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| Via: globeandmail.com |
Ottawa Senators @ Montreal Canadiens (7:00pm ET)
TV: CBC, RDS, CNBC
Series: 0-0
This much anticipated all Canadian matchup finally kicks off tonight, and the players on both sides are ready to go. Though the Senators have been talking like they're the underdogs in this one, the recent return of defenseman Erik Karlsson and the continued great play of Craig Anderson in net surely gives them a boost. The Sens will also have Chris Phillips and Milan Michalek in the line-up after both took a maintenance day yesterday, but Jason Spezza is still out. For the Habs, watch out for Lars Eller and line-mate Alex Galchenyuk who have been red-hot, combining for 25 points in their last 13 games. The Habs are without Alexi Emelin long-term, but otherwise have a healthy lineup and will go with Carey Price in net.
Prediction: 3-2 Sens
New York Rangers @ Washington Captials (7:30pm ET)
TV: TSN, NBCSN, MSG
Series: 0-0
The last series in these playoffs to get going will be this one, as the Rangers and Caps meet for the 4th time in the last five post-seasons. Both teams were hot going down the stretch run and look to continue that here tonight. The key for the Rangers will be to shut down Alex Ovechkin, who put up a staggering 20 goals and 32 points in his last 19 games. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist will have to be on top of his game if he hopes to cool down the Caps offense. It seems as though Ryan Clowe and Brian Boyle are both doubtful to play for the Rangers tonight, same with Joel Ward for the Caps. Expect Braden Holtby to counter Lundqvist in net tonight. Prediction: 4-3 Rangers
Los Angeles Kings @ St. Louis Blues (9:30pm ET)
TV: CBC, CNBC, FoxSports-N
Series: 1-0 Blues
Kings goalie Jonathan Quick will be looking to bounce back after his horrible giveaway behind the net cost LA the victory in game one. Otherwise, Quick and his counterpart Brian Elliot have been outstanding in a series that looks so far to be highly defensive and highly aggressive. Being down 1-0 is an unusual position for the defending champion Kings, who won the first two games on the road in every round last year. Drew Doughty was a monster in game one, picking up an assist and four hits while playing a game high 31:38. In injury news, Blues forward T.J, Oshie returned to the lineup but LA defenseman Matt Greene missed game one and is still considered day to day. The goalie matchup will be the same as last game. Prediction: 2-1 Kings
Detroit Red Wings @ Anaheim Ducks (10:00pm ET)
TV: TSN, NBCSN, FoxSports-D
Series: 1-0 Ducks
If the Wings hope to split the first two games after a 3-1 loss to the Ducks on Tuesday, they're going to have to stay out of the penalty box. Anaheim was 2 for 4 on the pp in game one, getting goals from Nick Bonino and the ageless Teemu Selanne. Special teams may be the decider in this series, as both clubs are relatively even five on five. The Wings will be without Darren Helm and Drew Miller tonight, though veterans Mikael Samuelsson and Todd Bertuzzi may draw into the lineup some time soon. For the Ducks, defenseman Luca Sbisa is questionable for tonight. Jonas Hiller gets the start in goal after a strong game one while the Wings will go with Jimmy Howard again. Prediction: 3-2 Wings
That's it for tonight's NHL action, I'm definitely looking forward to it. Please don't forget to comment and share on the social media platform of your choice if you like the content here at WAAP. Your gif today is brought to you by Brad Marchand, who showed in game one against the Leafs why he should stick to hockey instead of baseball:
I'm happy that Marchand's baseball skills are that bad .. JVR knew that it doesn't need much to provoke him. I would have reacted the same, can't let him get away with shit like that. Orr's behaviour after Boychuck's hard but clean shoulder to shoulder hit was questionable aswell but yeah he got his 10 min missconduct later in the period (total of 16 PIM for him in the 3rd period). Looking at the penalty summary it's also interesting that Komarov already got a 10 minute missconduct 1 minute into the 3rd period and later started punching Kelly (who's defenitly not a fighter or tough guy at all)after the last whistle .. but as they are not playing for the dirty Bruins they don't need to fear any suspension ;) That's my rant for today
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is that this one looks like it's going to get even nastier before the end.
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