Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders

(13-3-2)                                  (13-6-0)

Preview: Penguins currently lead the Metropolitan Division and the Islanders are in second. Only 2 points behind, the Islanders have a chance to take the lead in the Division. By having a tie in the points column, it goes to the next category, Head to Head record. This category currently is 1-0, Islanders advantage after last night’s 5-4 shootout win. In the first round of the shootout Evgeni Malkin missed and John Tavares shot was saved. In the second round Sidney Crosby and Frans Nielsen both scored. In the third and final round, Brandon Sutter’s(Penguins) shot was saved and Kyle Okposo (Islanders) scored ending the shootout. Both teams will start their backup goalies to give their starters a break. Thomas Greiss will start for the Penguins and Jaroslav Halak will start for the Islanders. Halak was acquired from the Washington Capitals this offseason and has won his past five starts. According to an interview with Jack Capuano, Islanders Head Coach, conducted by NHL.com, Capuano said, “We want to play a little bit more ‘in your face.’ ”  In another interview with defensemen, Nick Leddy for the Islanders, conducted by NHL.com, he stated “We had the lead and gave that up”. Based on these two quotes, expect to see a hard fought physical game by the Islanders who want to close the game out and not let the Penguins have a chance to catch up. However, the Penguins are a well built team consisting of great players who will definitely give the Islanders a run for their money. This game will be a very exciting one to watch.

My Prediction: I predict that the Islanders will win because I feel they have more motivation and are more determined to take the lead in the Division from the long-lasting leaders of the Metropolitan, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Point Leaders:

PIT- Sidney Crosby (26) NYI- Brock Nelson (18)

Goal Leaders:

PIT- Patric Hornqvist (10) NYI- Brock Nelson (9)

Plus/Minus Leaders:

PIT- Christian Erhoff (12) NYI- Ryan Strome (8)

St. Louis Blues vs. Montreal Canadiens

(12-5-1)                    (14-5-1)

Preview: The St. Louis Blues have totaled 25 points so far this season and the Canadiens have totaled 29 points. The Canadiens lead the Eastern Conference and for the Blues, if they will this game they will be tied for first in the Western Conference with Anaheim. Carey Price struggled on Tuesday night against the Penguins and allowed 4 goals but Price has made a name for himself in this league and rarely disappoints. He will face a tough offense of the Blues who play a very physical game and are very good on the faceoff dot.  In the end, this game is going to come down to whoever can control the puck possession which will likely decide the winner.

Point Leaders:

STL- Vladimir Tarasenko (21) Mon- Max Pacioretty (16)

Goal Leaders:

STL- Vladimir Tarasenko (11) Mon- Max Pacioretty (8)

Plus/Minus Leaders:

STL- Vladimir Tarasenko (9) Mon- Max Pacioretty (11)

New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers

(7-7-4)                        (7-7-2)

Preview: These two teams both are in the Metropolitan Division, therefore making this a crucial battle. Philadelphia is 2 points behind the Rangers, so if they win they will be tied with New York for 4th place. During the Rangers last game, against the Lightning, Henrik Lundqvist allowed 5 goals in their 5-1 loss. Due to Lundqvist’s poor start to the season, Cam Talbot will start. Cam Talbot played his first year in the NHL last season with the Rangers. He played 19 games with 12 wins, 6 losses, and 1 overtime loss. If Cam Talbot manages his part of the ice, then the Rangers have a strong squad with Rick Nash, Derek Stepan, and Martin St. Louis on offense who have all made names for themselves in this league. Although the Rangers have a strong offense, Steve Mason, goalie for the Philadelphia Flyers, has proven himself worthy as a starting goalie and will put up a strong fight.