Puck Daddy Viewing Guide: Rivalry night, with Bruins in Pittsburgh, Sharks in LA
Here is the Puck Daddy Viewing Guide: Spotlighting five things to watch for during tonight's slate of games. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.
Create-a-Caption: Rob Klinkhammer of the Phoenix Coyotes clutches Jarret Stoll of the Los Angeles Kings in a scrum.
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Preview: Boston Bruins at Pittsburgh Penguins, 8 p.m. ET
Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs at Calgary Flames, 8 p.m. ET
Preview: San Jose Sharks at Los Angeles Kings, 10:30 p.m. ET
Preview: Detroit Red Wings at Vancouver Canucks, 10:30 p.m. ET
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Five things to know about tonight's NHL games ...
1. Last year, Boston swept Pittsburgh in the playoffs. You might not remember. But it's embarrassing when that happens and teams tend not to forget, so we could be in for a slobber-knocker, as they say. Pittsburgh has won the last six regular-season meetings.
2. Phil Kessel is on fire. The Leafs' winger has been in on 10 of the Maple Leafs' last 14 goals. I dare say he's better at hockey than even me. And, considering the Flames' struggles keeping the puck out of their net, Kessel could be in for another productive night.
3. Randy Carlyle on Kessel: "Puck luck is part of it, but skilled players find a way to get goals." Puck luck, you say? I like to think this was a subtle nod to PDO, shooting percentage, and regression. Randy Carlyle has crossed over, guys.
4. Sharks vs. Kings: the other grudge match. Speaking of teams that met in the playoffs last year and don't particularly care for one another, the Sharks and the Kings go at it Wednesday night as well. That said, with the way San Jose is playing right now, this would be a must-watch even without the rivalry.
5. Streaks on the line in Vancouver. The Canucks have won four straight. The Red Wings have lost four straight. Something has to give. Wait, actually, I guess if the Canucks win, both streaks get pushed to five, so nothing gives. Canucks. Red Wings. Something might give.
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Bold Prediction: Something gives in Vancouver.
