With no NBA (because of the All Star Break) a lot of focus will surely fall on the College Hoops games Saturday. That is all well and good but don't forget that the Pucks also are offering up an attractive slate of games this Saturday. Here, we take a brief look at every single game on Saturday's NHL card and, yes indeed, there is some money to be made on the ice Saturday!
Buffalo at New York Rangers - The Sabres have earned points in ten straight games! Buffalo is now 8-0-2 their last ten games and the eight wins have come by a margin of nearly two full goals per victory. The Rangers won the last meeting between these teams but New York has lost three of their last four games heading into this match-up. Also, five off days since their last game could leave the Rangers a little "rusty" for this one.
Florida at Carolina - Florida hosts Washington Friday before heading to Carolina for this game which will be the Panthers 3rd in 4 nights! The Hurricanes though just lost Rod Brind'Amour to a season-ending injury and the Canes have also been battling the flu bug of late.
Philadelphia at Montreal - The Flyers have suddenly lost five straight games and goaltending and defense has been a major issue with Philadelphia allowing four goals or more in four of the five defeats. However, the Canadiens have had goaltending issues of their own and Cary Price may again get the start after a strong performance at Florida on Wednesday!
Atlanta at New York Islanders - Atlanta will be playing their 3rd game in 4 nights as this game comes after doing battle at New Jersey Friday night. Heading into the game against the Devils, the Thrashers have averaged just two goals per game their last five games. This is in stark contrast to an Islanders team that will be rested and has averaged 4 goals per game in their last 3 games.
New Jersey at Ottawa - The Devils are playing into the teeth of revenge on this one and it will also be the second night of a back to back situation for New Jersey as they host Atlanta on Friday night. The Sens have been off since Wednesday's OT loss at New Jersey and goalie Martin Gerber did play well in the first Martin vs Martin (Brodeur) match-up!
Boston at Toronto - The Bruins may be happy to be on the road for this one as they've lost three straight at home but have won five of their last six away from Boston! The Bruins lost in the shootout in their last game at Toronto but the Maple Leafs generally don't win tight games. The Leafs have already tied their season-high record with twenty one-goal losses this season!
Washington at Tampa Bay - The Southeast Division is up for grabs and that makes these divisional games huge as we enter the second half of February. The Capitals are 11-5-1 their last 17 games but they will be in the second night of a back to back here. The Lightning will be rested and are 4-0-1 their last five games.
St Louis at Nashville - Jordin Tootoo could be ready to return to the ice for the Predators and they could use his physical game to help erase the feelings of being pushed around as the Preds were hammered 6-1 by Chicago on Thursday. St Louis has earned points in three straight games and their 4-1 win at Colorado shows the Blues are still fighting for the playoffs.
Los Angeles at Phoenix - With the trade deadline looming the Kings may be sellers but they're not playing like it. Los Angeles is now 9-5-1 their last 15 games heading into Friday's action but that's the problem here. This will be the 2nd night of a back to back for the Kings while the Coyotes come in rested and with a boost of confidence after Thursday's win over Dallas. Phoenix has seen their specialty teams kick things up a notch and that may finally equate to some victories again for the 'Yotes.
Edmonton at Vancouver - Having won four of their last five games, the Oilers have proven they want to stay alive in the playoff race. However, the Canucks will have revenge on their mind in this game as the Oilers beat them 2-1 in the shootout in their most recent meeting. Vancouver now has shutdown defenseman Willie Mitchell back on the ice and the supposed rift between he and coach Alain Vigneault is said to not have any real substance.
As always, best of luck on the ice and in all of your sports gaming! - Scott Rickenbach
