this year.

The Blues will need to get off to a fast start and get the first goal of the game. St. Louis will need to stay out of the penalty box since the Preds have a very good power play. The Blues will need to be aware of how much the defense likes to chip in on the offensive side of the puck. St. Louis will need to play a good game at even strength to beat the Preds. The Blues will also need to have a big game from the goaltender, who will need to make saves when needed.

Flying Forward: Weekly Preview 11/12/17-11/18/17

The Philadelphia Flyers have yet another week of facing Western Conference opponents. The early season has been filled with opponents from the West, and very little of the East.

 It won't be an easy week, but they somehow need to find a way to get into a grove since they are tied for last in the Metropolitan Division with the Carolina Hurricanes. The good news is that even with being in last place the team is only six points out of the top spot in the division. The Flyers will finish the back end of a home-and-home with the Wild in Minnesota tonight. They will then take on the Jets in Winnipeg, and may have some help back in Nolan Patrick, who has been out with an upper body injury. Philadelphia will then fly home and take on the Calgary Flames and Johnny Gaudreau.

The Flyers will need the secondary scoring to start showing up this season, and what better time for them to show up than tonight in Minnesota. The Flyers have been shut out four times already this year, so when the top line is shut down then there's a good chance the team will take a loss. Philadelphia will need to have a better start to the game and play a solid first 10 minutes by limiting their turnovers and better play in the neutral zone. Philly is going to need to find a way to get through the tight checking of the Wild, and that is where the stretch passes by the defense, specifically Shayne Gostisbehere, could help. The Orange and Black really need to get the power play back on track since it has fizzled after a hot start. It will be interesting to see how the new line combinations work out for the Flyers tonight, and how much chemistry they have.

The Wild just need to have a repeat performance of Saturday night to shut down the Flyers offensively. They did a really good job of taking the cross ice pass away from the top line, and the line just didn't adjust their game. Minnesota needs to get the first goal of the game since the Flyers are only 1-6-2 when their opponents score first. The Wild need to take advantage of a Flyers team that doesn't have the best penalty kill in the NHL so they should use their speed and force Philly into taking some unnecessary penalties. The Wild are going to need to stay out of the penalty box themselves because even though the Flyers power play has been struggling lately, there's always a threat of them scoring a goal.

On Thursday night, it could be a homecoming for Nolan Patrick, who hopes to return to the lineup when the Flyers face the Jets in Winnipeg. Philadelphia needs to get off to a fast start, establish the forecheck and cycle game early and often in the first 10 minutes of the game. Once they have established those two things then they'll need to keep it going for the remainder of the game, and not just play that way for half the game. The Orange and Black need to find a way to stop Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele, who are the two leading scorers for the Jets. Philly will need to take advantage of the horrible home penalty killing of the Jets so far this year, and just throw everything they can at the net. They will need to be crisp with their passes and avoid the turnovers in the neutral zone since the Jets can capitalize on mistakes.

The Jets need to stop the top line of Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier and Jake Voracek. Winnipeg needs to play a solid game, and not fall off in the second period where they are getting outscored by opponents by a wide margin. The Jets will need to get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd in the game and they are a better team when they score first as opposed to their opponent scoring first. The goaltending will need to be sharp for the Jets since the Flyers will throw pucks at the net. Winnipeg is going to need to play a disciplined game and attack with speed.

The Flyers end their week with a visit from the Calgary Flames. Philly will need to stop the duo of Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, who are the top two scorers for Calgary. A way to do that is to keep the puck in the offensive zone with a good cycle game. The Flyers will need to play a solid even strength game, and get some big & timely saves from their goalie. Philadelphia will look to get their secondary scoring going in this game, since they aren't doing much of anything right now. The Orange and Black need to get off to a good start and set the tone early in this game. Philly needs to get someone in the front of the net for rebound chances.

Calgary will need to attack the Flyers with their speed so the Flyers defensemen can't stand them up at their own blue line. The Flames need to take advantage of a weak penalty kill and get their own power play going. Calgary will need to watch out for the Philadelphia defensemen since they like to join the play in the offensive zone, and will make the pinch along the boards to keep the puck in the offensive zone. The Flames will need a good game from their goalie since the Flyers have been getting pucks to the net.



