The second half push to the playoffs will begin Tuesday night with a stellar matchup as the New York Islanders host the New York Rangers. The New York City rivalry has been renewed thanks to the resurgent Islanders, who have been the most surprising team in the game. NBCSN will offer an outstanding doubleheader for Wednesday Night Rivalry Night to add to the excitement.
Let’s look at the top weeknight action, and who and what to watch, as the playoffs before the playoffs are on.
–Tuesday–
New York Rangers vs. New York Islanders: Faceoff time from Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum is set for 7 PM ET. The Islanders lead the Metropolitan Division and are just one point behind Tampa Bay for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Center John Tavares leads the Isles with 21 goals and 24 assists and, at age 24, has plenty of potential future upside. Goaltender Jaroslav Halak has won 25 out of 34 games for the Isles. The Rangers boast a scorer of their own in Rick Nash. The left winger has 28 goals in an impressive comeback season. Both teams are hot as the Islanders are 7-3 in their last 10 games while the Rangers are 8-2 in their last 10. This is a potential playoff series that is can’t miss hockey.
–Wednesday–
Pittsburgh vs. Washington: Coverage on NBCSN Wednesday Night Rivalry Night from Verizon Center is set for 8 PM ET. Both teams will try and jump start their seasons as they limped in to the All Star Break. Pittsburgh has lost six out of their last eight games while the Capitals have lost four out of their last seven. That being said both teams are in playoff position. The Penguins boast the NHL’s one-two center tandem of Sidney Crosby (15 goals and 36 assists) and Evgeni Malkin (19 goals and 32 assists). The Penguins have lacked their past dominant pose as their lack of depth is becoming an issue during the long regular season grind. Washington left wing Alex Ovechkin is having a comeback season of his own with 27 goals and a +12. Ovechkin’s laser accurate snap shot is well worth tuning in for.
Chicago vs. Los Angeles: Coverage on NBCSN Wednesday Night Rivalry Night from Staples Center is set for 10:30 PM ET. The Kings tendency to coast in the regular season will not work this year as their defense corps is half of what it was during last year’s championship run. Goaltender Jonathan Quick has slumped badly as the Kings rank 13th for goals against, far below their normal standards. Los Angeles lost seven out of eight games before the break with seven of those games at home. The inconsistent Blackhawks split their last ten games before the break. Chicago is led by flashy right wing Patrick Kane (22 goals and 29 assists) along with center Jonathan Toews (22 goals and 29 assists). LA defenseman Drew Doughty is the man to watch on the Kings as one of the most complete blue liners in the game.
–Thursday–
Detroit Red Wings vs. Tampa Bay Lightning: Faceoff from Amilie Arena is set for 7:30 PM ET. Tampa Bay leads the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference with one of the youngest and most exciting teams in the game. The Lightning are the top scoring team in the NHL led by center Steven Stamkos and his 26 goals. Tampa Bay won seven out of 10 before the break. Detroit is one of the hottest teams in the NHL with eight wins in ten games to close within one point of Tampa Bay in the Atlantic. Left wing Tomas Tatar led Detroit with 21 goals.
Nashville vs. St. Louis: Faceoff from Scottrade Center starts at 8 PM ET. Nashville leads St. Louis by three points in the Central Division race and this would make for an outstanding potential playoff series. The Predators are trying to get by without injured netminder Pekka Rinne while the Blues boast ace sniper Vladimir Tarasenko and his 24 goals. St. Louis is hot and surging with seven wins in their last eight games with a ranking of third for goals scored.
