Preview Roundups
October 16, 2014
San Jose at NY Islanders 7:00 PM ET
The New York Islanders have begun the season with three straight victories for the first time since 2001-02 and look to extend that streak when the unbeaten San Jose Sharks visit on Thursday. The Islanders boast 15 goals – five on the power play in 12 chances – while captain John Tavares and Brock Nelson have posted seven points apiece. The Sharks opened their campaign with two consecutive shutouts before starting a five-game road trip with a 6-5 shootout victory over Washington on Tuesday.
Dallas at Pittsburgh 7:00 PM ET
Starting this regular season in much the same manner that he completed his last, reigning Hart Trophy winner Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins look to continue their good fortune when they host the Dallas Stars on Thursday. Crosby was named the NHL's Third Star of the Week after collecting three goals and as many assists in two games - including scoring one tally and setting up two others in a 5-2 victory over Toronto on Sunday.
New Jersey at Washington 7:00 PM ET
The New Jersey Devils can wrap up their season-opening road trip with a perfect record when they visit the Washington Capitals on Thursday. New Jersey is tied for the Metropolitan Division lead with the New York Islanders after winning its first three contests, while Washington is still searching for its first home victory after two shootout losses. The Devils have won eight of their last 10 meetings with the Capitals, but four of those victories required overtime or a shootout.
Carolina at NY Rangers 7:00 PM ET
The New York Rangers appeared poised to carry over the momentum from last season's surprising run to the Stanley Cup final, getting a dramatic late goal from Rick Nash to earn an impressive opening victory at St. Louis. While Nash has yet to slow down, the rest of Rangers are in a tailspin and will attempt to halt a three-game losing streak when they host the winless Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. New York has dominated the series with Carolina, winning 11 of the past 12 matchups.
Boston at Montreal 7:30 PM ET
The Boston Bruins were entertaining loftier aspirations after winning the Presidents' Trophy last season, but the Montreal Canadiens squashed those dreams by eliminating them in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Canadiens will meet their Original Six rival for the first time since that spirited seven-game series when they play their home opener on Thursday.
Colorado at Ottawa 7:30 PM ET
The Colorado Avalanche went from worst in the West to first in their division last season, but they have reverted back to worst in the conference - at least when it comes to offense. Colorado looks to snap out of a slump that has produced four goals in four contests when it continues a four-game road trip at the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night. The Avalanche have not lost to the Senators since December 2005, winning seven consecutive meetings - including a two-game sweep last season.
St. Louis at Los Angeles 10:30 PM ET
The Los Angeles Kings attempt to continue to ride "That 70s Line" when they host the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. The trio of Tanner Pearson (70), Jeff Carter (77) and Tyler Toffoli (73), which received its nickname during Los Angeles' run to the Stanley Cup championship last postseason as a result of uniform numbers, has been unstoppable on the team's six-game homestand thus far, collecting a total of seven goals and six assists in the first two contests - both victories.