First Screen Viewing
Flames vs. Jets – Saturday, 6pm
It’s funny how the top four teams in the West have kind of kept getting right to the ledge of being genuinely great and then trip over their own dick and have to start again. They’ll be involved with each other on Saturday night, which might give us some clarity on the divisions. The Flames can’t get a save from anyone right now, and the Jets can’t either and they don’t play defense so good. They should be running away from the Predators, who have hung around and are a point behind. They’re coming off a relatively easy win over the Bruins last night at least. The Flames could overtake the Sharks as well, even though both Rittich and Smith have provided Cottonelle keeping of late. Still, I’ll be dead in the cold, cold ground before I recognize the Knights, so here’s two of the four who matter in the West.
Second Screen Viewing
Predators vs. Sharks – Saturday, 9:30
And the other halves of the divisional discussion play on the same night. Speaking of not getting saves, here’s San Jose somehow coughing up a game at home to the Panthers. This was after a buzzer-beater win in Winnipeg, so I guess we can excuse them for being lightly focused. They remain a point ahead of the Flames in a truly startling race between teams with no goalies. You might never see this again. It’s also not been smooth sailing for the Preds, who people are finally figuring out might just be a one-line team with an abhorrent power play depending on a 36-year-old goalie with a .901 SV% since December 1st. They’re 16-12-3 since the turn of the year, which is about a 92-point pace, which is…fine? Ok? Not all that great? Anyway, they can still claim the Central crown if they get it together here soon, Grouch.
Other Games
Friday
Flyers vs. Maple Leafs – 6pm
Hurricanes vs. Blue Jackets – 6pm
Knights vs. Stars – 7pm
Ducks vs. Avalanche – 8pm
Rangers vs. Flames – 8pm
Devils vs. Canucks – 9pm
Saturday
Blues vs. Penguins – 12pm
Islanders vs. Red Wings – 12pm
Panthers vs. Kings – 3pm
Blue Jackets vs. Bruins – 6pm
Maple Leafs vs. Senators – 6pm
Capitals vs. Lighting – 6pm
Sabres vs. Hurricanes – 6pm
Rangers vs. Wild – 7pm
Oilers vs. Coyotes – 9pm
Sunday
Devils vs. Avalanche – 2pm
Blues vs. Sabres – 4pm
Islanders vs. Wild – 5pm
Canucks vs. Stars – 6pm
Flyers vs. Penguins – 6:30
Panthers vs. Ducks – 8pm
Oilers vs Knights – 9pm