Shooting Stars: Weekly Preview 11/5/17-11/11/17

The Dallas Stars only play two games this week, but one of them will be a revenge game against Central Division opponent, Winnipeg Jets.


The Stars will have a chance to pick up four points on home ice this week, where they are 5-1-0 on the season. The Jets will visit the Stars tonight, and then on Friday night, the New York Islanders will come into town.

The Stars are looking to get revenge on the Jets after they losing to them in Winnipeg last week by a score of 5-2. Dallas will need to get the first goal of the game since they are 6-3-0 when doing so. The Stars will need to play a better game at even strength since their special teams will keep them in almost every game. Dallas needs to get off to a fast start and get the first goal of the game. Dallas also needs to figure out a way to stop Mark Schiefele, who had a hat trick last game, and Blake Wheeler, who leads the Jets in points. Dallas also needs to take advantage of the weak penalty kill of the Jets.

The Jets need to get the first goal of the game to take the home crowd out of the game. Winnipeg needs to stay out of the penalty box since the Stars have the best power play in the League. Winnipeg needs to bring a balanced lineup, and not just rely on one line for all the offense. The Jets are going to need to find a way to keep the top six of the Stars off the board or at least in check. Winnipeg will need to have a better second period since they have been outscored 16-7 in the middle frame.

On Friday night, the New York Islanders and John Tavares visit the Stars. The Stars will need to figure out a way to keep John Tavares and Josh Bailey in-check since they are co-leaders in points on the Islanders. The Stars will need to have the goalie have a big game and make some saves since the Isles will get their chances. Dallas needs to play a lot better at even strength and eliminate the turnovers, which the Islanders can capitalize on. The Stars need to stay out of the penalty box since the Islanders have the eighth best power play in the League at 22.4%.

The Isles will need to find a way to keep Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov off the board. The line has combined for 41 points already this year. New York will need to get the first goal of the game since they are 4-0-0 when getting the first goal of the game. The Isles will need to stay out of the penalty box, and be better on special teams since Dallas ranked in the top five in both the power play and penalty kill rankings. New York will need to get off to a better start, and get some pucks on net to test the Stars goalie.

3 Keys: Jets vs. Stars- 11/6/17

The Dallas Stars will take on Central Division opponents, the Winnipeg Jets tonight. The Jets beat the Stars 5-2 last week and Mark Schiefele had a hat trick in that game.

Here are three keys to tonight's game:

1.) COMPLETE GAME- STARS

The Dallas Stars need to play a complete, 60- minute game. The Stars tend to get off to a fast start, have a decent middle period, but have gotten outscored 17-11 in the last period. Dallas needs to play its game no matter the situation and  make sure that it has defensive help when needed. The Stars also need to make sure that they keep pushing and don't sit back when they have the lead. If Dallas sits back and doesn't attack or get in on the forecheck then there is always a chance that they could let the opposing team back into the game. Also, an interesting line to watch tonight will be the line of Jamie Oleksiak, Martin Hanzal and Gemel Smith.

2.) DISCIPLINE- JETS

The Jets have one of the worst penalty kills in the NHL, and the Stars have the best power play in the League. Winnipeg may want to stay out of the penalty box since they have allowed 11 power play goals against. Dallas has a lethal first unit that consists of Jamie Benn, Devin Shore, Alexander Radulov, Tyler Seguin and John Klingberg. The Jets have not scored a shorthanded goal and the Stars have not allowed a shorthanded goal against.

3.) GET FIRST GOAL- JETS/STARS

The Stars need to get the first goal to keep the home crowd in the game and to continue their decent starts to games. The Jets need to get the first goal of the game to get the crowd out of the game early. Dallas is 6-3-0 when scoring first while 2-3-0 when the opposition scores first. Winnipeg is 6-1-2 when scoring first and only 1-2-1 when the opposition scores first. Each team needs a fast start and getting the first goal would help them get off to that fast start.