This article is part of our Schedule Analysis series.
With just one team (Columbus) playing fewer than three games this week, we'll focus on the teams playing four times.
Four Aces
A third of the league plays four times this week, so here are the most and least vulnerable schedules:
rankings based on leftwinglock.com's strength of schedule.
1. Anaheim Ducks
While one of the league's best in the past few weeks, the Ducks are 11-11-4 on the road, where they play three of four this week. Although Anaheim has a 4-0-3 record against this week's all-Pacific (Calgary twice) slate and they are a combined 4-8 on the power play against Calgary and Edmonton, the GF:GA (16:11) suggests the games have been closer.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning finish up their home stand before playing seven of their next nine games on the road. They're not blowing out (23:16 GF:GA) any of this week's opponents in the season series, but they are a perfect 5-0 against them, including a 2-0 record against a more confident Pittsburgh team.
3. Vancouver Canucks
Beginning with last Saturday's 5-2 loss to Toronto, Vancouver plays 12 of their next 15 contest at home, where they are 9-11-5 as opposed to their 13-10-7 record on the road.
4. Minnesota Wild
We were positive things couldn't get any worse in Minnesota. Then we saw the Wild will travel north to Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary for three games in four nights and close out with a home game against Chicago. Despite the tough surface look, its
With just one team (Columbus) playing fewer than three games this week, we'll focus on the teams playing four times.
Four Aces
A third of the league plays four times this week, so here are the most and least vulnerable schedules:
rankings based on leftwinglock.com's strength of schedule.
1. Anaheim Ducks
While one of the league's best in the past few weeks, the Ducks are 11-11-4 on the road, where they play three of four this week. Although Anaheim has a 4-0-3 record against this week's all-Pacific (Calgary twice) slate and they are a combined 4-8 on the power play against Calgary and Edmonton, the GF:GA (16:11) suggests the games have been closer.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning finish up their home stand before playing seven of their next nine games on the road. They're not blowing out (23:16 GF:GA) any of this week's opponents in the season series, but they are a perfect 5-0 against them, including a 2-0 record against a more confident Pittsburgh team.
3. Vancouver Canucks
Beginning with last Saturday's 5-2 loss to Toronto, Vancouver plays 12 of their next 15 contest at home, where they are 9-11-5 as opposed to their 13-10-7 record on the road.
4. Minnesota Wild
We were positive things couldn't get any worse in Minnesota. Then we saw the Wild will travel north to Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary for three games in four nights and close out with a home game against Chicago. Despite the tough surface look, its certainly worth mentioning the Wild have owned both of their matchups with the defending Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks.
5. Carolina Hurricanes
Although the Canes are leading (2-1-1) in the season series, they're being outscored 10-6 in those four contests against the Pens. San Jose should also match up as formidable opponents.
6. Calgary Flames
We already noted the Flames' problems with Anaheim, who they play twice, but don't write off the Flames who held close (1-0) against Anaheim last time they were at home, where the Flames are a much more confident (16-11) team.
7. Dallas Stars
The Stars play four of their next five away from home, including three big Western Conference foes this week. It should be another up and down week for the Stars, who enjoyed a 5-1 win over Nashville earlier this season, but have split the season series with St. Louis.
8. Detroit Red Wings
After going 4-0-1 on their most recent home stand, the Red Wings hit the road (14-8-3) for six of the final seven games this month. While Motown's finest struggled in their one meeting against Pittsburgh, their opponent on Thursday, the Wings, are seemingly in command against the Sens (3-1) and Islanders (2-0) this season.
9. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins play four different Atlantic division opponents, splitting two at home and the road. If not for an 0-1-1 record against Tampa this season, the Penguins have gone 4-0 against this week's opponents, including a 2-0 series lead over Florida.
The Flop
Monday - The Red Wings outscored the Islanders 9-3 in their two previous games this season. Petr Mrazek is confirmed for this start and is 3-2 (2.41 GAA) in six career games played against the Isles. Tomas Tatar has eight points in nine career games against New York. It is worth noting Thomas Greiss has been given the nod for Monday's tilt, as he posted goose eggs against the Red Wings earlier this season.
Tuesday - Forget about the league's top two power-play units going head-to-head Tuesday, lets talk about the Sabres and Sens, who have split the season series. Jack Eichel has three goals in two career games versus Ottawa, who is sixth in the league for penalties and last in goals allowed, playing the league's 10th-best power-play unit.
Wednesday - Colorado destroyed Montreal 6-1 in their only other match-up of the season. Nathan Mackinnon and Matt Duchene led the way with three points each, but Blake Comeau has points in consecutive games and could be a value buy.
Thursday - The Rangers are outscoring Toronto 7-4 in their two victories this season over the Maple Leafs, and Mats Zuccarello has had a huge hand (four goals, two assists) in that.
Friday - The Isles are man-handling (2-0-1, 8:4 GF:GA) the Devils this season, just don't expect either of these two top-10 penalty-kill units to yield a power-play goal. While Thomas Greiss is clearly gaining steam on a time share, Jaroslav Halak has been very good (1-0-1, 1.44 GAA) against the Devils this season. Anders Lee has a goal and an assist in three games against New Jersey this season.
Saturday - We're not exactly betting on Semyon Varlamov or Calvin Pickard against Edmonton, but the Avs did also strong-arm Edmonton 5-1 earlier this season.
Sunday - Anaheim has gone 2-4 on the power play against the Flames' 29th-ranked penalty-kill. Sami Vatanen has eight points in nine career games against the Flames.
