This article is part of our Schedule Analysis series.
Although the NHL takes their foot off the schedule gas pedal this week, there's still plenty of nuances in these week's grid to give you an edge.
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Two Pair
New Jersey and St. Louis are two of four teams playing non-traditional home-and-away series this week. Meeting for the first time this season, while the two teams split the cross-conference series last season (1-1), the Devils outscored the Blues 7-4 in their two meetings. The series will commence after the Blues put their four-game winning streak on the line against the Rangers in Monday night's only game. A pair of concussed Blues forwards, David Backes played in Saturday's win over the Avs while T.J. Oshie did not. Although Brian Elliott has been strong, Jake Allen will certainly get a start this week. It should be interesting to see if Eric Gelinas' healthy scratch streak continues. More later on the Blues.
Two teams anchoring the bottom of the Metropolitan division but for very different reasons, Carolina and Columbus will meet for the first time this season. Columbus, who won the newly formed inter-division series (3-2) last year has really caught an overwhelming injury bug and has lost five in a row entering into Sunday's play. Meanwhile, the 'Canes are simply trying to avoid the term 'rebuilding'. Matt Calvert (upper body) is eyeing a return to the lineup on Tuesday. Anton Forsberg was decent in his NHL debut versus New Jersey and is not only likely to steal starts from Curtis
Although the NHL takes their foot off the schedule gas pedal this week, there's still plenty of nuances in these week's grid to give you an edge.
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Two Pair
New Jersey and St. Louis are two of four teams playing non-traditional home-and-away series this week. Meeting for the first time this season, while the two teams split the cross-conference series last season (1-1), the Devils outscored the Blues 7-4 in their two meetings. The series will commence after the Blues put their four-game winning streak on the line against the Rangers in Monday night's only game. A pair of concussed Blues forwards, David Backes played in Saturday's win over the Avs while T.J. Oshie did not. Although Brian Elliott has been strong, Jake Allen will certainly get a start this week. It should be interesting to see if Eric Gelinas' healthy scratch streak continues. More later on the Blues.
Two teams anchoring the bottom of the Metropolitan division but for very different reasons, Carolina and Columbus will meet for the first time this season. Columbus, who won the newly formed inter-division series (3-2) last year has really caught an overwhelming injury bug and has lost five in a row entering into Sunday's play. Meanwhile, the 'Canes are simply trying to avoid the term 'rebuilding'. Matt Calvert (upper body) is eyeing a return to the lineup on Tuesday. Anton Forsberg was decent in his NHL debut versus New Jersey and is not only likely to steal starts from Curtis McElhinney, but could wrangle the starting role away in Sergei Bobrovsky's (finger) absence. Will Cam Atkinson and Nick Foligno continue their current pace? Cody Goloubeg (leg) had to be helped off the ice and Corey Tropp (illness) did not play on Saturday. Carolina finally broke into the win column on Saturday with a decisive win over Arizona. Elias Lindholm has a pair of goals while Patrick Dwyer (lower body) and Nathan Gebre (lower body) returned to the lineup in Saturday's win.
Three of a Kind
Hold 'Em
Anaheim will see their week get progressively easier as they begin their four game homestand where they are 4-1 this season. After an Islanders team that is probably looking to avenge last season's pelting (0-2, 10/5 GF/GA) at the hands of the Ducks, Anaheim will host Arizona and Vancouver, each with a full day of rest. Unless Frederik Andersen falls prey to a high-powered Isles offense, it will be hard to imagine John Gibson gets a start this week. Kyle Pamieri (ankle) is nearing a return.
Philadelphia has been up and down this season. After winning three in a row against quality teams, the Flyers are coming off an 0-2 Florida swing. But four straight from home could turn things around, especially with bottom feeders like Edmonton, Florida and Colorado on the bill. Vincent Lecavalier returned with a goal in his first game back. Jakub Voracek has nine points (one goal) during his current five-game point streak.
