Preview Roundups
October 13, 2016
Montreal at Buffalo 7:00 PM ET
The Montreal Canadiens began the 2015-16 campaign by winning their first nine games, while the Buffalo Sabres didn't even get out of the blocks this season before sustaining a significant setback. Former second overall pick Jack Eichel could be sidelined for four-to-six weeks after sustaining an ankle injury in practice on Wednesday, one day before the Sabres were to host the Atlantic Division-rival Canadiens in the season opener for both clubs.
NY Islanders at NY Rangers 7:00 PM ET
The New York Rangers and New York Islanders are both coming off 100-point seasons, yet each team finds itself with something to prove entering their season opener Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. The Islanders look to continue their recent domination against the Rangers, winning all four matchups for their first season sweep in the series.
Boston at Columbus 7:00 PM ET
The Boston Bruins faded badly down the stretch in 2015-16, culminating with a lopsided loss at home that kept them out of the playoffs for the second straight season. Despite major questions marks surrounding their defense, the Bruins expect to contend for a postseason berth and will take the first step in Thursday's season opener with a visit to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Detroit at Tampa Bay 7:30 PM ET
The Tampa Bay Lightning have had the Stanley Cup within their reach the last two seasons and begin the quest to finish the job Thursday when they host the Detroit Red Wings in the season opener for both teams. The Lightning were able to keep the same core group together that fell in the 2015 finals and lost to eventual champion Pittsburgh in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals last season.
New Jersey at Florida 7:30 PM ET
The Florida Panthers begin defense of their Atlantic Division title without two key forwards Thursday when they host the New Jersey Devils in the season opener for both teams. Top-line left wing Jonathan Huberdeau (Achilles) is out 3-to-4 months and center Nick Bjugstad (broken hand) is lost for about four weeks as the Panthers lean more on a revamped defense in front of veteran goaltender Roberto Luongo.
Washington at Pittsburgh 8:00 PM ET
The resident face of the NHL will sit out one of the league's signature rivalries on Thursday as captain Sidney Crosby will be stationed in the press box to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins begin defense of their Stanley Cup title. Crosby (concussion) also will have a good seat to watch the Penguins raise their fourth championship banner to the rafters prior to their season-opening home contest versus last season's Presidents' Trophy-winning Washington Capitals.
Minnesota at St. Louis 8:00 PM ET
The St. Louis Blues vie for their second victory in as many nights of the 2016-17 season when they face off against the Minnesota Wild in their home opener on Thursday. St. Louis kicked off the campaign Wednesday with a 5-2 triumph at Chicago, as Paul Stastny set up Vladimir Tarasenko's tying goal in the final minute of the second period before breaking the deadlock 55 seconds into the third.
Carolina at Winnipeg 8:00 PM ET
The Carolina Hurricanes fully endorsed their youth movement two months into last season and, lo and behold, nearly found their way into the playoffs as a result. The young and thirsty Hurricanes look to build off that momentum on Thursday as they visit the Winnipeg Jets in the season opener for both teams.
Anaheim at Dallas 8:30 PM ET
A pair of division winners who saw their playoff runs halted prematurely will square off in the season opener when the Dallas Stars host the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night. Dallas piled up a Western Conference-best 109 points but suffered a second-round postseason exit at the hands of St. Louis while Pacific Division champion Anaheim lost in the first round to Nashville.