Preview Roundups
October 14, 2017
Carolina at Winnipeg 7:00 PM ET
The Winnipeg Jets signed veteran goaltender Steve Mason as a free agent in the offseason, but the combination of solid play in net from Connor Hellebuyck and a simplistic approach has sparked two straight victories entering Saturday’s home contest with the Carolina Hurricanes. Hellebuyck made 30 saves as the Jets beat Vancouver 4-2 on Thursday, and after Mason allowed 11 goals in his first two starts, Winnipeg has settled down to win back-to-back road games.
Toronto at Montreal 7:00 PM ET
The Montreal Canadiens have scored all of four goals in as many games this season and their power play has failed to convert on each of its 14 opportunities. Despite being outscored 11-2 during their current three-game skid, the Canadiens can point to the positive of holding a 14-game winning streak over the Toronto Maple Leafs heading into Saturday's tilt between the Original Six rivals at the Bell Centre.
St. Louis at Tampa Bay 7:00 PM ET
Two teams off to strong starts look to take another step forward as the Tampa Bay Lightning attempt to remain unbeaten at home Saturday night when they host the St. Louis Blues. The Lightning moved to 3-0-0 at Amalie Arena with one-goal wins over Washington and Pittsburgh this week while injury-hampered St. Louis won its first four contests before losing 5-2 at Florida on Thursday.
New Jersey at NY Rangers 7:00 PM ET
The New Jersey Devils attempt to bounce back from their first loss of the season and hand the New York Rangers their third in a row when they visit their Metropolitan Division rivals on Saturday. After scoring a total of 16 goals over its first three games, New Jersey managed only two in Friday's home setback against Washington - including the 100th of Kyle Palmieri's career.
Washington at Philadelphia 7:00 PM ET
The Philadelphia Flyers face the unenviable task of trying to shut down Alex Ovechkin when they face off against the Washington Capitals on Saturday in their home opener. Philadelphia began the season with a 2-2-0 road trip that concluded with a disappointing 6-5 loss at Nashville on Tuesday.
Florida at Pittsburgh 7:00 PM ET
Fresh off handing the St. Louis Blues their first loss of the season, the Florida Panthers can't afford a letdown as they begin a rugged five-game stretch with a visit to the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night. Four of the next five are on the road for Florida, with the lone home game a rematch versus Pittsburgh.
Colorado at Dallas 8:00 PM ET
The Dallas Stars hope to begin finishing more of their abundant chances around the net when they host the improving Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. The Stars have managed just eight goals - four on the power play - in four contests to start the season despite being among the league leaders at 37.5 shots per game after registering 31 in a 4-1 loss at Nashville on Thursday.
Columbus at Minnesota 8:00 PM ET
The Minnesota Wild will have a depleted group of forwards when they welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets for their home opener on Saturday, just two days after picking up a gutsy victory. The Wild, who already were without Zach Parise and Mikael Granlund due to injuries, lost fellow forwards Nino Niederreiter, Marcus Foligno and Charlie Coyle during the 5-2 triumph at Chicago on Thursday.
Nashville at Chicago 8:30 PM ET
The Chicago Blackhawks will have payback on their minds when they get a visit from the Nashville Predators on Saturday night. The Blackhawks amassed a Western Conference-leading 109 points last season but their postseason hopes were quickly extinguished in the first round with a stunning four-game sweep by the eighth-seeded Predators.
Boston at Arizona 9:00 PM ET
The Boston Bruins have followed a stirring season-opening win over the reigning Western Conference champion with a humbling home-and-home sweep by the worst outfit of the league last season. The Bruins look to bounce back against another Western foe on Saturday as they vie for their 11th consecutive victory over the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz.
Calgary at Vancouver 10:00 PM ET
The Vancouver Canucks look to avoid a third straight defeat when they conclude their season-opening four game homestand Saturday against the Calgary Flames. Vancouver began the campaign by edging Edmonton but proceeded to fall to Ottawa in a shootout and drop a 4-2 decision against Winnipeg on Thursday.
Ottawa at Edmonton 10:00 PM ET
The Edmonton Oilers haven’t looked like a favorite to reach the Stanley Cup Final in their last two games but hope to find their top form again when they host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. The Oilers received a hat trick from reigning Hart Trophy winner Connor McDavid to win their season opener but since have dropped contests to Vancouver and Winnipeg.
Buffalo at Los Angeles 10:30 PM ET
The Buffalo Sabres endured a massive facelift in the offseason when they fired general manager Tim Murray and head coach Dan Bylsma in a bid to turn the team's fortunes around. Four losses in as many games, however, have turned up the frustration level in young star Jack Eichel heading into the Sabres' road contest against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.
NY Islanders at San Jose 10:30 PM ET
The San Jose Sharks continue their season-opening five-game homestand against the New York Islanders on Saturday night. San Jose was pierced for nine goals in back-to-back losses to begin the season but tightened things up in Thursday's 3-2 win over Buffalo -- one of 10 Eastern Conference opponents the Sharks will face in 11 games this month.