Buffalo Sabres - Boston Bruins
It's fate. Taylor Hall's first game for the Bruins, will be against the team that just traded him! If he plays well, I bet it will make the Sabres fans even more frustrated with him. Either way, this is a game that Buffalo normally shouldn't win. And they've lost both of the previous meetings. Boston wins!
Philadelphia Flyers - Washington Capitals
The Flyers sold off some assets at the deadline, but no key pieces. If they win here, they can still partake in the race for the last playoff spot. For the Caps, Anthony Mantha goes straight into the team, and will want a good start. And I think there's a good chance he will get that. These are two big, strong teams. I expect a tough game, but in the end, the Caps have so much more scoring in their lineup, that I just have to think they will get the result. Washington wins!
New York Rangers - New Jersey Devils
The Devils have sold off some key players. They still have a team that can win games, but the experience they have lost in the lineup has weakened them. The Rangers have been awesome lately. I know what my pick is. New York wins!
Calgary Flames - Toronto Maple Leafs
Jack Campbell finally lost a game. A rested Flames team will now take on a Leafs team that played last night. Will Toronto give Rittich a game? Against his old team? Interesting scenario! The Flames really need to start winning if they are going to keep the last faint hope of a playoff spot alive. Yes, there is still a chance. They will play the Habs five times this month! If they could win most of those, it's a race. Or, at least if they can also win some other games. But do I think they will? Gaudreau together with Tkatchuk seemed to be a good idea. It worked well in the last game. But Toronto are really good right now, and they will be looking to bounce back from their first loss in a while. I lean toward that they will do just that. Toronto wins!
Tampa Bay Lightning - Nashville Predators
The Lightning won the last meeting, and have won most of them. But that last one was Vasilevsky stealing a game. The Preds were the better team. I think the Bolts will step up and play better this time though. And they still have Vasi. Tampa Bay wins!
Florida Panthers - Dallas Stars
Tricky one. The Stars won the last meeting decisively. But the Panthers are a better team. And I think they will want to prove that they have more to offer than they showed in their last game. So, Florida wins!
In summary, my winners are:
Boston Bruins
Washington Capitals
New York Rangers
Toronto Maple Leafs
Tampa Bay Lightning
Florida Panthers
