Let’s take a look at today’s six game slate. All games are Eastern (ET).
7:00 pm
St. Louis @ Columbus
With an outstanding 9-1-2 record, the Blues are considered by many to be the surprise team (in a good way, at least) in the NHL. This month will be a real test for them, though, beginning with a tough match in Columbus. The Blue Jackets won seven of their last 10 games, so it won’t be an easy Central Division confrontation.
Boston @ Pittsburgh
Both teams have the same amount of points ... only the Penguins played (and lost) four more games. Each team also has a goalie who is pushing the established No. 1, as Tim Thomas and Brent Johnson are in the process of usurping Tuukka Rask and Marc-Andre Fleury. This should be an interesting game to watch regardless of which two goalies appear between the pipes.
Buffalo @ New Jersey
The team tied for second worst in the NHL (the Sabres) play against the league’s worst (the Devils). It seems quite likely that it will be a battle of backups, too, as Jhonas Enroth and Johan Hedberg are probably going to play in this one. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff will hit the 1,000 mark for games coached with this one.
7:30 pm
Toronto @ Florida
The Maple Leafs are on a six-game losing streak, but they might solve it by beating the last team they have a win against: the Panthers. Florida’s low stance in the East (tied for second-to-last with 10 points) is a little misleading since they’ve played in only 12 games, tied with St. Louis for the least in the NHL.
8:30 pm
Phoenix @ Chicago
One three-game losing streak will come to an end tonight: either the Coyotes’ overall skid or the Blackhawks’ three game skid at home. Chicago seems like they might be losing their edge at the United Center, going 4-6 overall after earning 29 wins in 41 regular season games there in 2009-10.
10:00 pm
NY Islanders @ Anaheim
These two teams are on wildly different paths right now. After starting the season on a hot streak, the Islanders are on a troubling seven-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Ducks began the season as one of the league’s worst teams, but look like they’re working things out with a four-game winning streak. Jonas Hiller faced 41 shots against the San Jose Sharks last night, so it will be interesting to see if Anaheim will give him another start or allow him to catch his breath tonight.