It’s one of the best weekends so far this season in the NHL with matchups that not only have playoff implications, but also could be playoff previews. For that matter, we have a couple of inter-conference matchups that could serve as previews to the Stanley Cup Final itself.
–Saturday–
New York Rangers vs. Nashville Predators: Faceoff from the Bridgestone Arena is set for 3 PM ET. The Rangers are in a tight five team race in the Eastern Conference that is separated by four points from fourth through eighth place. New York has won six out of their last 10 with left winger Rick Nash on a tear with a team high 31 goals. Nashville is trying to fight through the injury to All-World goaltender Pekka Rinne as they stay in the race for the top overall record in the NHL. Nashville boasts the best defense corps in the game and a much improved offense that ranks fifth in the NHL for goal scoring. This is a potential Stanley Cup Final preview.
New York Islanders at Boston Bruins: Faceoff from TD Bank Garden is set for 7 PM ET with coverage on NHLUS. The resurgent Bruins have won eight out of their last 10 games with red hot goaltender Tuukka Rask in playoff form. The Islanders have tailed off, having lost four out of their last six. A defense that ranks 23rd in the NHL for goals against is the culprit. Center John Tavares has a team high 23 goals for New York. The Islanders still lead the Metropolitan Division. This is a potential preview of the Eastern Conference Final.
–Sunday–
Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues. Faceoff from Scottrade Center is set for 12:30 PM ET with coverage on NBC. A bitter rivalry matchup that dates back to the old Norris Division. The Blues are the hottest team in the NHL with nine wins in 10 games. St. Louis ranks third for goal scoring and sixth for goals against to rank as among the most complete teams in the game. Right winger Vladimir Tarasenko is on fire with 26 goals and goaltender Brian Elliott has a .929 save percentage. The Blackhawks have lost six out of their last eight games as goal scoring depth has become a problem. Right winger Patrick Kane has had the one hot hand for Chicago with 25 goals. The Blackhawks are still a strong defensive team with Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith and goaltender Corey Crawford. Chicago ranks third in the NHL for goals against. This could easily be a preview of the Western Conference Final.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning: Faceoff from the Amale Arena is set for 5 PM ET. This is a potential Stanley Cup Final preview with two of the fastest teams in the game. The young Lightning are loaded for the future with the tandem of centers Tyler Johnson (17 goals and 32 assists) and Steven Stamkos (27 goals and 19 assists). Tampa Bay is the highest scoring team in the NHL. The Ducks are a speed team led by veteran center Ryan Getzlaf (16 goals and 26 assists and right winger Corey Perry (21 goals and 14 assists). Defense and goaltending remain a long term concern for Anaheim’s playoff viability.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins: Faceoff from TD Bank Garden is set for 7:30 PM ET. Perhaps the ultimate Original Six Rivalry matchup, this one is loaded with hate and history. Boston has been one of the hottest teams in the NHL since the New Year but there is legitimate concern about their lack of a player that can finish on offense. Left winger Brad Marchand is the B’s leading scorer with a modest 15 goals. Montreal’s left winger Max Pacioretty can certainly finish as he has 23 goals. Defenseman PK Subban has a nuclear blast point shot and is a superb playmaker. Montreal netminder Carey Price has emerged as among the best in the game with a save percentage of .932. With Boston’s classic black and gold and spoked-B logo contrasted with the Bleu, Blanc et Rouge of Les Glorieux you have a matchup that is pleasing to the eyes in more ways than one.
