First Ryan’s and then my thoughts for the week ahead……
Top 5 games I’m looking forward to:
1. Capitals @ Canucks (Friday)
2. Penguins @ Sabres (Saturday)
3. Red Wings @ Blackhawks (Sunday)
4. Kings @ Flames (Thursday)
5. Predators @ Flames (Saturday)
Matchup of the Weak:
Panthers @ Islanders (Monday)… There’s just nothing attractive about this matchup.
Two teams to watch:
1. Washington Capitals
Alex Ovechkin and company have been inconsistent lately, and have a big road trip coming up. They’ll travel out west to take on the Avs, Canucks, and Oilers. Jose Theodore hasn’t done a great job filling in for the injured Semyon Varlamov, so they need an improvement from him.
2. Phoenix Coyotes
Dave Tippett’s crew heads east to start a four-game roadie. All four are very winnable games, and the Coyotes have been solid on the road this year. This will be a good test for a team that I’m still curious as to whether they are a legit playoff team in the brutal Western Conference.
National TV schedule (U.S.):
Tonight
Sabres @ Canadiens… VERSUS
Tuesday
Flyers @ Penguins… VERSUS
Wednesday
Blues @ Blackhawks… NHL Network
Thursday
Ducks @ Sharks… NHL Network
Friday
Bruins @ Blackhawks… NHL Network
Saturday
Bruins @ Maple Leafs… NHL Network
My Top 5 tilts of the week……
- Los Angeles @ Calgary (Thursday)
- Washington @ Vancouver (Friday)
- Red Wings @ Blackhawks (Sunday)
- Philly @ Pittsburgh (Tuesday)
- New Jersey @ Atlanta (Saturday)
Okay why the last two you may ask? This is simple. Every time Atlanta plays New Jersey, something bizarre happens that makes you go “OH SNAP!” Or worse. My #4 choice only because you can throw the records out the window when these two teams meet. 1-3 should be so obvious even a caveman could figure it out.
The Dog Crap Matchup Of The Weak:
Minnesota @ Ottawa (Saturday) — This has the makings of setting hockey backwards if they both play as advertised. But we will see…maybe it will surprise.
Two Teams To Get A Gun Out For….
1. Carolina Hurricanes — Hey at least they play a home and home with Florida this week. Oh wait they cannot beat much of anyone on the road (1 win). Nevermind! The Canes have a bad team and bad luck healthwise so it may be time to just pack it in and trade what you can. Maybe Cam Ward can get a mulligan for this year. To think this year started off with such promise.
2. Anaheim Ducks — When you look to the Sharks game Thursday as a chance to kickstart your season…you are in deep crap. This team needs to find a way to make J.S. Giguere less of a distraction. Because no matter what anyone says, he is one. The bottom line is Coach Carlyle may last a bit past New Years but not much longer if the Ducks keep playing like duck soup. It is what it is.
The parting shot:
My predictions for tonight…….
- Boston
- Toronto
- Florida
- Ny Rangers
- Columbus
- Montreal
- Detroit
- Vancouver
Bring it!!!!!
