On a cold, sunny December morning…Ryan brings you the Morning Skate. If that does not warm things up, I do not know what will.
The Morning After:
Last night’s scores:
Senators 2, Flyers 0
Bruins 5, Maple Leafs 2
Penguins 3, Canadiens 2
Predators 4, Blue Jackets 3 (SO)
Canucks 4, Thrashers 2
Kings 3, Coyotes 2 (SO)
Predictions record: 4-1-1
My 3 stars from last night:
1. Daniel Sedin, VAN (3 Goals)
What’s up with all the hat tricks recently!? Daniel got one in a big win over Atlanta.
2. Brian Elliott, OTT (23 Saves, Shutout)
Elliott was able to shut the door on the Flyers to snap Ottawa’s losing streak.
3. Jack Johnson, LA (1 Goal, 1 Assist, SO Goal)
Not only did Johnson have two points, but he also had a sick shootout goal.
—
Tonight’s Slate:
Hurricanes @ Capitals, 7:00 ET
Panthers @ Devils, 7:00
Blackhawks @ Sabres, 7:30
Ducks @ Red Wings, 7:30
Oilers @ Blues, 8:00
Lightning @ Avalanche, 9:00
Wild @ Flames, 9:00
Stars @ Sharks, 10:00
Games of the Night:
Chicago Blackhawks @ Buffalo Sabres
7:30 ET… TV: Local Networks
Records:
Overall: Blackhawks (19-7-3) … Sabres (17-9-2)
Last Ten: Blackhawks (7-2-1) … Sabres (5-4-1)
Away/Home: Blackhawks (7-4-2) … Sabres (10-5-2)
Season Series: First meeting
Players to watch:
CHI- Patrick Kane
Kane makes a return trip to hometown Buffalo; he hasn’t scored in 8 games.
BUF- Tyler Myers
The big rookie has another tough test tonight, attempting to slow down the high-flying ‘Hawks.
Projected Goaltenders:
CHI- Cristobal Huet (09/10 stats: 14-6-2, 2.18 GAA)
BUF- Ryan Miller (09/10 stats: 17-6-2, 1.82 GAA)
Injury Report:
CHI- Dave Bolland (back, out), Adam Burish (knee, out)
BUF- Tim Connolly (hip, probable), Chris Butler (ankle, questionable), Mike Grier (personal, out), Paul Gaustad (knee, out)
Game Thoughts:
I have been looking forward to this one all week long, as the ‘Hawks and Sabres meet for what should be an entertaining game. Chicago’s offense has struggled lately, while Buffalo is coming off a shutout of the Caps. If Marian Hossa and company can’t get much going offensively, it’ll be an advantage for Miller…
Prediction: Sabres 3, Blackhawks 2
—
Dallas Stars @ San Jose Sharks
10:00 ET… TV: Local Networks
Records:
Overall: Stars (13-8-9) … Sharks (19-7-6)
Last Ten: Stars (4-3-3) … Sharks (5-3-2)
Away/Home: Stars (6-5-4) … Sharks (8-2-4)
Season Series: 1-0 Stars
Players to watch:
DAL- James Neal
Neal had 2 points in their last meeting, and has 4 points in the last 3 games.
SJ- Joe Pavelski
He’s an x-factor tonight, and usually plays well against Dallas.
Projected Goaltenders:
DAL- Marty Turco (09/10 stats: 9-6-7, 2.48 GAA)
SJ- Evgeni Nabokov (09/10 stats: 16-5-6, 2.42 GAA)
Injury Report:
DAL- Karlis Skrastins (finger, questionable)
SJ- Brad Staubitz (face, out), Jody Shelley (soreness, out)
Game Thoughts:
The Sharks are going to win this game… I’m guaranteeing it! They’ve lost three in a row at home, and Dallas won last month in the Shark Tank. The Stars are a pretty good road team, but not tonight. I don’t think it’ll be a beat-down, but Team Teal should be able to win this handily.
Prediction: Sharks 3, Stars 1
The rest of tonight’s predictions:
Hurricanes over Capitals
Devils over Panthers
Red Wings over Ducks
Oilers over Blues
Avalanche over Lightning
Flames over Wild
You can follow the Red Light District on Twitter @RLDhockey!
