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Around the Rink - Monday, December 13th

sharksvstars

James O’Brien

Here are previews for tonight’s six games. As always, these start times are Eastern Standard Time (ET).

7:30 pm

Atlanta @ Ottawa

With the Washington Capitals on a six-game slump, there’s the sense that both the Thrashers and Lightning could have at least a slight chance to win the Southeast. To do that, the Thrashers will need to beat teams like the Senators. Atlanta is 8-2-0 in their last 10 while Ottawa is 3-6-1 during their last 10.

Los Angeles @ Detroit

At home, the Kings and Red Wings are virtually the same team (11 wins, few losses). The difference between the two squads is that Los Angeles struggles when they’re away from sunny California, as they’re a pitiful 5-8-0 on the road.

So on paper, this could be a severe beating via Detroit. Then again, this is a chance for the Kings to turn things around against one of the league’s best, so we’ll just see.

8:00 pm

NY Islanders @ Nashville

To many, this game registers a 9.3 on the yawn-o-meter. Yet to me, it’s all about two teams in tough spots and how one perseveres (the Predators) while the other almost seems to roll over and quit (the Islanders).

9:00 pm

Chicago @ Colorado

The Avalanche are quietly the highest scoring team in the Western Conference, with 101 goals scored in only 29 games played. In fact, Colorado scored five more goals in two less games played than the much-hyped offensive force from Chicago. With two talented, young (and slightly banged up) rosters, this should be a fun one to watch.

Columbus @ Calgary

There’s a simple way for the Flames to stop the calls for Brent Sutter’s head: win. They haven’t done that very often, though, as Calgary is the worst team in the Western Conference right now. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are an up-and-down squad that sports the third star of last week, Rick Nash.

10:30 pm

Dallas @ San Jose

A regulation win for the Sharks wouldn’t technically give San Jose the lead in the Pacific Division over the Stars, but it would make it awfully close. Then again, the Pacific lead is like a championship belt in professional wrestling; it seems to change every other week or so. Either way, this should be an intriguing fight between the two teams that have won the Pacific for ages.