Preview Roundups
October 09, 2014
Columbus at Buffalo 7:00 PM ET
The Buffalo Sabres went all-out in free agency over the summer, bringing in a group of veterans the team hopes will at least elevate it out of the Eastern Conference basement. The Columbus Blue Jackets, who visit the Sabres in the season opener on Thursday, are a year more experienced and are aiming for a return trip to the postseason. The Blue Jackets brought in veteran Scott Hartnell to add an edge to their forwards and help take some pressure off the young blue line.
New Jersey at Philadelphia 7:00 PM ET
The New Jersey Devils shot themselves in the foot with their performance in the shootout last season, losing all 13 such contests to extend their NHL-record run of futility to 17 while finishing just five points behind the wild-card teams. The Devils look to put last season's woes behind them when they open their 2013-14 campaign on the road against the Metropolitan Division-rival Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday.
Anaheim at Pittsburgh 7:00 PM ET
The defending Metropolitan Division-champion Pittsburgh Penguins will open their season against another division winner when they host the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday. The Ducks were one point away from the Presidents' Trophy in 2013-14 and added an impressive piece in Ryan Kesler during the offseason, while Pittsburgh is sporting a revamped lineup featuring better forward depth and a more mobile defense.
Montreal at Washington 7:00 PM ET
Having the most electrifying player in the game offers no guarantee for success, as the Washington Capitals found out last season when they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2007. That led to a major shakeup for the Capitals, who will play their first contest under new coach Barry Trotz when they host the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday.
Boston at Detroit 7:30 PM ET
The Boston Bruins attempt to make it two straight victories to start the season when they visit the Original Six rival Detroit Red Wings on Thursday. Boston kicked off the 2014-15 campaign in winning fashion Wednesday, posting a 2-1 home triumph over Philadelphia as Chris Kelly snapped a tie with 1:51 remaining in the third period. Reilly Smith added a power-play goal and Carl Soderberg notched a pair of assists for the Bruins, who limited the Flyers to 20 shots - six in the final session.
Florida at Tampa Bay 7:30 PM ET
The Tampa Bay Lightning survived the loss of All-Star Steven Stamkos for 45 games with a broken leg and the trade of leading-scorer Martin St. Louis to post 101 points a season ago. The Lightning look to improve on that with a fully healthy Stamkos and several key additions to a talented young group as they host the Florida Panthers on Thursday in the opener for both teams. The Panthers added six veteran free agents for first-year coach Gerard Gallant, led by captain Willie Mitchell on defense.
NY Rangers at St. Louis 8:00 PM ET
Henrik Lundqvist rewrote the New York Rangers' record book last season as he became the team's all-time leader in wins (309) and shutouts (50) while guiding the club to its first Stanley Cup final in 20 years. The Swedish Olympian's quest to improve upon the first two totals while ending the team's championship drought begins Thursday, when the Rangers open the season against the host St. Louis Blues.
Ottawa at Nashville 8:00 PM ET
The Nashville Predators and Ottawa Senators had much in common last season: Each team finished with 88 points, both missed the playoffs and shaky goaltending was at the root of their struggles. Nashville's dip caused the team to fire Barry Trotz - the only coach the franchise ever had - and bring in Peter Laviolette, who guides the Predators into Thursday's season opener against the visiting Senators.
Chicago at Dallas 8:30 PM ET
The Chicago Blackhawks could not think of a better opponent to face in their season opener as they visit the Dallas Stars on Thursday. Chicago has dominated its new Central Division rival over the last two campaigns, winning seven of their eight matchups - including four of five in 2013-14. The Blackhawks are geared up to make a run at their third Stanley Cup title in six years as they added second-line center Brad Richards to a roster that contains all of their key members from last season.
Colorado at Minnesota 9:00 PM ET
Goaltender Darcy Kuemper could hold the key to Minnesota's quest for its first Stanley Cup as the Wild open their season Thursday by hosting the Colorado Avalanche. Minnesota, one of 11 teams to make the postseason the last two years, defeated Colorado in Game 7 of its first-round series last season despite finishing 14 points behind the Avalanche during the regular season as it used five goalies including Niklas Backstrom - Kuemper's competition.
Calgary at Edmonton 9:30 PM ET
One day before a reunion ceremony to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the franchise's first Stanley Cup championship, the Edmonton Oilers open their 2013-14 season by hosting the Calgary Flames in the first installment of the Battle of Alberta on Thursday. Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and the rest of Edmonton's 1983-84 team are in town to take part in Friday's festivities, and current coach Dallas Eakins hopes that squad's presence will help motivate his players.
Winnipeg at Arizona 10:00 PM ET
Their name will be one of the club's few additions over the summer when the Arizona Coyotes host the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday in the season opener for both teams. Handcuffed by a conservative budget implemented by its new ownership, Arizona did little to improve its roster during the offseason, adding only center Sam Gagner, right wing B.J. Crombeen and backup goaltender Devan Dubnyk. The Coyotes hope Gagner can at least double his 10-goal output while with Edmonton last season.