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Around the Rink - Tuesday, October 19

Tonight’s slate of games includes four contests, including an interesting matchup that professional wrestling announcers would probably describe in “irresistible force versus immovable object” type terms. Let’s preview those games now. As always, all times are Eastern (ET).

7:30 pm

Boston @ Washington

This game is that irresistible force (the Capitals offense) vs. immovable object (Claude Julien’s defensive-minded system) battle. Although don’t get me wrong, it’s not like the Bruins offense has been that anemic; they most recently pounded the New Jersey Devils 5-1. The Capitals have been pretty stingy, too, only allowing 11 goals in five games as Michal Neuvirth seems pretty comfortable in their net.

8:00 pm

Calgary @ Nashville

Rumor has it that Predators starter Pekka Rinne will return from injury today, although I wonder if it might better if rookie Anders Lindback deserves one more start. For one thing it would give Rinne a little extra time to heal and Lindback was pretty effective in his three starts, going 2-0-1 with his only loss coming against the Capitals in OT. Combine his solid play with Rinne’s struggles against the Flames (0-2, 4.83 GAA in three starts against Calgary) and I think the Predators should at least consider starting Lindback.

9:00 pm

Vancouver @ Minnesota

While Henrik Sedin gained the glory in the form of a Hart and Art Ross Trophy last season, Daniel Sedin wasn’t far behind - he just missed some games with injury issues. To further illustrate his also-elite status, the “Shooting Sedin” comes into tonight’s game with a 15-game point scoring streak dating back to last season. Both teams could really use this win, as the Canucks are 0-2 on the road while the Wild are only 1-2 at home.

10:30 pm

Carolina @ San Jose

The Sharks didn’t have much luck at home against a Southeast Division opponent (blowing a 2-0 lead against the Atlanta Thrashers), so San Jose hopes for more luck against the Hurricanes. The numbers are on the Sharks’ side, though, as San Jose won four of its last five home games against Carolina and hasn’t lost in regulation at home against Carolina since March 2000, according to Stats Inc.