Winners of four straight, Pittsburgh takes their act on the road for a five-game trip and owners of Pens players should be salivating. After a likely close game with the Wild, the Pens will visit teams all having their problems with consistency, starting with the Jets and Sabres this week. Blake Comeau has been producing decently alongside Evgeni Malkin and Pascal Dupuis, but what will head coach Mike Johnston do when Beau Bennett returns sometime next week? Christian Ehrhoff has assists in each of his last two games. Robert Bortuzzo is expected to take Olli Maatta's spot in the Pens' lineup.
Fold 'Em
Since last Monday's undermanned third period breakdown in Manhattan, Minnesota has managed to eek out a few wins. But this week's schedule leaves no room for mistakes, starting with the aforementioned tilt against Pittsburgh. With Jonas Brodin and Christian Folin able to play in Saturday's win over Dallas, Jonathon Blum was called up. The Preds' former blue liner with an offensive upside won't likely dress unless there's more injuries to Minnie's defensive core. Josh Harding (broken foot) has begun taking shots in practice but still has no timetable for return. Erik Haula (head) played just south of 12-minutes in his return on Saturday.
Winners in four of their last seven, Winnipeg has one of the ugliest schedules of all NHL teams. Although they host two of three, their opponents currently sit or are tied for first place in their respective divisions. The Jets then close out the week in Ottawa against a Sens team who is likely looking for someone to beat up against after two tough losses to Chicago recently.
It may seem like beating a dead horse, but Buffalo is one to avoid this week with three games in four nights (all from home) against the Canadiens, Oilers and Pens.
Four Aces
Detroit finishes out a three-game road trip before heading home for four straight. Pavel Datsyuk may have missed the beginning of the season, but he hasn't missed a beat. Henrik Zetterberg has seven points in his last three games. Johan Franzen (groin) has been activated from IR and played Sunday against Buffalo. Kyle Quincey (ankle) is day-to-day.
Despite their recent four game winning streak, Edmonton ended their seven-game homestand just 4-3. With their next five games on the road, It's difficult to suggest a great week along the Eastern seaboard, but who knows with this motley crew. Nikita Nikitin (back) did not play and Taylor Hall did not return to Saturday's game after suffering lower-body injury.
Starting with Saturday's shootout loss to Winnipeg, the Rangers will play 15 games in 29 days, including three-of-four at home where the team has yet to build any confidence. Kevin Hayes and Ryan Malone are going back-and-forth as the team's 13th forward. Derek Stepan (leg) could return this week, but we wouldn't get your heart set on it. Head coach Alain Vigneault was recently quoted as saying the NHL may be the best place for The Duke. Most importantly to a very busy Rangers team will be the injuries to defensemen Ryan McDonagh (shoulder) and Kevin Klein (ankle). With John Moore expected still on suspension, we expect to see several defensemen called up from AHL Hartford. Conor Allen and Dylan McIlrath lead the likely suspects to get a promotion.
As noted before, Ottawa is looking to shake itself off after losing a pair to Chicago and four games at home (2-0-2) looks like a good remedy. Mika Zibanejad has goals in consecutive games.
St. Louis will end it's week with a marquee match-up of small market teams on the rise when they host suddenly strong Nashville. Ryan Reaves left Saturday's game against Colorado with an apparent upper-body injury after taking a hit from John Mitchell. Most notably, Paul Stastny will travel with the team this week.
Stock up on non-perishables, Toronto has won three straight and four of their last five. Is this team capable of maintaining the feeling? With a four game docket, we're sure to find out. Joffrey Lupul's (hand) inury opened the door for Sam Carrick who has been recalled from the Marlies while Stuart Percy was returned. Peter Holland scored his first goal of the season in Saturday's win over Chicago. Daniel Winnik has four points in his last two games.
After a surprisingly overwhelming Vancouver team plays (and likely man-handles) Colorado, they'll finish off their four-game road trip with three battles in four nights against the Sharks, Kings and Ducks.
