The Nashville Predators have the best record in the NHL while the Minnesota Wild are one of the hottest teams in the league, going 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. The Predators will host the Wild in the top matchup for Thursday night in a game that will have significant playoff implications.
The St. Louis Blues will try to get back on track after losing three out of four home games but it won’t be easy as they will play at the Winnipeg Jets.
And the Florid Panthers are yet to take advantage of the floundering Boston Bruins but will open a seven game home stand against the Chicago Blackhawks for a final playoff push.
Let’s take a look at the top three games for Thursday.
Minnesota Wild at Nashville Predators: Faceoff from the Bridgestone Arena is set for 8:30 PM ET with coverage on NBCSN. Nashville has a six-point lead over Anaheim and Montreal for the NHL’s top record. The Predators have won eight out of their last 10 games. Minnesota is in the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Wild have won seven out of their last 10 games.
What to Watch: The Predators play a full 200 foot game and are now taking more offensive chances knowing that they have the top defensive corps and goalie in the game to bail them out if necessary.
Who to Watch: Minnesota goaltender Devan Dubnyk is 13-3-1 since joining the team and has a .935 save percentage with five shutouts. Wild left win Zach Parise has a team high 25 goals. Nashville defensemen Roma Josi, Shea Weber, and Seth Jones top the NHL’s best corps. Goaltender Pekka Rinne has a .930 save percentage. Center Filip Forsberg is a Rookie of the Year candidate with 21 goals and 31 assists.
Why to Watch: The Predators have become a complete team under head coach Peter Laviolette and are much more exciting to watch than in their past paint dry style under Barry Trotz. Hockeytonk has developed a great atmosphere that translates well on TV. Two red hot playoff teams in top form with two important points on the line make for appointment viewing.
Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers: Faceoff from the BB&T Center is set for 7:30 PM ET. Slumping Chicago has lost five out of their last eight and is being labeled by some as mediocre, which is stretching things a bit. Florida is just two points behind Boston for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot but has not been able to capitalize on the Bruins slumping play. The Panthers have lost seven out of their last 10.
What to Watch: Top Chicago scorer RW Patrick Kane is doubtful for this one with an upper body issue. Can the Cats take advantage? Florida ranks 25th in the NHL for goal scoring and does not match up well against a Hawks team that ranks third for goals against. There should be a strong Chicago contingent in the stands.
Who to Watch: Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad is a Rookie of the Year candidate and could prove to be the savior of the franchise. He has nine goals, 23 assists with a plus-6 and has nothing but upside for potential.
Why to Watch: It’s do or die time for the Cats. A playoff berth is mandatory in their attempt to reclaim a fan base that has tired of their perennial failures. Florida has been methodically built by general manager Dale Tallon and is improved. The NHL would love to see this franchise in the playoffs and succeeding.
St. Louis Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets: Faceoff from the MTS Center in Winnipeg is set for 8 PM ET. Just when the Blues had everyone thinking Stanley, they have slumped with five losses in nine games. The loss of top defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk to a head injury is beginning to wear on St. Louis. The Jets have won five out of their last eight.
What to Watch: Winnipeg is one of the biggest teams in the league. That is matched by their team heart, which is also immeasurably large. The MTS Center crowd is among the loudest and most boisterous in the NHL.
Who to Watch: Winnipeg defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has emerged as a Norris Trophy candidate as the best at that position. Just as important, Big Buff has developed into one of the most inspiring leaders in sports. Jets center Brian Little leads with 24 goals and 26 assists. Blues LW Vladimir Tarasenko has 31 goals with the wicked shot of a top sniper. Olympic hero T.J. Oshie has 17 goals and 24 assists for the Blues.
Why to Watch: This is a potential playoff matchup in which St. Louis will have to dig extra hard in a tough environment versus a team that brings their lunch buckets every night.
