The defending Eastern Conference champion New York Rangers have managed to keep their heads above water without top netminder Henrik Lundqvist. The Nashville Predators boast perhaps the best goalie in the game in Pekka Rinne, not to mention the top record in the NHL.
The San Jose Sharks are in the fight for their playoff lives and face the growing possibility of missing the post season for the first time since 2003. The Montreal Canadiens are the top team in the Eastern Conference with a dominant goaltender in Carey Price and Norris Trophy quality defenseman in P.K. Subban.
The Rangers will host the Preds and the Sharks will host the Canadiens in the top two games for Monday.
Nashville Predators at New York Rangers: Faceoff from Madison Square Garden is set for 7 p.m. ET. This is a potential Stanley Cup Final with two strong teams that are well balanced with complete games.
What to Watch: Can the Preds get back into the groove after losing four out of their last six games? Can the Rangers continue the momentum of eight wins in their last nine games without King Henrik?
Who to Watch: Rangers goalie Cam Talbot has held his own but has hardly been dominant in replacing Lundqvist with a February save percentage of .905. Rangers left wing Rick Nash has a team high 37 goals. Nashville defenseman Seth Jones is a promising second year player and emerging star. The Preds boast the best blue line in the game.
Why to Watch: Two of the most complete and top teams in the game that should provide a quality matchup of both offensive skill and top defense.
Montreal Canadiens at San Jose Sharks: Faceoff from the SAP Center is set for 10 p.m. ET. The Sharks have been reeling and seem to have not recovered from their blowing a 3-0 lead to the Los Angeles Kings in their epic playoff choke of last year.
What to Watch: The Sharks fight and compete level. They have fallen to tenth place in the Western Conference with seven losses in ten games,
Who to Watch: Price has a save percentage of .935 with five shutouts. Subban is one of the most exciting players in the game with the ability to dominate at both ends. The 2013 Norris Trophy winner has 12 goals and 35 assists with a plus-14. San Jose center Joe Pavelski never quits and has a team high 31 goals.
Why to Watch: A win for the Sharks could save their season. Will they show up? And even if they do will they be able to solve Subban and Price?
