Preview Roundups
April 05, 2018
Toronto at New Jersey 7:00 PM ET
The New Jersey Devils have earned points in six consecutive games and need to secure two more to clinch their first postseason berth since the 2011-12 season. The streaky Devils, winners of three in a row and six of seven (6-0-1), look to punch their ticket to the playoffs when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night in their final home game.
NY Rangers at NY Islanders 7:00 PM ET
While captain John Tavares' future is cloudy at best with the New York Islanders, the foreseeable future is looking bright for Mathew Barzal and Anthony Beauvillier. The two 20-year-old forwards aim to continue their torrid stretches on Thursday as the Islanders vie for a season sweep of the rival New York Rangers at Barclays Center.
Carolina at Philadelphia 7:00 PM ET
The Philadelphia Flyers saw their eight-game point streak come to a halt against a team that had won just three of its previous 19 contests. The Flyers look to avert a similar result versus a club that has emerged victorious in eight of its last 22 when they host the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday.
Nashville at Washington 7:00 PM ET
The Nashville Predators can clinch the Central Division title and go a long way toward securing the Presidents’ Trophy on Thursday night when they complete a three-game road trip against the Metropolitan Division champion Washington Capitals. The Predators lead Winnipeg by three points with two games left after dropping two of their last three contests, including Tuesday’s 2-1 setback at Florida.
Pittsburgh at Columbus 7:00 PM ET
Home ice for the opening round of the playoffs could be on the line when the Pittsburgh Penguins visit the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night in the fourth and final regular-season meeting between the teams. The Penguins and Blue Jackets are tied for second place in the Metropolitan Division with two games left, with Thursday's winner getting a leg up on securing home ice for the first-round playoff series.
Montreal at Detroit 7:30 PM ET
Two Original Six franchises who will be staying home for the playoffs next week meet Thursday when the Montreal Canadiens go for a four-game season sweep against the host the Detroit Red Wings. The Canadiens have dropped 13 of their last 16 games (3-10-3) to take away any chance at a postseason berth while Detroit suffered through a 1-12-1 slump - starting in late February - to fall out of the race.
Boston at Florida 7:30 PM ET
Roberto Luongo is expected to become the third goalie in NHL history to play 1,000 games Thursday night as he tries to keep the Florida Panthers alive in the playoff race when the postseason-bound Boston Bruins pay a visit. The 39-year-old Luongo made 45 saves to win his second game in two days Tuesday, knocking off league-best Nashville 2-1 for his 470th career victory, and would join Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy with at least 1,000 NHL contests.
Calgary at Winnipeg 8:00 PM ET
The Winnipeg Jets have put together the best season in franchise history and they still have an outside shot at winning the Central Division title entering Thursday’s home contest against the Calgary Flames. It would require the Jets to win their final two remaining games while first-place Nashville drops its final two contests but, even with a lineup featuring several key players out on Tuesday, Winnipeg found a way to upend Montreal 5-4 in overtime for its 50th victory.
Vegas at Edmonton 9:00 PM ET
The Vegas Golden Knights still have an outside shot of catching Nashville for the best record in the league, but they appear content to settle for winning the Pacific Division title in their magnificent first year of existence. The Golden Knights will go for their fourth consecutive victory when they resume a three-game road trip at the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night.
Arizona at Vancouver 10:00 PM ET
There won't be a dry eye in the house when Daniel and Henrik Sedin - the greatest performers in Vancouver Canucks history - play their final home game Thursday against the Arizona Coyotes. The 37-year-old twins, who announced their retirement Monday and were showered with affection before, during and after Tuesday's 5-4 shootout loss to Vegas in their penultimate contest at Rogers Arena, brought class, dignity and grace to the franchise for 17 seasons.
Minnesota at Los Angeles 10:30 PM ET
With a playoff berth already secured, the Los Angeles Kings attempt to improve their standing when they continue their season-ending three-game homestand Thursday against the Minnesota Wild. Los Angeles, which has won three straight at home and is 3-0-1 in its last four overall, was idle Wednesday but still clinched a trip to the postseason as a result of St. Louis' loss to Chicago.
Colorado at San Jose 10:30 PM ET
The San Jose Sharks have punched their ticket to the playoffs despite being knocked around for four straight losses while the Colorado Avalanche are fading down the stretch as they bid to join the postseason party. The Sharks aim to improve their postseason standing on Thursday against the visiting Avalanche, who have dropped four of their last five.