First Screen Viewing
Flames vs. Jets – 7pm
Everyone’s pretty much in the pool coming out of the Christmas break, and while the nation’s eyes will mostly be tuned to children in Vancouver beating up on children from Switzerland to define that weird country’s emotional state, its two best teams will be dancing in Winnipeg. Both the Jets and Flames stand atop their divisions, giving the Great White North real hope of another Final appearance, only its third in 13 years should it come to pass. The Jets have actually opened up some space on the Preds, who can’t get their act together on the road at all, while the Flames are going to have to shake off the Sharks (if Martin Jones doesn’t do it for them). Two of the NHL’s glitterati here.
Second Screen Viewing
Avalanche vs. Knights – 9pm
And then two of the chasing pack. The Knights are only four points behind the Flames and the Avs are still being something of a nuisance to the Preds and Jets. Yes, the Avalanche are only one line and that’s going to be a problem down the road, but when that line is doing this you don’t complain too much. The Knights don’t have a shutdown pairing, and their up-tempo ways would seem to let Mackinnon and Rantanen off a leash and into the neighbor’s yard. Could be points galore for everyone here.
Other Games
Devils vs. Bruins – 6pm
Jackets vs. Rangers – 6pm
Red Wings vs. Penguins – 6pm
Hurricanes vs. Capitals – 6pm
Flyers vs. Lightning – 6:30
Sabres vs. Blues – 7pm
Stars vs. Predators – 7pm
Canucks vs. Oilers – 8pm
Coyotes vs. Kings – 9:30
Ducks vs. Sharks – 9:30