It is difficult to choose which games to be closely watching with so many NHL games scheduled for the next seven-days, plus much of the movement in the playoff races before the final day on April 29.
Our panel of experts has gathered to discuss all the major topics, including their predictions for the key matchups and the best playoff race. Minnesota Wild vs. Nashville PredatorsAnd New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins— And more.
What is at the top on your must-see lists this week?
Emily Kaplan, NHL reporterFor great college hockey and some NHL implications, I look forward to the Frozen Four on ESPN2/ESPNU/ESPN+ this week. It is possible that Owen Power from Michigan will sign in Buffalo after the tournament. This season, the NHL’s No. 1 pick will make its debut.
Minnesota forward Ben Meyers, a prize undrafted college-free agent, is generating the most buzz after his overtime win over UMass. Meyers has been on the NHL teams’ radars for some time, but his stock shot up this February at Olympics. He had four points in four games, including a goal against Canada, for Team USA. We will see where he goes, but the Wild and Detroit Red WingsThese are some of the teams that I know that are interested in Meyers.
Victoria Matiash is an NHL analystMy attention is drawn to the shuffling in Atlantic Division. The LightningThe fight against the LeafsAnd Bruins. FloridaToronto hosts. The Panthers are the only team that plays four games. Boston’s schedule looks relatively reasonable, with the exception of Tampa. Aleksander Barkov, Claude Giroux & Co. still (likely) hold the top spot in the division by Sunday, but by what margin? Every period feels heavy right now in a group in where the home-ice advantage in playoffs could be the difference between moving on or packing it in, It’s funny to think about it.
Arda Ocal, NHL Host:Another vote for Frozen Four as big-ticket item. Beyond that, the Hart Trophy race is my favorite this season. Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid, Jonathan Huberdeau, Roman JosiThere are so many great options. I’m still on Team Igor Shesterkin, however. The Rangers’ netminder is the most valuable player in the NHL this season. It’s time for the Ted Lindsay Award to be named the “MVP,” because it’s the “most exceptional player” as voted by the players. That’s a discussion for another roundtable.
Kristen Shilton, NHL reporter:It’s the Rocket Richard Trophy race. Auston Matthews vs. Leon Draisaitl. The Maple Leafs currently have four games. Edmonton OilersYou have four games. There will be a lot of jockeying for the top spot by week’s end. It feels like they’re titting for tat each night. It’s fascinating to watch these two top players from across the world battling it out.
I will also be following some crucial matchups in Pacific Division, including Calgary at L.A. and Edmonton at L.A. tomorrow. The Kings have made a remarkable push up the Pacific standings. While they have games in hand both Edmonton and Calgary will try to keep up. The outcome of those games could determine how the division will be seeded for the playoffs.
Greg Wyshynski, NHL reporter:I’ve got it Dallas StarsIn my eyes this week. FiveThirtyEight estimated that they had a 89% chance of reaching the playoffs going into their game against The Seattle KrakenSunday. They’ll be in Tuesday’s game against The New York IslandersAt home, with three games in the bag Vegas Golden KnightsWith whom they are in an intense wild card race. It marks the beginning of an important stretch for Dallas: 10 out of 14 of their season’s games have been at home, and six of their next seven. They host the Islanders (Tuesday) this week. Toronto Maple Leafs(Thursday). New Jersey DevilsSaturday at home, before heading to Chicago for Sunday. Next week, it will be home games against the Tampa Bay Lightning, San Jose SharksWild.
The Stars are the ones driving for a playoff seat. They have slightly higher odds of landing in the first wild card spot with Money Puck than they do with the second. That would mean they could avoid the Colorado Avalanchein the first round. Darryl Sutter, Calgary coach: “If you’re a wild card team, I sure as hell don’t want to face Colorado in the first round. It’s going to waste eight days.”
What are you watching in Wild-Predators this Tuesday? (8 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
Kaplan:Minnesota is a great choice if they meet in the playoffs. It could result in some excellent goaltending. Juuse SarosThis season has been excellent, but it’s been underrated. Marc-Andre FleuryHe has the ability to lock in and shut down a team during a playoff series. The Wild also have an extremely capable backup. Cam Talbot.) Minnesota, I believe, is a stronger team. The Wild’s declaration that they are “all-in” due to the impending cap crunch next season gives them an urgency.
Matiash:MAF in Wild sweaters still freaks me out. Although the move to Vegas was quite strange, it became more normal once we had been able to adjust our lives. Then, we were asked to take a shorter trip through Chicago. What do you think? Despite this, it was one of my favourite moves before the trade deadline. Based on the strength of their tandem team between the pipes, Minnesota is my second choice for a West sleeper, after Calgary and Colorado. After comparing three Eastern Conference teams with his new team, I’m curious to see how the most smiling NHLer of recent times does against a genuine Western challenger.
