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.

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. 

Leafs Notes: Weekly Preview 12/31/17-1/6/18

The Toronto Maple Leafs will have a busy week with four games in seven days. They look to gain some ground on the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are in first place in the Atlantic Division, but it won't be easy.

On Sunday afternoon, the Leafs will take on the Vegas Golden Knights, who have only two regulation loses and one overtime loss at home so far. Toronto will then come home to face the Lightning on Tuesday night, which should be a good game. The San Jose Sharks will visit the Air Canada Centre on Thursday night, and they are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games. On Saturday night, the Leafs will take on the Vancouver Canucks, who have been struggling lately.

The Maple Leafs have a tough task trying to win in Vegas since the Golden Knights are 15-2-1 on home ice this year. Toronto will need to play good team defense and not have a big gap between the forwards and defense, since the Golden Knights are 9-0-1 in their last 10 games played. The Leafs must stay focused, get tons of shots on net and have traffic around the net for second chance opportunities. The Maple Leafs needs to have a solid effort for 60 minutes and not have any lapses in judgment or play sloppy and turn the puck over. Toronto need to use their transition speed and be accurate with their passes. The Leafs need to figure out a way to stop the balanced attack of the Golden Knights, and one way to do that is to have a good forecheck game and sustained offensive pressure.

The Golden Knights will need to stay out of the penalty box since they are killing off less than 80% of the penalties taken, and the Leafs have the 5th best power play in the NHL. Vegas will need to get off to a fast start and play with good energy from the drop of the puck. The Golden Knights should try to force turnovers and pressure the puck carrier since the Leafs will turn the puck over and give up some decent scoring chances off of turnovers. Vegas will need the goaltending to be really good in order to win and not to let in any soft goals. The Golden Knights must find a way to stop Mitch Marner, who has been playing a lot better lately and creating with his speed.

On Tuesday night, it's going to be a big game against division rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Toronto must stay out of the penalty box since the Bolts have the best power play in the League. The Maple Leafs need to have the lead entering the final period since they have one win when trailing entering the third period. The Leafs must have a big game from the goaltender since the Bolts will have their chances and the goalie will need to come up with some big saves. Toronto should try to get off to a fast start, get the first goal, and keep the home crowd involved in the game early. The Maple Leafs must find a way to stop the duo of Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, who have dominated for the Lightning so far this year.

Tampa Bay must play with some discipline because they have one of the worse penalty kills the League, while the Leafs have one of the best power plays in the NHL. The Lightning need have the lead entering the final period since they only have two wins when trailing entering the third and final period of regulation. The Bolts should try to have some crisp passing and use the stretch pass to get some quick transition opportunities and odd man rushes. Tampa Bay need to limit their mistakes and turnovers because the Leafs will capitalize on them. The Bolts should get the first goal of the game to get the home crowd out of the game.

On Thursday night, the Sharks will visit the Leafs. The Maple Leafs want to be patient but have quick puck movement since the Sharks don't give up too many goals to the opposition. Toronto needs to get shots on goal with plenty of traffic in front of the net because the goalies for the Sharks are pretty good. The Leafs should try to get the first goal of the game and keep attacking the Sharks. The Maple Leafs need to have the lead entering the final period of the game. They will also want to find a way to stop Joe Thornton and Brent Burns, who can act like a fourth forward when he is out on the ice.

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

The Canucks come to town on Saturday night ending a tough week for the Leafs. Toronto must not play down to their opponent, who has two wins their last 10 games played. The Leafs want to take advantage of a weak penalty kill of the Canucks, and cash in on as many power play opportunities as they can. The Maple Leafs will want to find a way to shut down Brock Boeser, who has had an excellent rookie season so far. Toronto should force turnovers and finish their chances. The Leafs need to find a way to have a solid, 60 minute effort with no defensive lapses.

The Canucks will need to get the first goal of the game to build some confidence and help get off to a fast start. Vancouver must stay out of the penalty box and play with discipline. The Canucks want the goaltending and team defense to be on point, and not give up too many chances or goals. Vancouver should be aware of the speed and creativity of Mitch Marner. The Canucks need to play a solid, 60 minute road game and not give up too much to the Leafs.

3 Things: Nashville Predators @ St. Louis Blues (12.27.17)

The Nashville Predators look to get back on track after losing three straight games before the holiday break. It won't be easy as they face the leaders of the Central Division, the St. Louis Blues.

