Preview Roundups
December 31, 2015
NY Islanders at Buffalo 6:00 PM ET
Less than 24 hours after enduring a disastrous third period, the Buffalo Sabres attempt to bounce back when they host the New York Islanders on Thursday. Buffalo was unable to protect a 2-1 lead at Washington on Wednesday, allowing four goals in the final session en route to its fourth loss in six games (2-3-1).
Pittsburgh at Detroit 6:00 PM ET
The Detroit Red Wings are struggling to get their offense in gear, but they'll receive little sympathy from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Both clubs look to solve their problem at the other's expense on Thursday, when they meet at Joe Louis Arena.
Washington at Carolina 6:00 PM ET
The league-leading Washington Capitals attempt to end the calendar year with a double-digit winning streak when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. Washington has been on a tremendous tear while rising to the top of the NHL standings, as it enters the matchup with Carolina having won nine games in a row and earning at least one point in 17 of its last 18 contests (16-1-1).
Minnesota at St. Louis 8:00 PM ET
The Minnesota Wild will be without a few key cogs heading into the opener of their four-game road trip. Zach Parise (lower body) has been ruled out of Thursday's tilt with the Central Division-rival St. Louis Blues, but coach Mike Yeo expressed to reporters that the veteran forward could return to action later in the trek.
Chicago at Colorado 8:00 PM ET
The Chicago Blackhawks look to ride the momentum of their biggest offensive explosion of the season into Thursday's road contest against the Central Division-rival Colorado Avalanche. Patrick Kane collected a goal and two assists in Tuesday's 7-5 victory over Arizona as the Blackhawks rebounded after sandwiching porous offensive performances around the Christmas break.
Nashville at Dallas 8:30 PM ET
After getting sideswiped by the league's worst team, the Western Conference-leading Dallas Stars attempt to bounce back against another struggling club when they host the Nashville Predators on Thursday night. The Stars, who had a five-game point streak (4-0-1) halted in a 6-3 loss at Columbus, have won seven of their last eight games at home.
Los Angeles at Calgary 9:00 PM ET
After having their franchise-record home winning streak snapped at 11 games, the Calgary Flames will try to avoid back-to-back losses at Scotiabank Saddledome for the first time in more than two months when they host the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night. Calgary dropped a 1-0 decision to Pacific Division rival Anaheim on Tuesday to fall to 9-3-0 in December.
Anaheim at Edmonton 9:00 PM ET
The Anaheim Ducks are out of the Pacific Division's abyss and try to stay above water while wading their way back into Stanley Cup contention as they visit the last-place Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. Anaheim began its three-game division road trip through Western Canada with a 1-0 win over Calgary on Tuesday for its second straight victory - its third winning streak of the season - and meets Vancouver on Friday.
Winnipeg at Arizona 9:00 PM ET
Stirring back-to-back victories have the Winnipeg Jets’ confidence soaring, but the bad news is they must leave the friendly confines of home ice for a five-game road trip that begins Thursday against the Arizona Coyotes. The Jets are 1-10-1 in their past 12 road contests, but rookie goaltender Connor Hellebuyck allowed only one goal in home victories over Pittsburgh and Detroit.