Preview Roundups
December 27, 2017
Ottawa at Boston 7:00 PM ET
Two teams veering off in completely opposite directions will open the post-holiday break when the Ottawa Senators visit the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night in a matchup of Atlantic Division rivals. While Ottawa has been in a spiral for over five weeks, the resurgent Bruins are seeking their fifth win in row.
Detroit at New Jersey 7:00 PM ET
Less than a year removed from finishing in last place in the Metropolitan Division, the surprising New Jersey Devils have gone from worst to first entering the final week of 2017. The surging Devils will hope the Christmas break doesn't stall their momentum when they host the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night.
Buffalo at NY Islanders 7:00 PM ET
Mathew Barzal is beginning to look like a frontrunner for the Calder Trophy and the skillful 20-year-old center hopes to pick up where he left off before Christmas when his New York Islanders host the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night. Barzal, the 16th pick in the 2015 draft, notched a hat trick in Saturday’s victory over Winnipeg and boasts seven points in his last four contests to lead all rookies with 35.
Columbus at Pittsburgh 7:00 PM ET
The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves on the wrong side of the playoff picture after losing five of seven to drop into seventh place in the competitive Metropolitan Division. The sputtering Penguins hope their march back into contention begins on Wednesday as they return from the Christmas break to host the rival Columbus Blue Jackets.
Montreal at Carolina 7:00 PM ET
The Carolina Hurricanes are only three points out of playoff position and hope to continue their climb in the standings when they host the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night. The Hurricanes have won five of their last six contests after Saturday’s 4-2 victory over Buffalo that opened a three-game homestand, and own at least a point in 11 of 15 games in Raleigh this season (8-4-3).
Washington at NY Rangers 8:00 PM ET
The Washington Capitals dropped back-to-back contests on the heels of a blistering stretch that saw them win 11 of 13 to resemble the form of a club that captured the Presidents' Trophy on back-to-back occasions. The Capitals aim to get back on a track on Wednesday when they face the New York Rangers to conclude a four-game trek that wrapped around the Christmas break.
Nashville at St. Louis 8:00 PM ET
The Nashville Predators look to continue to fluster the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday when the Central Division rivals reconvene from the Christmas break to play the second contest of their season series. Nashville bounced St. Louis in the second round of the playoffs in April and skated to a 2-0 triumph in the first meeting this season on Nov. 24.
Dallas at Minnesota 8:00 PM ET
The Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild won't ease into the post-Christmas break portion of their schedules when the Central Division combatants meet for the first time this season Wednesday in Saint Paul, Minn. Dallas has won two straight after a three-game losing streak (0-1-2) to move into postseason position and four points ahead of Minnesota, which has lost four of its last five to fall one point below the playoff line.
Edmonton at Winnipeg 8:00 PM ET
The Edmonton Oilers won their final four games before the NHL’s holiday break to get back to .500, and look to continue their hot streak in Wednesday’s road contest against the Winnipeg Jets. The Oilers beat Montreal 4-1 on Saturday but held their collective breath after center Connor McDavid blocked a shot with his foot and left the ice late in the third period, however X-rays turned out to be negative.
Arizona at Colorado 9:00 PM ET
Zac Rinaldo could be staring at a suspension, which could prevent a "Slap Shot" sequel when the Arizona Coyotes visit the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday in the back end of a home-and-home set. Rinaldo has a hearing with the NHL's safely department for sucking-punching Colorado rookie Samuel Girard in Saturday's loss.
Vegas at Anaheim 10:00 PM ET
The Vegas Golden Knights are well on their way to becoming the most successful expansion franchise in NHL history as they try for their fifth straight victory when they visit the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. Vegas, which is 8-0-1 in its last nine games, shares first place in the Pacific Division with Los Angeles and its 48 points are tied for the most in the Western Conference along with Central leader St. Louis.