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

1.) SOLID ROAD EFFORT- NASHVILLE

The Preds need to get back on track, and one way to do that would be with a nice road victory to take over the lead in the division. Nashville will need to be really good defensively, and the forwards are going to need to help out. The Preds will need to limit the mistakes with and without the puck and avoid turnovers. The Predators should get a good forecheck going early and win some battles along the boards. Nashville is going to need to be in good positioning and help each other out should the someone be out of position.

2.) EYE ON NASHVILLE D- ST. LOUIS

The Blues are going to need to keep an eye on the defensemen for the Predators. The defense corps isn't afraid to join the play in the offensive zone or shoot the puck. Nashville's defense will use the breakout pass to try to get out of their own zone quick so the Blues will also need to be aware of that. The Preds defensemen can also skate and move the puck extremely well so the Blues need to be aware of them at all times.

3.) GOALTENDING- NASHVILLE & ST. LOUIS

The goaltenders could play a big part in the outcome of the game. It could come down to one big save by either starting goalie. The goalies need to be square to the shooters and not give up too many rebounds chances because that leads to second chance opportunities. The goaltenders must make the easy save and not give up any soft goals. The players are going to need to get in front of the goalies to make life miserable and so they can't see the puck. This game could very well come down to which goalies makes the timely saves, whether at even strength or on special teams. 

3 Things: Dallas Stars @ Minnesota Wild (12.27.17)

The Dallas Stars look to gain some pivotal points in tonight's Central Division matchup against the Minnesota Wild. The teams will be looking to gain ground in the division and playoff races. The game should be a good one.

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

1.) SPECIAL TEAMS- DALLAS

The Stars need to win the special teams battle tonight, but it won't be an easy task. The Wild are one of the best penalty killing teams in the League, and the Stars power play has been struggling of late. Since the start of December, the Dallas is 5/35 on the power play, which means they are converting on only 14.2 % of their power play chances. The power play definitely needs to improve if they want a chance to make the playoffs and go far. Dallas has been okay on the penalty kill, but there can be some improvements made there too. 

2.) EVEN STRENGTH PLAY- MINNESOTA

The Wild have struggled to put the puck in the net so far this year, but especially at even strength. Minnesota has only scored 60 even strength goals while giving up 69. In order for the Wild to have a shot at hanging in this game then they will need to improve the 5-on-5 play immensely. Minnesota needs to establish a forecheck early in the game, and limit their mistakes with the puck. The Wild need to have some kind of sustained offensive zone pressure with a good cycle game, and win the board battles to win the game at even strength.

3.) THE FINISH- DALLAS & MINNESOTA

Dallas and Minnesota have both struggled in the third period of games this year. The Stars have been outscored by opponents 39-25, while the Wild have been outscored 50-43. The two teams need to find a way to close out a game, and not lose focus when they are trailing or even leading in the final period. Dallas has struggled with this lack of consistency all season, and they need to get it cleaned up, and be better defensively in the third period of games. The Wild should be able to take advantage of the Stars inability to play a good third period, but they have had their own struggles with the same issue this year. 

Shooting Stars: Weekly Preview 12/24/17-12/30/17

The Dallas Stars look to pick up some pivotal points against the competition this week since they play two games against Central Division opponents.

The Stars will visit the Minnesota Wild tonight. Dallas will then come home for a Friday night game against the St. Louis Blues, who are currently leading the division by one point.

Dallas will need to get off to a fast start against the Wild, including getting the first goal of the game to take the home crowd out of the game. The Stars need to win the special teams battle and try to get their power play back on track, which has been struggling lately. Dallas needs to have a solid defense effort including the forwards helping out and limiting their mistakes with and without the puck. They need to avoid the mental lapses that can happen throughout the game. One of the biggest problem with the Stars this year has been their consistency, whether it has been from period-to-period or game-to-game, and they need to play a consistent 60  minutes on the road tonight to get two points. The Stars will need to keep an eye on Eric Staal, who leads the Wild in goals and points. 

The Wild need to be better at even strength since they've allowed more goals than scored when playing 5-on-5 hockey. Minnesota needs to find a way to contain Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, and they can do that by having sustained offensive zone pressure. The Wild must stop the balanced attack of the Stars since they can roll four lines that can get scoring chances. Minnesota should have a better finish to the game if they want a chance at getting two big points at home. Alex Stalock is going must have a big game and make crucial saves for the Wild tonight. 

