First Screen Viewing
Predators vs. Jets – Friday, 7pm
Things are still not decided in the Central, and even though the Blues have been pretty spiky of late, it’s hard to see them getting past either of these teams in Round 1. Unless Jordan Binnington continues to sacrifice many small animals and virgins in the crease. So these two still look set to do a merry dance in May, and neither will want to have to travel for a Game 7 (though that didn’t much bother the Jets last year). They’re separated by just two points, but the Jets have three games in hand. Both have found flaws they can’t seem to do much about–the Preds’ PP and the Jets inability to get the puck to their forwards. Both very well might be cannon fodder for whoever comes out of the Pacific. But still, these are two of the five or six teams that can have Cup aspirations, and when any two get together it deserves attention.
Second Screen Viewing
Penguins vs. Canadiens – Saturday, 6pm
At the bottom of the other playoff picture, two of the teams caught up in the mess square off in front of an always interested Montreal crowd. Montreal sits in the first wildcard spot, with Pittsburgh the first team being held at arm’s length by the bouncer outside. Carolina is in between, but Columbus has the same amount of points as Montreal. There are four teams for three spots, though Montreal only has access to two of those. The Penguins beat up on the Jackets after the deadline, clearly buoyed by Erik Gudbranson (it’s still so funny!). That Guddy-Jack Johnson pairing ought to be appointment viewing against the bevy of speed the Habs have. The proverbial four-pointer here, which means it’s going to be a three-point game.
Other Games
Friday
Penguins vs. Sabres – 6pm
Flyers vs. Devils – 6pm
Capitals vs. Islanders – 6pm
Canadiens vs. Rangers – 6pm
Blues vs. Hurricanes – 6:30
Knights vs. Ducks – 9pm
Avalanche vs. Sharks – 9:30
Saturday
Oilers vs. Blue Jackets – 12pm
Devils vs. Bruins – 6pm
Sabres vs. Maple Leafs – 6pm
Senators vs. Lightning – 6pm
Hurricanes vs. Panthers – 6pm
Red Wings vs. Coyotes – 7pm
Stars vs. Blues – 7pm
Wild vs. Flames – 9pm
Sunday
Capitals vs. Rangers – 11:30
Flyers vs. Islanders – 2pm
Canucks vs. Knights – 3pm
Avalanche vs. Ducks – 3pm
Senators vs. Panthers – 4pm
Jets vs. Blue Jackets – 6pm
Predators vs. Wild – 6:30