Ocal:Minnesota’s milestone races. Kirill “The thrill” Kaprizov has just broken the record for Wild players scoring most points in a single season. This record was held for more than a decade. Marian Gaborik(83), which just goes to show how the mindset of offense has changed in Minnesota. Kaprizov currently sits at sixth in the NHL scoring charts. There has never been an NHL top-10 scorer for the Wild. His linemate has assisted 21 of his goals, scoring 39 goals. Mats ZuccarelloHe has 49 apples for the season. One more would tie him with Wild players who have had the most assists in a single season. This is all to say that it has been a great year for breaking State of Hockey team records.
Shilton: Minnesota was defeated by Nashville in its first two games this season, losing 11-4. This is a shocking (pun intended!) stat. But Minnesota is now in a completely different place than it was last season. Marc-Andre FleuryIt is part of the mix. This team just won seven consecutive games. First, I will be watching Tuesday as Minnesota removes any demonic hold Nashville may have had. Then it’s on to the fun part. Kirill Kaprizov. He is one of the NHL’s best scorers (six goals in five of his last five games). Kaprizov has also never scored against Nashville. Intriguing!
The Predators are the favorite to win in a playoff series. Their dominance of Minnesota has given them the advantage going into Tuesday. Can they maintain this success? We will keep an eye on them to see if they can sustain that success.
Wyshynski:Each season, the NHL has more “must-see” players. Minnesota’s Kaprizov is one of them. It is rare for a defenseman to fit that description. But Roman Josi is the reason I will watch this game. He is having one of the best seasons in NHL history. Josi’s 1.23 point-per-game average in 66 games is the best for any defenseman this year. It would be the best average since. Ray BourqueIn 1993-94 (1.26), Josi would rank as the 19th greatest NHL player in history, joining six Hall of Fame defencemen who made these achievements. Josi may reach that mark in this season, but still lose the Norris Trophy. Cale MakarJosi is a step behind the offensive pace, and perhaps even better defensively. Josi will be my focus against Minnesota.
Minnesota would be my pick in a playoff series. It has been the second-best NHL defensive team in terms of expected goals against (2.16/60 minutes at even strength heading into Sunday). For two seasons, the problem was goaltending. Fleury seems to be the solution. In the postseason, Nashville’s advantage in the power play could be diminished. I will take the Wild’s depth of defense and defense. However, Nashville’s goalie Juuse Sáros can still win a series if he plays the same way as in the regular season.
What are you going to be seeing in Rangers-Penguins Thursday? (7 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
Kaplan:This one is hard to handicap. Rangers are one of few teams in this season with a goaltender that can win a playoff series. Shesterkin is having a moment. He introduces himself as the possible successor to Andrei VasilevskiyHe was awarded the title of Best Soccer Goalie on Earth. His underlying stats seem absurd. I believe the Rangers made smart moves in depth at the trade deadline — adding my opinion Andrew Copp, Justin Braun, Tyler MotteThis gives them more grit and makes them tougher contenders. However, when I think about the Rangers I think of youth. They’re still so young.
This season, I have been on more broadcasts for the Penguins than any other team. Every time I see them, from opening night through, most recently in Colorado, I am impressed. This team is smart, experienced and has a lot of depth. The players are extremely well coached and already have a tough-to-play-against mentality. They’re also getting goaltending help this year, which is perhaps the most important thing. Tristan Jarry. Also, I’m a Pittsburgher.
Matiash:I would like to know how Evgeni MalkinPittsburgh newbie Rickard RakellBuild on their growing chemistry and face a legitimate opponent. If New York is to be beaten in the playoffs, this second line must be in peak form. The Rangers are quicker and have this year’s Vezina Trophy winner at the crease. N.Y. is in seven right now, but there’s still a lot to do.
Ocal:You can read my entire speech about Igor deserved the Hart. This is the rest of the game. Chris KreiderHe reaches 50 goals. He is enjoying an extraordinary season, finding his footing on the power play as well as in front of net. Kreider is close to reaching the mark of one point per game for the first time in the course of his career.
Shilton: It’s a fascinating matchup between goaltenders. Igor ShesterkinAnd Tristan Jarry. We’ve all been talking about Shesterkin’s incredible season with the Rangers. And it seems the better an opposition, the more he plays. Jarry has also been no slouch in this year’s playoffs — but New York has had its number. He was on the losing side of Pittsburgh’s two previous meetings against the Rangers and gave up eight goals. I am curious to see how he reacts after facing New York on the 29th of March in a difficult effort.
What about the playoffs? This is where the goaltending will be the deciding factor between these clubs. The Penguins would have a difficult time grinding Shesterkin down in series if he is at his best.
Wyshynski:My belief has been held for a long time that we should take responsibility for our actions. Sidney CrosbyFor granted. It’s understandable. Regular-season success for Pittsburgh and its captain is almost the default setting for NHL. It’s one of the most playoff-centric professional team sports. The Penguins haven’t won a playoff Series since 2018. As such, we don’t see a season Sid is putting together — 72 points in just 58 games — as it pops like other offensive campaigns. This is important to know: Sid posted a four-point hat trick game against the Columbus Blue JacketsCrosby was the only player to have more points (45), in this stretch of games on Jan. 21. He also understands the importance of home-ice in a series with the Rangers.
