Let’s take a look at today’s six games. As always, we’ll use Eastern Standard Time (ET).
7:00 pm
Detroit @ Columbus
Logical people will blame the Blue Jackets’ struggles on a top-heavy roster that relies too much on the admitted brilliance of Rick Nash and the questionable talents of Steve Mason. Yet a zanier (and more fun) person might wonder if the Red Wings’ dominance of the team during a home-and-home series crushed the fragile spirits of the Columbus kids. Either way, Detroit hopes to continue the Central Division of their kid brothers tonight.
Vancouver @ Washington
The Capitals are struggling a bit, but considering the talent on both sides of the ice, it’s not crazy to wonder if this could be a Stanley Cup finals preview. Vancouver is coming off a 1-0 loss to the Rangers, so Washington has that added advantage. Add the fact that the Caps are still pretty dominant at the Phone Booth (15-4-5) and this game could be awfully interesting.
7:30 pm
Calgary @ Ottawa
Hey, look: it’s Struggling and Semi-Hopeless Canadian Team West visiting Struggling and Semi-Hopeless Canadian Team East. The Senators (Hopeless Canadian Team East) just broke a six game losing streak while the Flames have lost four games in a row. Try hyping this one up, ticket scalpers in Ottawa.
New Jersey @ Tampa Bay
The Devils upset the Lightning the last time these two teams met, so Tampa Bay needs to win this one. (Especially considering the fact that they might be able to widen their Southeast Division lead as second-ranked Washington faces the NHL’s best team.)
Philadelphia @ Atlanta
These two teams share some kindred threads, at least in the way they are built to be tough. The Flyers carry that Broad Street Bullies reputation while Thrashers GM Rick Dudley hopes to create a similar vision in Atlanta. Philadelphia might be a little worn out after a tough loss against Boston, but the Thrashers should get a taste of an angry team tonight. Philly doesn’t want to drop another 1-2 points while Pittsburgh plays without Sidney Crosby for who knows how long.
8:00 pm
Colorado @ Minnesota
The difference between these two teams is almost comical; the Avs scored 144 goals so far this season while the Wild only have 108 to their credit. Minnesota head coach Todd Richards might bristle at trap talk, but this game might cast the Wild as dour and the Avalanche as young and fun if these two teams follow their trends this season. Sounds like this game will alternate between entertaining and watching grass grow, but we shall see.