Mick Kern looks at some of the must-hear MLB games this week.
It’s early in the season, but no doubt these two teams have this game circled on their respective calendars. Both Alberta franchises have designs on top spot in the Pacific Division, and with the Vegas Golden Knights seemingly returning to form, it’s going to be at least a three-team season-long dogfight for that honour.
Sniper Patrick Laine returned to the Blue Jackets lineup this week ahead of schedule, which is great news for a Columbus team that is still finding its feet in the tough Metropolitan Division. They visit a Devils squad that got off to a slow start tonight before stringing together a few wins.
A marquee Metropolitan Division tilt this evening from Raleigh, as the Hurricanes and Capitals square off at 7 Eastern. The Canes have been good from the drop of the puck, while the Caps have presented a mixed bag of results so far. After being a wildcard team last season, is Washington in the playoff mix this time around?
John Tortorella told us his Flyers’ team would be more difficult to play against this season, and Torts don’t lie. Word is there is some dissension in the dressing room, but that was to be expected. Tonight, his young charges are at MSG to tangle with a team he knows well. While it’s still far too early to worry about the results, the Rangers would like to find more consistency in their overall team game, and the upstart Flyers will provide them with more of a test of their mettle than they would have last season.
Back-to-back for the Flyers, who now face a Maple Leafs team that is already in the thick of things in the Atlantic Division, but to most observers, the Leafs haven’t really clicked yet. They have the offensive firepower to do so, and it’s only a matter of time. Keep this in mind; forward Auston Matthews also had a slow start last season when it came to lighting the lamp, and he ended up winning the Rocket Richard Trophy with 60 goals.
Behold the Vancouver Canucks, who have had a heck of a time getting going this season. They’ve been competitive, often holding multi-goal leads in games before watching it all fall asunder. By the time you read this, there could be major changes in the Canucks’ hierarchy, or they still might believe they can turn this ship around, or they’re betting on drafting junior superstar Connor Bedard (born in North Vancouver). As for the Ducks, this season is about improving and advancing up the Western Conference standings, though nobody expects Anaheim to make the playoffs this time around.
It’s been a great start to the 2022-23 season for the Buffalo Sabres, who recently completed a successful swing through Western Canada before dropping a game to the Seattle Kraken. Tonight, they visit the Hurricanes, who are also off to a good start. This will be a good test for the young Sabres, a franchise that hasn’t qualified for the playoffs since 2011.
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Mick Kern looks at some of the must-hear MLB games this week.
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