Home-ice advantage or no, I am taking Pittsburgh in a playoff series versus the Rangers. New York’s 5-on-5 play has been improving, but the Penguins are still the better team at even strength. They also have a penalty killing that can limit the Rangers’ power play — which will be limited by playoff officiating. Jarry’s performance last year meant that the Penguins would have defeated Islanders in the playoffs. They will advance if Jarry is the player we have seen the last few months and not the postseason goalie.
Which player do you pay the most attention this week?
Kaplan: Robin Lehner. He was sidelined by upper- and lower body injuries and with Laurent BrossoitThe Golden Knights have their third-string goaltender. Logan Thompson. Lehner has been able to rest more as the 25 year-old has steadied things over the past week. Lehner is now healthy enough to make Sunday’s start and has saved 26 of his 28 shots. 3-2 OT victory against Vancouver. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds and what the Golden Knights get in goal.
Matiash: Jack Eichel. Vegas may just make the playoffs if he continues to score like he did the week before.
Ocal: Phil KesselBecause I am passionately invested in the NHL’s active iron man streak. With Keith Yandle‘s streak ending this weekendKessel will play 21 more games against Toronto’s healthy scratch. It is also a great pleasure to know that Kessel, despite all the criticism he has received, will play 21 more games and take over the record. this is now the face of durability and longevityIn the most challenging and important hockey league in the world.
Shilton:Auston Matthews is my choice here. You can’t help but keep an eye on them. He’s on his way to breaking Toronto’s single-season record for goal scoring, which has stood since over 40 years. Can he surpass Rick Vaive and reach 55 goals by the end of the week? The Leafs also have Florida, Tampa, and Dallas on their schedule. Matthews must be excited about this challenge.
Wyshynski: Calgary FlamesForward Johnny GaudreauRecently, he has been on the heater with 12 points in his six previous games, including that five point night against Oilers. I am intrigued by the fact that this week the Flames will travel to four games across California and Seattle. Johnny Hockey has eaten his home cooking, scoring 1.44 points per-game in Calgary, which is the fifth best rate for a Calgary player. The road average of 1.44 is 1.25, which is 10th in the league. His points don’t seem to disappear when the Flames begin racking up hotel stays. However, I am curious to see his performance — particularly Monday night against Kings who are not yet out of the division title picture.
Which is the most exciting race in the playoffs right now?
Kaplan:The wild card for the Western Conference. With all the injury drama, high-profile purchases, and must-win attitude of the Golden Knights I am curious to see if they will be able to hold on to a playoff spot. We are destined to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable first rounds of the year, I believe. We have to first see who will be there. This is difficult in the West.
It is difficult to handicap the bubble teams, as they all play an inequal number of games. And it seems that every team at the cusp (Edmonton Nashville Dallas Vegas Winnipeg) has been playing strong lately. We don’t know how this will all turn out.
Matiash:Emily, I agree. I am fascinated by the Vegas will-they/won’t-they story. After Sunday’s matchup with Vancouver, the Golden Knights take on the Canucks Wednesday before facing the Coyotes and Saturday. They will be facing another matchup against Van City on Tuesday. All are winnable. A second run of victories might not be necessary after their recent success. It is possible to see some slightly healthy versions of Mark Stone, Max PaciorettyAnd Reilly SmithIn the postseason, after all.
Ocal:Yes, the West wildcard. But I will also mention the Central Division. Nashville and Dallas could sprint to the finish, particularly if St. Louis falls. This high drama could continue until the end of the regular season.
Shilton:The Atlantic Division. The Atlantic Division has an outstanding team. Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay LightningAnd Boston BruinsThat will land them in a wild-card spot, which could be very beneficial for them or very detrimental for their opponents. It will be interesting to see how they move in and out of slots.
Wyshynski:Kristen’s decision is finely crafted. It is not whether the Maple Leafs will play Boston, but whether the hockey gods will give us the opportunity to win. Florida PanthersIn the Eastern Conference playoffs’ first round, the Lightning will face off. To make that happen, we need to have a few things fall into place. Carolina HurricanesFor example, winning the conference would allow the Panthers to play the first round against the wild-card team. But this is the best playoff scenario.
To win their first playoff round since 2004, the Maple Leafs would have to face their worst playoff foe, the Boston Bruins. Either the pain continues or the Leafs can begin a magical Stanley Cup journey, defeating their nemesis as the Capitals did against the Penguins in 2018.
Meanwhile, the Panthers take on. The NHL’s best rivalry right now is the Lightning one, which combines quality of play and real animosity. The playoff race does not have the do-or-die stakes as the West’s wild-card scramble, but it is a great way to watch the playoffs unfold.