This clash of titans features two of the (expected) top teams in the Eastern Conference. It could be a preview of the Eastern Conference Final in May, but there’s a lot of hockey to play until then. So far, both teams have looked good out of the blocks. The Rangers picked up 5 points in their first three games, and the Maple Leafs picked up 6 points in their first four games.
After hearing all summer long that the Jets will take a step of two back this season, is it surprising that Winnipeg are off to a good start? It shouldn’t be. This is a good team, with one of the NHL’s best goaltenders (Hellebuyck). This afternoon, they play host to a Penguins team that still boasts an impressive array of top talent (Crosby, Malkin, Letang, Karlsson), but are they deep enough to make the post-season in the bunched-up Eastern Conference? Last week, Sidney Crosby became only the 10th NHL player to reach the 1,600 mark in career points, while Evgeni Malkin scored his 500th career goal (both occurring in an OT win over the Buffalo Sabres).
The only game in the league tonight features two Atlantic Division foes who have recently faced each other in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Lightning were quick out of the gate, winning their first two games this season.
It’s been a tough road trip for the Kings, who surrendered more than their fair share of goals. Tonight, they face a Knights’ team that many expect to challenge for the crown in the Pacific Divison. Vegas’ forward Jack Eichel is off to a rip-roaring start.
The only game in the league tonight features two Metropolitan Division rivals who are expected to be front-and-centre in the season-long battle for an Eastern (wildcard?) playoff spot. Both teams have already shown they won’t be pushovers this season, with the Flyers pushing the Oilers to OT and the Capitals downing the previously undefeated Golden Knights.
4-and-0. A surprising 4-and-0. The Flames began this season winning their first four games in a year where most pundits expect Calgary to be entering a rebuilding/retooling year. Tonight, the Horse welcome a Hurricanes team expected to be in the playoffs this April. Again, the story for the Canes will be about how far they can go.
They didn’t pick up their first win this season until Game #4 (4-3 in OT over the Flyers), but the Oilers are seasoned hands at this. They struggled through a horrendous opening stretch this time last season before pulling out of their nosedive and going all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup before coming up just short against the Florida Panthers. Nobody suggests this is a blueprint for success, chiefly because the league gets tighter and more competitive each season.
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