Blackhawks open homestand; Henrik Sedin nears Canucks’ franchise record (Puck Previews)
Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.
Mascots: they're just like us!
Preview: New York Rangers at Boston Bruins, 7:30 p.m. ET. Currently on their best start to a season in franchise history, the Bruins are looking for their fourth win in a row. Brian Boyle won't suit up for the Rangers in this one and he's pissed. "I didn't play as well as I could've but I know I can be a good player and effective player in this league and on this team. It's infuriating sitting out, it's awful. And it's pissing me off a lot."
Preview: Anaheim Ducks at Chicago Blackhawks, 8:30 p.m. ET.
The top two teams in the Western Conference and two of the season's early surprises go head-to-head. Yes, I'm calling the Blackhawks a surprise. We knew they'd be good, but did anybody think they'd be unbeaten-in-regulation-through-12-despite-playing-10-on-the-road good? No. The Blackhawks' first homestand of the year begins tonight. Can the Ducks start it off with a loss?
Preview: Minnesota Wild at Vancouver Canucks, 10 p.m. ET.
If you watched the Wild and Flames last night, you know the Wild aren't exactly playing thrilling hockey these days, but here are a few reasons to watch nonetheless: no matter who the Canucks play in goal or what he does, it's a guaranteed controversy, rookie Darcy Kuemper is expected to make his first career start, Zach Parise still plays for the Wild, and Henrik Sedin is a point away from tying the Canucks' franchise scoring record.
Check out previews and updated scores for all of today's games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page. For tonight's starting goalies, check out Goalie Post.
Evening reading
• How many more sleeps until the Islanders move to Brooklyn? [WSJ]
• Josh Harding has has a setback in his MS treatment due to his new medication and will miss some time. "I'm a little off," he said. [NHL]
• 10 NHL early-season disappointments. [Grantland]
• This may come as a shock to you, but the Chicago Blackhawks are now the favourite to win the Stanley Cup. [Sporting News]
Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: Connor reminisces about the excellence of video game Pavel Brendl:
I think it might have been NHL 10, I would sim seasons and Pavel Brendl as a perennial Art Ross/Rocket Richard winner. Those game creators had a lot of faith in him.
Bold prediction: Chicago stretches its unbeaten streak to 13. Very bold, I know.
