Preview Roundups
October 23, 2014
NY Islanders at Boston 7:00 PM ET
The Boston Bruins appear to be back on track following a dreadful start to the season and will go for their third straight win when they host the New York Islanders on Thursday. The Bruins scored four goals total in their first four games and had dropped three in a row before rebounding to win three of their next four, including Tuesday's 5-3 victory over San Jose. Defenseman Johnny Boychuk, traded from Boston to New York 2 1/2 weeks ago, faces his former team for the first time.
Pittsburgh at Detroit 7:30 PM ET
The Pittsburgh Penguins boast a potent power play while the Detroit Red Wings have yet to allow a goal while short-handed on 18 occasions this season. The special teams likely will be put to the test when the clubs meet at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit on Thursday. Pittsburgh converted on eight of its first 17 opportunities with the man advantage before going 0-for-2 in a 5-3 loss to Keystone State-rival Philadelphia on Wednesday.
Vancouver at St. Louis 8:00 PM ET
After starting the season with three straight victories, the Vancouver Canucks look to snap a two-game slide when they visit the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. Vancouver enjoyed success versus St. Louis last season by winning all three meetings - with each contest being decided by a single goal. Jannik Hansen, who had the lone tally in the clubs' last encounter on Feb. 26, also scored on Tuesday as the Canucks opened their three-game road trip with a thud in a 6-3 setback to Dallas.
Chicago at Nashville 8:00 PM ET
Having collected points in each of their six games, the Nashville Predators have a chance to avenge one of their losses when they host the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night. The Predators dropped a 2-1 decision at Chicago on Saturday night in galling fashion, surrendering a short-handed goal in overtime to Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews. Nashville has gone beyond regulation in three of its last four games, including Tuesday's shootout win over Arizona.
Arizona at Minnesota 8:00 PM ET
After managing only two goals on 69 shots combined in a pair of losses, the Minnesota Wild look to get their offense back in gear when they host the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday. The Wild started the season by scoring eight times in two impressive shutout victories before dropping 2-1 decisions at Los Angeles and Anaheim, and may be facing the right team to ignite their offense. Arizona has surrendered 21 goals in five games, although the Coyotes gained points in three of those outings.
Carolina at Calgary 9:00 PM ET
The Carolina Hurricanes remain in search of their first victory as they continue their five-game road trip against the Calgary Flames on Thursday. Carolina began its trek with a shootout loss to the New York Rangers - its second straight defeat in the bonus format - last Thursday and had four days off before dropping a 3-1 decision at Winnipeg.
Buffalo at Los Angeles 10:30 PM ET
The Buffalo Sabres gained a moral victory by ending their lengthy goal-scoring drought. They shoot for an actual win Thursday as they continue their four-game road trip against the Los Angeles Kings. Buffalo began its trek in Anaheim on Wednesday and came within 5:06 of being shut out for a franchise-record third straight game before Tyler Ennis snapped the club's scoreless streak at 196 minutes, 59 seconds.
Columbus at San Jose 10:30 PM ET
The San Jose Sharks have one of the league's most grueling early-season schedules, playing nine of their first 12 away from home, but they will get a brief respite from the road when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. The Sharks are coming off a 2-2-1 road trip, closing the five-game trek with losses to the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins. Set to play only its second home game, San Jose won a pair of one-goal decisions over the Blue Jackets last season.