The NHL takes a breather before the fourth weekend of the shortened season gets underway. Kind of. With only a single game scheduled Friday (Anaheim at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. CMT), the league will collectively put their hands on their knees as they await the next leg in their sprint.
Matchups that are simply oozing with back story lead us into the weekend that will be filled with hockey from 1p.m. EST until the last puck drops at 8 p.m. Sunday night. Although every game counts in the shortened season these matchups will be slightly more intense than the every day hockey game.
Almost a quarter of the season is in the books so every game counts. Here’s what you need to tune in to this weekend.
5. Tampa Bay at Boston (Saturday 1 p.m.)
The Lightning came out of the gate full force looking to make a name for themselves in the eastern conference. They sprinted out to the top of the Southeast Division before embarking on a tough road trip this week. Against the beasts of the east Tampa has fallen flat. The New York Rangers, Philadelphia and New Jersey have sent the Lightning to three straight losses. The Bolts will have an opportunity to step up against Boston and New York on Saturday and Sunday to show if they are a legitimate contender in the east.
4. Edmonton at Detroit (Saturday 2 p.m.)
Two teams that don’t like to play defense meet in Hockeytown for a Saturday matinee. This is the type of game that could produce an 8-7 final, but will probably head to a scoreless shootout only because I said so. With all the offense on either side of this game, the first score line seems more likely.
3. Anaheim at St. Louis (Saturday 8 p.m.)
Two teams headed in opposite directions as the Ducks enter the game on a four-game win streak. The Blues have lost three straight after looking like the best team in the NHL for the first two weeks of the season.
2. Chicago at Nashville (Sunday 8 p.m.)
No team has scored more goals this season than the Chicago Blackhawks. Conversely, no team has been stingier on defense than the Nashville Predators. Something will have to give Sunday night as the Central Division rivals square off.
1. Boston at Buffalo (Sunday 7 p.m.)
In a highly entertaining game less than ten days ago, Buffalo achieved some measure of revenge against the Bruins for last years’ bullying. Buffalo enforcer John Scott made his presence felt by knocking Boston’s top fighter Shawn Thornton out of the game (and the week with a concussion). Milan Lucic is public enemy number one in Buffalo for running All-Star goalie Ryan Miller last season. Lucic will have to answer the bell against the menacing Scott on Sunday as Buffalo looks to do some bullying of their own. Old. Time. Hockey.