First Screen Viewing
Penguins vs. Maple Leafs – 6pm
Well, no way the Toronto media and fanbase will make far too much of this if the Leafs collect yet another win against what is still seen as the standard-bearer of the East. It’s been something of a wonky start for the Pens, who have found a way to lose to the Canadiens and Canucks consecutively. Systematically everything seems to be ok, but being without Matt Murray is a real problem. And it’s highly likely to be disaster against a Maple Leafs top-six that is doing it just to see the look on their face right now.
Second Screen Viewing
Avalanche vs. Devils – 6pm
Two of the faster and younger teams will have a track meet in the swamp. The Devils are the only other unbeaten-in-regulation team, and they’re unbeaten overall. The Avs have collected eight points of 12 on offer, and are getting more than just Nathan MacKinnon going all WMD on everyone. Not that he’s been a stiff, as he’s got eight points. Mikko Ratanen has nine, Carl Soderberg has five, as do ThreeYaksAndADog and Alex Kerfoot. They’re a little more varied than last year, at least so far. There will be goals, except both Varlamov and Kinkaid have been magic tricks in net. There will be action, let’s say.
Other Games
Flyers vs. Blue Jackets – 6pm
Red Wings vs. Lightning – 6:30
Canucks vs. Jets – 7pm
Bruins vs. Oilers – 8pm
Islanders vs. Kings – 9:30
Sabres vs. Sharks – 9:30
