There are a bunch of games tonight, so let’s get right to the previews. All start times are Eastern Standard Time (ET) as usual.
1:00 pm
New Jersey @ Philadelphia
It might only be for a few hours, but the Flyers could re-gain their Atlantic Division (and Eastern Conference) lead with a win over the lowly Devils this afternoon. The Penguins play later today, but cannot take it easy because Philly is right behind them with less games played.
3:00 pm
NY Islanders @ Colorado
The Avalanche are basically everything the Islanders should be: a once-proud franchise restocking with brilliant young talent and plenty of positive energy. Unfortunately, the Long Island bunch are punchless and far from positive. This one could be ugly.
7:00 pm
Florida @ Washington
The Capitals should be a well-rested bunch considering the fact that they only played one game (a 1-0 overtime shutout loss to Tampa Bay) since last Saturday’s Winter Classic. In other words, there aren’t many excuses if they lose to the Panthers tonight.
Tampa Bay @ Ottawa
The Senators are bruised and battered while the Lightning should be awfully angry coming off a humiliating 8-1 loss to the Penguins. This smells like a blowout for Tampa Bay, but you really never know.
Minnesota @ Pittsburgh
If the Wild could pick a time to play the Penguins, this wouldn’t be a bad one. Pittsburgh is stumbling ever so slightly and is without Sidney Crosby. Can Minnesota take advantage?
Boston @ Montreal
Winning the Northeast Division vs. coming in second place currently means the difference between being the third seed in the East and barely hanging onto a playoff spot. The Bruins can take a nice lead with a win in Montreal, but that’s easier said than done.
8:00 pm
Buffalo @ Phoenix
There’s a lot these two teams have in common: both wish they could play like they did in 2009-10, although each club is pretty happy with what is happening off the ice this season. They’re also both in 10th place in their respective conferences, although that means more to the Coyotes than Sabres.
Nashville @ San Jose
Generally speaking, the Predators (strong defense) and Sharks (efficient power play) get things done in different ways but they are producing similar up-and-down results. Right now Nashville is trending up with a four game winning streak while San Jose is struggling. Is it time to cue the record scratching noise for a change of pace?
NY Rangers @ St. Louis
The Rangers are a rough and tumble bunch who can win on the road (14 away wins) while the Blues are a profoundly different animal at home (14 wins in St. Louis). So which strength will matter the most in this game?
10:00 pm
Detroit @ Vancouver
This one should be an absolute treat, even if the absence of Pavel Datsyuk is a bit of a bummer. Whatever way you slice it - the two best teams in the West or NHL period - face off in this game. Hopefully it’s as entertaining on the ice as it is on paper.
10:30 pm
Columbus @ Los Angeles
Blue Jackets-Kings is like a Thanksgiving dinner argument between two dysfunctional family members, except someone actually will win this game. Columbus will be angry after a 6-0 beatdown from Anaheim last night while Los Angeles wants to end a five game losing streak. I’d hate to be in the losing locker room after this game.