The playoff push is in overdrive and we have an outstanding lineup of five top games with major post season implications. It’s the type of day that illustrates the perfect marriage of hockey and a well-earned Saturday for fans.
Philadelphia Flyers at Boston Bruins: Faceoff from TD Garden is set for 1 p.m. ET with coverage set for NHLN-US. The Bruins are in a precarious eighth and final playoff position with the Flyers just three points back.
What to Watch: Can the Bruins and their lack of scoring depth find a way to solve the weak Flyers defense that ranks 24th in the NHL for goals against and 28th for penalty killing?
Who to Watch: Boston defenseman Zdeno Chara has two points and a plus-three in his last three games to lead a Bruins resurgence of three wins in four games. Chara can still play at a world class level at the age of 37 with a presence that few other players can rival. It is Chara’s endurance that remains a long term concern. Flyers right wing Wayne Simmonds has a team high 25 goals with the ability to dominate.
Why to Watch: This is a virtual playoff game, do or die, for both of these ancient rivals and their passionate fan bases.
New York Islanders vs. Florida Panthers: Faceoff from the BB&T Center is set for 7 p.m. ET. The Islanders are tied with the New York Rangers for first place in the Metropolitan Division. The Panthers are two points behind Boston for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.
What to Watch: The Florida goaltending situation is in peril with starter Roberto Luongo questionable with a shoulder issue and backup Al Montoya out with an upper body issue.
Who to Watch: Rookie Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad is an emerging superstar with 11 goals and 23 assists and a plus-seven. Ekblad has a presence of a seasoned veteran and plenty of upside. Ekblad will be charged with stopping Islanders center and captain John Tavares, who has 30 goals and 35 assists.
Why to Watch: The Panthers are in the sixth game of a seven game homestand and are in a must win scenario each and every matchup. The Islanders can gain home ice for the entire Eastern Conference playoffs as they are just two points behind East leading Montreal. The Islanders are among the most exciting teams in the game to watch.
Winnipeg Jets at Nashville Predators: Faceoff from the Bridgestone Arena is set for 7 p.m. ET. Winnipeg is in fifth place in the Western Conference playoff race but just four points ahead of eight place teams Calgary, Los Angeles, and San Jose. Slumping Nashville has lost six out of their last eight games to fall two points behind Anaheim for the top record in the Western Conference and NHL.
What to Watch: Can Nashville get their grove back? The Preds have tired legs these days and it’s catching up to them.
Who to Watch: Winnipeg defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has emerged as a top defenseman and one of the top leaders in sports. Big Buff has 15 goals, 27 assists with a plus-six and a large presence.
Why to Watch: This is a potential Western Conference playoff preview. The Preds are playing for home ice advantage through the entire playoffs while the Jets cannot let up with so many quality teams still in the race in the West.
Vancouver Canucks at San Jose Sharks: Faceoff from the SAP Center is set for 10 p.m. ET. Vancouver is in sixth place in the Western Conference playoff race but just three points ahead of Calgary, Los Angeles and San Jose in the Western Conference. The Sharks could have their grove back with two straight wins heading into this one.
What to Watch: The pressure of a high stakes play-in game by a pair of teams that look good but lack dominance. Are the Sharks really back?
Who to Watch: Sharks goalie Antti Niemi has picked up his play with a .925 save percentage in his last five games. Sharks center Joe Pavelski has 32 goals. The Sedin Twins are back as top producers for the Canucks. Center Henrik has 59 points while left winger Daniel has 14 goals.
Why to Watch: Yet another must win game for two playoff contenders. Intensity and stakes could not be higher.
Pittsburgh Penguins at Los Angeles Kings: Faceoff from the Staples Center is set for 10 p.m. ET. Pittsburgh is four points out of first place in the Metropolitan Division while Los Angeles is in a three-way tie with Calgary and San Jose for the final Western Conference playoff spot.
What to Watch: Which Kings team will we get? The Kings that won eight in a row or the Kings that lost three in a row after that? Can the LA shut down Kings suffocate the prolific Pittsburgh attack led by centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin?
Who to Watch: Pittsburgh is vastly improved on defense and ranks fifth for goals against. The LA offense remains an inconsistent enigma. Kings center Jeff Carter has 21 goals and with a nose for the net like few other players, Carter is a key for this one.
Why to Watch: This is a Stanley Cup Final level matchup of perennial powers. The Pens are playing for home ice advantage in the East while the Kings are fighting for their playoff lives.
