Buffalo Sabres - New York Rangers
So, the Sabres will have to get a win eventually, sooner or later. But the Rangers are hot right now, so I lean towards later. And I lean heavily in that direction. I can't see Buffalo win this tbh. New York Rangers wins!
Carolina Hurricanes - Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets have won a couple of times now in shootouts agains the Canes. I think the latter is the better team though, so I think they will make it this time. Carolina wins!
Edmonton Oilers - Montreal Canadiens
The Habs have improves somewhat after a bad spell. The Oilers are smoking hot though. This could be a close game but it's clear to me who the favourites are. Edmonton wins!
Calgary Flames - Ottawa Senators
The Senators have had a field day so far against the Flames, winning three out of five! This is a very different Flames team though. They look a lot better under Sutter's reign. I think they will be the stronger side this time. Calgary wins!
New York Islanders - Philadelphia Flyers
The Islanders managed to pull off a win against the Flyers at last. Philly is struggling, and there are uncertainties in net for them. Elliot will probably start tonight, and he's okay I guess, but until they have sorted out their issues, they will be the underdogs in matchups like this one. New York Islanders wins!
Anaheim Ducks - Minnesota Wild
The Wild got schooled by the Avs, but now comes a game against what they have excelled against this season - One of the weak teams in the division! While the Ducks get a win here and there, I don't expect much for them here. Minnesota wins!
St Louis Blues - Vegas Golden Knigts
The Blues have injury problems, and they've not have a great records the last couple of weeks. The Golden Knigts rarely lose two games in a row. They will be out for blood after the loss last night against the Kings. I think they will get revenge here. Vegas wins!
Winnipeg Jets - Vancouver Canucks
The Jets have had a bit of a down turn lately, and the Canucks are steaming hot. A lot of that hotness is due to really good goaltending though, and you can only rely on that for so long. Besides, the Jets have feasted on the Nucks the last few seasons, and they've won three out of five this season. I think they will get the result here. I expect a close game, but I think that... Winnipeg wins!
Colorado Avalanche - Arizona Coyotes
The Yotes have given the Avalanche problems in the previous games. That was early in the season though, when the Avs looked bleak. The last few games, they've been the juggernaught they were supposed to be all along. I think they will get a clear win here. Colorado wins!
Los Angeles Kings - San Jose Sharks
The Kings pulled off a mighty feat in beating Vegas last night. They've been on the way down lately, so that was a big boon for them. The Sharks have played better lately than their records suggests. They've only just lost close games to really good teams. I think this could be a real battle. I struggle with what side to pick. Playing back-to-back is taxing though. The advantage of being rested might decide it in the Sharks' advantage. San Jose wins!
In summary, my winners are:
New York Rangers
Carolina Hurricanes
Edmonton Oilers
Calgary Flames
New York Islanders
Minnesota Wild
Vegas Golden Knights
Winnipeg Jets
Colorado Avalanche
San Jose Sharks
