First Screen Viewing
Predators vs. Jets – Saturday, 6pm
It’s hard to say two teams over 90 points are having trouble getting out of their own way, but it feels like both of these teams could have seized control of the division by now and just haven’t. The Jets had won four in a row and looked like they were about to get away, and then got clocked by the Knights (still not buying it. I may be the last one this year but just can’t get there). The Predators had won three in a row but were just kneecapped at home by the Penguins. Either way, the Jets have a two-point lead with a game in hand, so this game seems like a final stand for Nashville if they care about winning the division. Both have reasonable schedules after this, and it’s likely this isn’t the last game between them this season. We’ll run it all back at the end of April.
Second Screen Viewing
Canadiens vs. Hurricanes – Sunday, 6pm
You can’t get much more of a four-pointer than this one. These two hold the wildcard spots at the moment, with the Jackets a point behind the Canadiens. Both will play the night before and Columbus won’t, so by the time they enter this they could both be three points clear at least. But this one could very well decide who cinches a spot up and who is going to have to alligator wrestle with the Jackets down to the wire. And the Penguins aren’t entirely clear of the mess as they’re four points ahead of Carolina but have played two games more. The Canes get the Wild at home on Saturday, so essentially if they can sweep the weekend in Raleigh they’ll have one foot in. Two nippy, fast teams here. Should be spirited.
Other Games
Friday
Wild vs. Capitals – 6pm
Sharks vs. Ducks – 9pm
Saturday
Coyotes vs. Devils – 12pm
Islanders vs. Flyers – 12pm
Senators vs. Oilers – 3pm
Rangers vs. Maple Leafs – 6pm
Sabres vs. Canadiens – 6pm
Bruins vs. Panthers – 6pm
Wild vs Hurricanes – 6pm
Lightning vs. Blues – 7pm
Penguins vs. Stars – 7pm
Flames vs. Canucks – 9pm
Red Wings vs. Knights – 9pm
Ducks vs. Kings – 9:30
Sunday
Flyers vs. Capitals – 11:30am
Coyotes vs. Islanders – 2pm
Blue Jackets vs. Canucks – 9pm
