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Around the Rink - Thursday, January 6th

subbanvkunitz

James O’Brien

Let’s take a look at tonight’s eight games. As always, all start times are Eastern Standard Time (ET).

7:00 pm

Minnesota @ Boston

As the top team in the Northeast Division, it’s not surprising that the Bruins share some traits with the best team in the league. One common trend: a great road record, like Boston’s 12-5-3 mark. They bring that excellent road game to Minnesota, another team with a reputation for strong D even if they’re not very competitive.

Philadelphia @ New Jersey

The Flyers won’t make it easy on the Atlantic-leading Penguins, especially with the Devils making it so easy on just about every team they play against.

St. Louis @ Toronto

The Blues were looking at a perfect five game homestand and six game winning streak, but a three goal outburst by the Stars ruined that. St. Louis gets a chance to blow off some steam against the Maple Leafs, but they’re just not the same team on the road (6 wins away; 12 wins at home).

7:30 pm

Pittsburgh @ Montreal

If the playoffs started today, the Penguins would host the Canadiens in the first round. Considering what happened to the last first seed against Montreal, that’s a scary idea. Don’t be surprised if the Habs take tonight’s game either, as the Penguins’ legs might be tired from kicking the Lightning around 8-1 last night.

9:00 pm

Phoenix @ Colorado

After pushing the Canucks for a big chunk of the season, it seems like the Avalanche will settle for a mid-to-lower seed. Phoenix would be fine with that proposition at the moment, as they’re currently sitting at 11th place right now.

NY Islanders @ Edmonton

While the Devils hold the (whatever would be the opposite of the Presidents’ Trophy ... maybe the Al Gore Award?), the Islanders and Oilers aren’t much better. This game might have “serious” implications when it comes to lottery balls in the lottery draft. Call it the Consolation Cup.

10:30 pm

Nashville @ Los Angeles

These two teams are only separated by one point, with the Predators on an upward swing (three wins in a row) and the Kings going downhill (four losses in a row). Things seem to change every few days in the lower playoff ranks of the West, though, so anything can happen.

Buffalo @ San Jose

When I looked at this game, I thought: “what could you possibly say about this game?” Let’s let the Associated Press do the talking:

Last summer, Tyler Myers of the Buffalo Sabres walked away with the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie. Logan Couture of the San Jose Sharks is making a very strong case to do the same later this year.

There you go.