Mick Kern looks at some of the must-hear MLB games this week.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Vancouver Canucks
While the Maple Leafs jockey for a favourable playoff position in the Atlantic Division, the Canucks are clinging to life for a post-season slot in the Western Conference. Vancouver got off to a great start under new head coach Bruce Boudreau, but since that spurt, have been playing close to .500 hockey, which isn’t nearly enough to guarantee play into the month of May.
Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils
Sidney Crosby continues to add to his certain Hall of Fame credentials, and his team as a whole have been impressive in the tough Metropolitan Division. Tonight, they face a Devils team that entertained thoughts of staying close to a wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, but are now struggling to get back to the .400 mark.
Chicago Blackhawks at Winnipeg Jets
It’s been annus horribilis for the Blackhawks on and off the ice, and while they won’t be printing playoff tickets this time around, fans have their fingers crossed that better times have to be ahead. As for the Jets, so far they haven’t warmed up the office printer either, as they’ve been underwhelming this season, though there is still time (quickly running out) to get back into the thick of the Western playoff race.
Boston Bruins at New York Rangers
Star goaltender Tuukka Rask suddenly announced his retirement, star forward Patrick Bergeron was lost to injury, and star pest Brad Marchand was suspended for 6 games…not a great week for the Bruins, who are suddenly being challenged for one of the Eastern wildcard spots by the resurgent Detroit Red Wings. Tonight, Boston face a Rangers’ team that has one of the best goaltenders in the league, one of the top goal scorers in the league, and the reigning best defenseman in the league. In other words, this game should be a beauty!
Colorado Avalanche at Vegas Golden Knights
This meeting of two of the top battleship teams in the entire league would be a great preview of the Western Conference Final sometime this upcoming June, but there’s a long way to go before these two names go up on the marquee. We’ll have to enjoy tonight’s game, as both teams have spent a majority of this season sitting in first place in their respective divisions.
Vancouver Canucks at San Jose Sharks
While it’s accurate to describe this year’s Canucks team as a disappointment, the Sharks have been a pleasant surprise. They’re just above the .500 mark, and have an outside chance of grabbing a playoff spot, but many tabbed this team to be swimming with the fishes this season.
Nashville Predators at Carolina Hurricanes
Can you say preview of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final? Okay, calm down. But it would be an enticing matchup of two teams from “non-traditional” hockey markets. The Predators have been another pleasant surprise this season, and look to be a lock to participate in at least the first round of the 2022 post-season. The question with Nashville is where they ultimately end up in the contentious Central Division. The Hurricanes just keep on keeping on in the equally tough Metropolitan Division, with the Rangers, and Penguins both nipping at their skate heels. This also should be a beauty!
RELATED CHANNELS
Mick Kern looks at some of the must-hear MLB games this week.
On a new episode of Call Her Daddy with Alex Cooper, Alanis Morissette talks about holiday music, starting her career at a young age, and finding her voice in a male-dominated music industry.
The stars of Practical Magic 2 — Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Lee Pace, Joey King, Maisie Williams, and Xolo Marindueña — join Andy Cohen for a special Front Row event.
SiriusXM’s extensive coverage plans for the 2026 NFL season feature live broadcasts of every game and the addition of multiple new voices on the SiriusXM NFL Radio channel.
The Blue Jays take their drive to capture a wildcard spot to the Royals of Kansas City and the wilds of West Sacramento.
The Billy Joel Channel returns to SiriusXM for the month of September with Billy Joel’s biggest hits, deep cuts, and more.