Preview Roundups
October 18, 2014
Boston at Buffalo 7:00 PM ET
After facing little resistance en route to seizing the Presidents' Trophy in 2013-14, the Boston Bruins have found competition to be tough in the early going this season. The Bruins look to prevent a fifth loss in six contests when they visit the Atlantic Division-rival Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. Traditionally a defensive-minded team, Boston didn't resemble the part as Tuukka Rask was relieved after yielding five goals on 23 shots in the team's 6-4 loss to Montreal on Thursday.
Colorado at Montreal 7:00 PM ET
The Montreal Canadiens successfully navigated a season-opening four-game road trip with three wins and look to keep rolling when they continue a four-game homestand versus the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. Montreal is coming off its best offensive output in a 6-4 victory over Boston in Thursday's home opener. "It's nice to get everybody on the scoresheet," forward Max Pacioretty said. "We have a lot of depth on this team, and you want everybody feeling good about themselves offensively."
Columbus at Ottawa 7:00 PM ET
The Ottawa Senators appear well on their way to correcting one of their major issues from a season ago. An improved Ottawa defense and goaltending unit will be put to the test Saturday night as it entertains an impressive Columbus Blue Jackets team that has scored at least three goals in three of its first four games. That includes a 3-2 victory over the visiting Calgary Flames on Friday, a triumph that capped Columbus’ 2-1 homestand.
Toronto at Detroit 7:00 PM ET
The Detroit Red Wings look to continue their good fortune against the Toronto Maple Leafs when the Original Six rivals conclude their home-and-home series at Joe Louis Arena on Saturday. Aside from a Winter Classic loss to Toronto at Michigan Stadium, Detroit won all three indoor contests last season before skating to a 4-1 triumph in Toronto on Friday. Johan Franzen scored his first two goals of the season before exiting with a cramp in his leg, but he did not rule out playing on Saturday.
San Jose at New Jersey 7:00 PM ET
The New Jersey Devils attempt to bounce back from their first loss when they face off against the San Jose Sharks in their home opener Saturday. New Jersey began the campaign with a four-game road trip and was victorious at Philadelphia, Florida and Tampa Bay before dropping a 6-2 decision at Washington on Thursday. Rookie defenseman Damon Severson scored both goals in the loss, giving him three tallies and an assist in his first four NHL contests.
NY Islanders at Pittsburgh 7:00 PM ET
The New York Islanders can set a record for the best start in franchise history when they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. The league's only undefeated team after handing San Jose its first defeat in a shootout on Thursday night, New York goes for its fifth straight victory against another heavyweight foe in an arena that has been a nemesis for the team. The Islanders have dropped 21 of their last 26 in Pittsburgh and lost the last three matchups overall versus the Penguins.
Florida at Washington 7:00 PM ET
Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals have been quite the rude hosts when the Florida Panthers pay a visit to the Verizon Center. With 31 goals and 33 assists in 49 career meetings, the captain looks to continue his hot hand and send Washington to its ninth straight home win against the Panthers on Saturday.
Philadelphia at Dallas 8:00 PM ET
The Philadelphia Flyers take to the road in search of their first victory as they visit the Dallas Stars on Saturday in the opener of a three-game trek. Philadelphia began the campaign with a one-goal loss in Boston before going 0-1-2 during a three-game homestand that concluded with a 4-3 shootout defeat against Anaheim on Tuesday.
Nashville at Chicago 8:30 PM ET
The Chicago Blackhawks attempt to rebound from a head-scratching defeat when they host the Nashville Predators on Saturday night in a matchup of Central Division rivals. Chicago absorbed its first loss in a 2-1 overtime setback to Calgary on Wednesday despite unloading 50 shots on goal, giving the team a staggering total of 97 in its last two games. Defenseman Michal Rozsival is set to make his season debut with the Blackhawks after missing the first three games with an upper-body injury.
St. Louis at Arizona 9:00 PM ET
The St. Louis Blues’ trademark stinginess has been on display through the opening three games of the season. What the Blues haven’t seen yet is the offensive breakout they expected - and they’ll look to rectify that Saturday night as they tangle with the host Arizona Coyotes. St. Louis is coming off a 1-0 shootout loss in Los Angeles and has just six goals through its first three games; the Coyotes have won two straight after losing their season opener.
Tampa Bay at Vancouver 10:00 PM ET
Radim Vrbata and the Vancouver Canucks attempt to extend their season-opening streaks when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday. Vancouver posted a 2-0 win at Edmonton on Friday, marking the first time since 1999-2000 it has began a campaign with three straight victories. Vrbata has been instrumental in the triumphs, scoring a goal in each - with two of the tallies being game-winners.