ATL/BOS – Off of a 4-0-1 road trip, many expected the Bruins to resume their home struggles upon returning to Boston. However, the Bruins have won each of the first two games of a three game home stand. The Thrashers have lost five straight and have looked like their just going through the motions in a few of their recent games.

PHI/NYI – All of the sudden, Philly is actually heating up again. The much needed shootout win at Buffalo carried some momentum right into the Flyers win over the Senators on Thursday. Philly has revenge against the Islanders and it’s not just the defense of the Islanders that has been hurt as rumor has it the goalie Rick DiPietro is not healthy.

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PIT/OTT – Another injury for the Penguins as newly acquired Marian Hossa has already gone down with an injury suffered in his Pittsburgh debut. That’s bad news when you’re taking on a high powered Senators team that is fired up to get their first win since the coaching change.

NJ/MON – After a rock solid run, the Devils have now lost back to back games and the 4-0 loss to the Capitals leaves them especially hungry here. However, the Canadiens have scored four goals or more in five of their last six games. Will Devils goalie Martin Brodeur be up to the challenge?

TB/CAR – This could have been a big battle in the Southeast Division. However, the Canes have since pulled away from the Lightning as Tampa Bay just can’t get over the hump. The Hurricanes were red hot before their home loss to the Rangers in their most recent game. With improved health, the Canes are quite dangerous!

TOR/WAS – The Capitals made some impressive moves at the trade deadline while the Maple Leafs decided to stand pat. Both teams have recently been “play on” teams as they’re each stating their case for the playoffs! Neither Caps goalie, Huet or Kolzig, has fared particularly well against Toronto throughout their careers.

NAS/DAL – The Predators have tried to shore up their offense (hurt by injuries) by making some key acquisitions at the trade deadline. However, the biggest problem for the Preds recently has been the defense and goaltending! 26 tallies allowed over their last five games and now the Predators must face a red hot Dallas team that has suddenly surged near the top in the Western Conference.

LA/COL – The Kings have been playing hard but they still haven’t been able to stop teams from scoring. Facing an Avs team who is getting healthier at the forward spot is not likely to help matters for Los Angeles either. Colorado is poised to go on a tear with their key guys back. Keep in mind that the Avs also got some key defensive help at the deadline with Foote and Salei.

SJ/STL – The Blues have scored a total of just four goals in their last five games. Now they must face the Sharks. The only hope for St Louis is that San Jose might be feeling a little too good about themselves after knocking off Detroit last night.

CGY/PHX – Phoenix has revenge from a 4-1 home loss versus Calgary last month. They also catch the Flames in a tough scheduling spot as Calgary was doing battle with the Stanley Cup Champion Ducks in Anaheim last night. Flames have not been producing much offensive of late but, then again, neither has Phoenix! Tight, low-scoring game very possible here. As always, best of luck in all your gaming from Scott Rickenbach.