As previously discussed, the NHL once again made the mistake of going dark for Christmas as they ceded the Holiday to the NBA. The good news is that the league will redeem itself with a vengeance as the upcoming weekend schedule is loaded with top matchups. It begins with an outstanding Saturday night doubleheader on NBCSN. Let’s take a look at the best of the best.
Saturday
Washington vs. Pittsburgh: NBCSN will carry the action for this one with puck drop at 7:30 PM ET. The Capitals have won seven out of their last ten games as they have begun to click under first year coach Barry Trotz. “The Great Eight” Alex Ovechkin has been particularly receptive to the new message of playing a complete game as he is a +5 with 16 goals and 12 assists. Washington held the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference while Pittsburgh was the top team in the East. G Marc Andre Fleury has been lights out in goal for the Penguins with a .929 save percentage and six shutouts.
Boston vs. Columbus: Puck drop is at 7 PM ET as the resurgent Blue Jackets have shown tremendous resiliency in fighting back from the injury bug. Columbus has won eight out of their last ten games to get within seven points of a playoff spot. Boston is slumping with six losses in their last ten games and facing plenty of questions about fatigue and age being a factor that will not go away.
San Jose vs. Los Angeles: The Kings are again the Kings in that they are doing just enough in the regular season to stay in playoff contention. D Robyn Regehr is out until next month to make the Kings thin blue line even more precarious. LA has lost six out of their last 10 games. The Sharks are among the hottest teams in the league with eight wins in their last ten games. Puck drop is at 10 PM ET on NBCSN.
Sunday
Vancouver vs. Anaheim: The game begins at 8 PM ET on CITY Hometown Hockey, which has quickly become destination television as the perfect way to end a weekend. The slumping Canucks have lost five out of their last seven games but still hold the seventh playoff spot in the Western Conference. Anaheim is tops in the West but is yet to find a bona fide starting goaltender.
Monday
Detroit vs. Boston: NBCSN has the action starting at 7 PM ET in a playoff rematch from last year. The Red Wings were in free fall losing six out of seven before the break.
