This is the first time this month that the Islanders will be in Toronto to clash with the Maple Leafs, as they return on New Year’s Eve for an afternoon tilt with Toronto. The Islanders have been life-and-death most of this season at producing enough goals, which is not a problem for the Leafs…though there are concerns about secondary scoring. Under new head coach Craig Berube, the challenge for the Maple Leafs was to tighten up their defensive effort. They appeared to have done it, and it hasn’t hurt that their goaltending has been top-notch so far…though now netminder Anthony Stolarz is gone for over a month due to surgery.
After another slow start, the Oilers are back on their game, led by superstar forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Just as importantly, goaltender Stuart Skinner has been reliable between the pipes. They welcome an Ottawa team that is in the midst of a lengthy nine-game road trip. The Senators have been playing better hockey recently, and while there’s still time to move up the standings in the Eastern Conference, it’s imperative they maintain this pace, or the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs will slip away from their grasp.
13 games are on tap on this final night of NHL action before the Christmas Break, including the latest installment in The Battle of The Sunshine State. The defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers are enjoying yet another stellar season. Still, they’d be the first to tell you that it’s all about what one does starting in mid-April, as illustrated by their appearance in the past two Cup Finals. The Lightning continue to be a factor in the Atlantic Division, and many expect them to pass the Bruins for third place in that bracket.
The league goes quiet for the annual Christmas Break. Remember to listen to SiriusXM NHL Network Radio Channel 91 for 24/7 hockey talk, including during the holiday season.
It’s traditional for the National Hockey League to step away from the rink for Christmas Day. The league will return this Friday with eight games on the schedule.
The Day After Christmas (Boxing Day in Canada) is all about the World Junior Hockey Championships, this time around being held in Ottawa, Ontario. And you can hear a couple of those games right here on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio Channel 91. The United States takes on Germany at 2:30 pm Eastern, while Finland meets up with Canada at 8 pm Eastern. The NHL returns to action tomorrow.
After a three-day rest, the NHL gets going again with eight games to choose from, including the surprising Sharks at home to the powerhouse crew from Nevada. San Jose is rebuilding, but they have played much better hockey this season compared to last year. The Golden Knights have basically led the Pacific Division since the start of the season and are fully aware one can no longer assume a game against the Sharks will be an automatic win.
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