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.

Leafs Notes: Weekly Preview 11/5/17-11/11/17

The Toronto Maple Leafs will try to bounce back from a week in which they could only manage to win one game.

The task will not be an easy one for the Leafs as they face the Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild and have a home-and-home with division rivals, Boston Bruins.

The Golden Knights are second in the Pacific Division, and have been winning games despite being its top three goalies being injured. The Wild haven't exactly gotten off to the best start, but they are without Zach Parise. The Boston Bruins are feeling the injury bug themselves with six regulars out of the lineup, but the two games against them won't be a walk in the park for the Leafs.

The Leafs start the week off facing the surprising Golden Knights, who are 9-4-0 on the season. The Leafs will have to manage to stop a balanced Golden Knights team, who have four lines that can score. Toronto will need to get plenty of shots on goal since it is likely that Maxime Lagace will be playing in his fifth game on the year. The Maple Leafs need to take advantage of a weak penalty kill by the Golden Knights. The Leafs need to avoid turnovers and get off to a fast start by being up on the skates, get a forecheck and establish a cycle game early.

The Golden Knights need to attack the Leafs defense and force turnovers. Vegas also needs to get pucks on net since Frederik Andersen has been struggling to make saves. The Golden Knights should avoid the penalty box since the Leafs have two very good power play units. Vegas will also need to find a way to contain Auston Matthews. The Golden Knights need to play a solid game defensively and help out the goalie.

The Wild will visit the Leafs n Wednesday night. The Leafs must use their speed to create and get some chances in the offensive zone. Toronto needs to get the first goal of the game since the Wild have struggled when allowing the first goal of the game this season. The Maple Leafs need to play a complete 60 minute game and not take the second period off, and take advantage of the weak special teams of the Wild. The Leafs need to play a good defensive game, and the goaltenders need to make some saves.

The Wild need to be better on special teams, since they are in the middle of the pack in the NHL on both the power play and penalty kill. The Wild need to score the first goal of the game to take the crowd out of it early, and because they haven't lost a game in regulation when scoring first. The Wild need to get off to a fast start since they tend to give up a lot of goals in the third period. It would be nice for the Wild to stay out of the penalty box since the Leafs have two good power play units. The Wild need to get better play out of the goaltenders, who may need to steal a game for them.

On Friday night, the Bruins visit the Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. The Leafs need to get the first goal of the game, and have the lead after two periods. The team defense of the Maple Leafs needs to be tight and the gaps between the forwards and defensemen also need to be tight. The Leafs need to keep an eye on David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy, who can both put up some points. Toronto needs to avoid the turnovers in the neutral zone and their own zone. The goalies need to come up with some big saves since this could be a crucial two points in the standings for both teams.

The Bruins need to get the first goal of the game and take the home crowd out of the game. The banged up Bruins are going to need players to step up, and produce in place of key players like David Krejci and David Backes. Boston needs to have the lead after the second period since they aren't a very good team when having to come from behind in the third period. The Bruins need to be better at even strength since they rank in the top five in special teams. Boston needs to have a good transition game since the Leafs will turn the puck over and have struggled defensively.

On Saturday night, the Leafs will make a pit stop in Boston to face the Bruins again. The Maple Leafs need to get the first goal of the game to take the crowd out of the game. Toronto need to play well at even strength since the Bruins have excellent special teams. The Leafs need to come out fast and establish the forecheck and cycle game early to spend some time in the offensive zone. The Leafs need to have a lead heading into the third period.

The Bruins need to have a strong game from its defense and goalie. They also need to attack the defense of the Leafs and force some turnovers. Boston needs to get in on the forecheck early and often. They Bruins also need to get the first goal of the game since they tend to play better with the lead and it would keep the home crowd in the game early. This game had the potential to be an entertaining one with a ton of scoring.

3 Keys: Detroit Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres- 10/24/17

The Detroit Red Wings will visit the Buffalo Sabres in an Atlantic Division matchup on Tuesday night.

Here are three keys to the game:

1.) GOALTENDING- BUFFALO

The Sabres are going to need their goalies to start stealing some games for them. They goalies have not been great for the Sabres, but neither has the team defense. They have allowed three or more goals in seven of the Sabres nine games. At some point the goalies are going to have to steal a game for the Sabres, and it started on Saturday night against the Bruins with the third period comeback and overtime win. Robin Lehner and Chad Johnson will need to step up and start making saves to keep their team in games because if that doesn't happen then the Sabres are going to be looking at the NHL Lottery again.

2.) ROAD POWERPLAY- DETROIT

The Red Wings power play is struggling on the road again this year. In five games played, Detroit has 16 power play opportunities on the road and has only converted on two of them. The Red Wings road power play is only operating at 12.5%. If they want to win this game then they need to find a way to beat a Sabres penalty kill that has been perfect at home. The Red Wings need to have solid puck and player movement on the power play, and not hesitate to shoot when the shot is there. 

3.) DYLAN LARKIN VS. JACK EICHEL- DETROIT/BUFFALO

The biggest key of this game is how the teams contain Larkin and Eichel. Eichel has been on fire to start the season and having Jason Pominville on the right side has helped him a lot. It has opened up some more space, which leads to more time to create. In nine games , he has four goals, seven assists and 11 points. Dylan Larkin is tied for second on the Red Wings with nine total points. Larkin only has one goal, but he has been setting his teammates up this year with eight assists in nine games. The teams will have to eliminate time and space so these two can't create. 

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. 

Flying Forward: Weekly Preview 10/22/17-10/28/17

The Philadelphia Flyers are looking to continue their winning ways both at home and on the road this week.

The Flyers will face the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night at home. They will then take on the stingy Senators in Ottawa before ending the week in Toronto to face the fast-paced Maple Leafs.

Philly will need to take advantage of the injuries that the Ducks have had early in this season. The Orange and Black need to keep an eye on the Andrew Cogliano, Rickard Rakell and Jakob Silfverberg since they have a combined 12 points. The Flyers need to get the first goal of the game since they have yet to lose this year when scoring first. Philly will need to be sure to get pucks on the net with traffic in front and to elevate the puck. The Flyers need to be careful when on the power play because the Ducks do have three shorthanded goals on the season.

The Ducks need to get the first goal of the game because they haven't lost a game yet this season when scoring first. Anaheim needs to get off to a decent start and attack the young Philly defense since there will be new pairings, and the top pairing will be young. They will have to get traffic in front of the net, and be in front for rebounds because the Philadelphia goalies will allow them. Anaheim needs to keep an eye on Wayne Simmonds, who leads the team in goals, and Shayne Gostisbehere, who leads the team in points. The Ducks also need to not go out of their way for the big hit because Philly has the speed to make them pay for that this year.

The Orange and Black need to not let the Senators bore them and make them lose focus on what is going on around them. The Sens tend to play a very boring style, but the Flyers can attack them with their speed and quick puck movement out of the zone. Philly will need to stop a balanced Ottawa attack by getting their cycle game going and spending some time in the offensive zone. The Flyers should try to get a ton of traffic and shots on goal because if keep putting pucks on net then will eventually get some good chances. The Orange and Black need to have a solid defensive road game while pushing the pace.

Ottawa needs to get the first goal of the game and feed off the home crowd. The Senators need to keep an neutralize the balanced attack of the Flyers by spending some time in the offensive zone. The Sens will need to establish the forecheck game early and attack the Philly defense. This would be a good game to try and get the home power play going for the Senators since the Flyers don't have a good road penalty kill.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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