Dallas will return home on Friday night to take on a St. Louis team that has been average in their last 10 games played. The Stars should come out with some energy, get in on the forecheck and get the first goal of the game to keep the home crowd into the game. Dallas need to limits their mistakes because the Blues will take advantage of them. The Stars must be aware of when Brayden Schenn and Vladimir Tarasenko are on the ice since they are the leading scorers on the team. Dallas needs to get good goaltending in this game, and not allow any soft goals. The Stars should try to have the lead entering the third period since they have zero third period comebacks this year.

St. Louis needs to have the lead entering the third period since they only have two wins in regulation when trailing after two periods. The Blues should keep an eye on when Alexander Radulov and John Klingberg are on the ice because they can score and setup teammates. St. Louis needs to get their power play going because that is one of the weak spots on the team. The Blues just need to get some shots on net, and make sure that there is traffic in front. St. Louis is giving up way too many third period goals this year (45), but they have also scored a lot (46). 

Preds Prey: Weekly Preview 12/24/17-12/30/17

The Nashville Predators will look to put some distance between themselves and the competition this week since all three of their games are against Central Division opponents.

The Predators will take on the St. Louis Blues tonight with just one point separating the two teams for the top spot in the Central. On Friday and Saturday, the Preds will play a home-and-home series with the Minnesota Wild. The teams will be in Minnesota on Friday night and Nashville on Saturday night. There should be some good hockey played between the divisional rivals.

The Preds will need to keep an eye on Brayden Schenn, who leads the Blues in goals, assists and points this season. Nashville will need to get good goaltending from whichever goalie starts tonight's game. The Predators need to be very good while at even strength since the Blues have scored 73 even strength goals on the season to Nashville's 64. The Preds should try to have the lead entering the third period since they have only forced overtime twice in the nine times they have been trailing after the second period this year. Nashville needs to get off to a good start and play a solid 60 minute defensive road game.

The Blues will need to get their power play going since it is ranked 24th and a clear weakness on this team. St. Louis needs to be aware of where the Preds defensemen are on the ice since they like to join the play in the offensive zone or make the long stretch pass to start a breakout of their own zone. The Blues should also keep an eye on Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson because both players have speed and can finish a play. St. Louis will need to get some stellar goaltending tonight since the Preds know how to put the puck in the opposition's net. The Blues will need to get the first goal of the game and come out playing with some energy.

On Friday night, the Predators will play the first of a home-and-home series with the Minnesota Wild. The Preds will need to use their speed in transition to get behind the Wild defensemen. Nashville will need to have their skating legs so they can draw penalties. The Predators need to get shots on goal and have someone in front of the net for second chance opportunities. Nashville need to have a better finish to games since that has been the one area where they have really struggled this year. They have been outscored 41-31in the final period of games, and that needs to change. The Preds will also need to find a way to contain Jason Zucker and Eric Staal, who lead the team in points and goals.

The Wild will need to play really well at even strength since they have given up more goals at even strength than they've scored this year. Minnesota need to keep an eye on Kevin Fiala and Kyle Turris, who have played well together since the trade to acquire Turris. The Wild should try to get pucks on net and bury the chances that they get throughout the game. Minnesota will need to get plenty of traffic in front of the net, and get good goaltending of their own for this game.

On Saturday night, the venue changes but the opponents are the same as the Wild visit the Preds. Nashville needs to take advantage of a weak road penalty kill of the Wild and put some pucks in the net when on the man advantage. The Preds need to be good on the forecheck and force some turnovers. The Predators will need to have good energy from the start of the game to the end of the game since this will be the back end of a back-to-back series with the Wild. Nasvhille needs to have good goaltending again, and play with discipline, which may be hard to do since they are the most penalized team in the League.

The Wild need to stay out of the penalty box since the Preds have a solid power play. Minnesota needs to get the first goal of the game to take the home crowd out of the game a little. The Wild should try to have the lead entering the final frame since they only have one regulation win and an overtime loss when trailing after two periods. Minnesota needs another good game from its goaltender, whether it is Devan Dubnyk or Alex Stalock. The Wild need to have a good start to the first half of the first period.