Preview Roundups
January 18, 2018
Washington at New Jersey 7:00 PM ET
Two-time reigning Presidents' Trophy winner Washington is back in its accustomed spot atop the Metropolitan Division, but the New Jersey Devils get a chance to cut into the lead when they host the Capitals on Thursday night. The second-place Devils are five points behind Washington, which will be returning from its league-mandated five-day bye.
Boston at NY Islanders 7:00 PM ET
The red-hot Boston Bruins have not lost in regulation in more than a month, and they attempt to extend their point streak to 15 games against the host New York Islanders on Thursday. The Bruins knocked off Montreal 4-1 on Wednesday to improve to 10-0-4 since suffering a regulation loss versus Washington on Dec. 14 - the franchise’s longest point streak since a 16-game run in 2014.
Toronto at Philadelphia 7:00 PM ET
The Philadelphia Flyers look to honor a familiar face by completing a three-game season sweep of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. Hockey Hall of Famer Eric Lindros played for both clubs during his 13-year career, but will see his orange and white No. 88 jersey raised the rafters at Wells Fargo Center prior to the contest.
Dallas at Columbus 7:00 PM ET
The NHL's mandated bye came a couple days too late for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who staggered into the break with a pair of losses against two of the league's worst teams. Columbus, which has been playing with an injury-depleted lineup, will face a difficult test in its return from the five-day hiatus when it hosts the Dallas Stars on Thursday night.
Buffalo at NY Rangers 7:30 PM ET
The New York Rangers continued their dominance of the Buffalo Sabres with an overtime victory in the NHL's 10th Winter Classic at Citi Field earlier this month. Although technically the road team in that encounter, the Rangers look to post their 12th win in their last 15 meetings with the Sabres on Thursday when they face off at Madison Square Garden.
St. Louis at Ottawa 7:30 PM ET
Paul Stastny has embraced the new calendar year by collecting eight points (three goals, five assists) in six games in January. Stastny aims to continue his torrid surge on Thursday when the St. Louis Blues complete their tour of Ontario with a visit to the Ottawa Senators.
Vegas at Tampa Bay 7:30 PM ET
The Tampa Bay Lightning play their only home game in a span of 27 days Thursday night as they come out of the league-mandated five-day break to take on the expansion Vegas Golden Knights in a battle of the top teams in each conference. The Lightning have not played since Jan. 11, when they suffered a 5-1 setback against Calgary and lost All-Star defenseman Victor Hedman for 3-to-6 weeks with a lower-body injury.
Arizona at Nashville 8:00 PM ET
The Nashville Predators are dealing with some injuries to pivotal players as they continue their five-game homestand against the league-worst Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night. Nashville turned in an impressive performance in its first game coming out of the league-mandated break, blanking Western Conference-leading Vegas 1-0 on Tuesday night.
San Jose at Colorado 9:00 PM ET
The Colorado Avalanche have already exceeded last season's point total (48) and are riding their longest winning streak in 12 years as they host the San Jose Sharks on Thursday. Colorado defeated Anaheim 3-1 on Monday afternoon for its seventh straight victory - its most since winning eight in a row from Dec. 31, 2005 to Jan. 17, 2006 - with All-Star Nathan MacKinnon continuing his assault on opposing goaltenders.
Pittsburgh at Los Angeles 10:00 PM ET
Less than 24 hours after having their four-game winning streak snapped, the Pittsburgh Penguins attempt to begin another one as they continue their California trip Thursday against the Los Angeles Kings. Pittsburgh had won five of six this month - including both its road contests - before Wednesday's 5-3 setback at Anaheim.