Tonight there are some key games in the NHL, not only for teams trying to make the playoffs, but also some that may be first round previews. Here's a look at tonight's big match-ups.
New York Rangers at New York Islanders: The Isles currently sit 2 points ahead of the Rangers for the final playoff spot in the East. Led by John Tavares up front and the reinvigorated play of Evgeni Nabokov in net, the Isles have been on a real hot streak, going 8-1-1 in their last ten. The Rangers are able to boast a recent hot streak as well, 4-1-1 in their last 6. This will be the final game of the season series between the two teams, where the Rangers have a 2-0-1 advantage. So it goes without saying that this game will be huge for both teams. Should the Islanders win, they'll further strengthen their playoff position, while making the Rangers more vulnerable to being caught.
Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs: This game may not be crucial to either team in terms of making the playoffs or not, with Montreal already clinching and the Leafs 5 points up on Winnipeg. However, a bit of the old rivalry has come back between these two teams, and given the way the standings look now, we might just get a Leafs/Habs matchup in the playoffs for the first time since 1979. Definitely a must watch game here.
San Jose Sharks at Dallas Stars: The Stars are getting hot at the perfect time and meet San Jose with a 4 game winning streak in hand. However it may be too little too late, as they struggle to make the post season for the first time since 2008. The Sharks meanwhile, like the Islanders, have been on fire since the trade deadline and are looking to move ahead of the LA Kings for 4th place and home ice in the first round. The Sharks have not been good on the road (7-11-2) and will face a stiff test tonight against a hungry Stars squad.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Minnesota Wild: Earlier in the season the Wild went on a great run, briefly overtaking Vancouver for top spot in the Northwest Division. Things have not gone so well recently for them though, as they have been shutout in 3 of the last 4 games, and may not have potential Norris candidate Ryan Suter in the lineup. Columbus meanwhile continues to be the biggest surprise of the season. They sit just 3 points back of the Wild and 2 points back of idle Detroit in 8th place. Needless to say, a huge game for both teams if they want to still be playing in May.
Thanks for reading, opinions and comments are welcome! Here's your daily (which is turning out to be twice daily now!) gif of Daniel and Henrik Sedin being creepy:
New York Rangers at New York Islanders: The Isles currently sit 2 points ahead of the Rangers for the final playoff spot in the East. Led by John Tavares up front and the reinvigorated play of Evgeni Nabokov in net, the Isles have been on a real hot streak, going 8-1-1 in their last ten. The Rangers are able to boast a recent hot streak as well, 4-1-1 in their last 6. This will be the final game of the season series between the two teams, where the Rangers have a 2-0-1 advantage. So it goes without saying that this game will be huge for both teams. Should the Islanders win, they'll further strengthen their playoff position, while making the Rangers more vulnerable to being caught.
Montreal Canadiens at Toronto Maple Leafs: This game may not be crucial to either team in terms of making the playoffs or not, with Montreal already clinching and the Leafs 5 points up on Winnipeg. However, a bit of the old rivalry has come back between these two teams, and given the way the standings look now, we might just get a Leafs/Habs matchup in the playoffs for the first time since 1979. Definitely a must watch game here.
San Jose Sharks at Dallas Stars: The Stars are getting hot at the perfect time and meet San Jose with a 4 game winning streak in hand. However it may be too little too late, as they struggle to make the post season for the first time since 2008. The Sharks meanwhile, like the Islanders, have been on fire since the trade deadline and are looking to move ahead of the LA Kings for 4th place and home ice in the first round. The Sharks have not been good on the road (7-11-2) and will face a stiff test tonight against a hungry Stars squad.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Minnesota Wild: Earlier in the season the Wild went on a great run, briefly overtaking Vancouver for top spot in the Northwest Division. Things have not gone so well recently for them though, as they have been shutout in 3 of the last 4 games, and may not have potential Norris candidate Ryan Suter in the lineup. Columbus meanwhile continues to be the biggest surprise of the season. They sit just 3 points back of the Wild and 2 points back of idle Detroit in 8th place. Needless to say, a huge game for both teams if they want to still be playing in May.
Thanks for reading, opinions and comments are welcome! Here's your daily (which is turning out to be twice daily now!) gif of Daniel and Henrik Sedin being creepy:
HAHAHAHA the gif!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like it, it's one of my favorites! There's tons of great hockey gifs, so I'll make sure to add more :)
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