Preview Roundups
February 09, 2017
San Jose at Boston 7:00 PM ET
Hours before the streets of Boston were filled with an estimated million fans to celebrate the New England Patriots' Super Bowl victory, the city's professional hockey team kicked its longtime coach to the curb. Two days after firing Claude Julien, the Boston Bruins will return to the ice to host the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night.
Anaheim at Buffalo 7:00 PM ET
The Buffalo Sabres continue to gain confidence as they try to remain relevant in the playoff picture, and move forward with their process by hosting the struggling Anaheim Ducks on Thursday. Buffalo took a big step toward that end by erasing a 4-1 deficit with three goals in a span of 3:28 of the third period Tuesday to defeat the San Jose Sharks 5-4 on Evander Kane's overtime goal - his second of the game - for its second victory in the last six contests (2-3-1).
Nashville at NY Rangers 7:00 PM ET
The New York Rangers are in the midst of their fifth three-game winning streak in a two-month span as they attempt to keep pace with the top three teams in the Metropolitan Division. New York will be looking to win four in a row for only the second time this season when it hosts the Nashville Predators on Thursday.
NY Islanders at Philadelphia 7:00 PM ET
Their recent inability to score has left the Philadelphia Flyers clinging to a one-point lead for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia attempts to increase that advantage and dent the scoreboard for the first time in three contests as it continues its five-game homestand Thursday against the New York Islanders.
Detroit at Washington 7:00 PM ET
The Washington Capitals reached 37 victories one day after they did last season despite a relatively slow start and look to extend their current winning streak to five when they host the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday. The Capitals boast points in 28 of their last 32 games (24-4-4) and lead the league with 80 after posting their second straight 5-0 triumph on Tuesday against Carolina.
Vancouver at Columbus 7:00 PM ET
The Columbus Blue Jackets will continue their search for consistency on Thursday when they begin their season-high seven-game homestand versus the Vancouver Canucks. Columbus has followed a franchise-best 16-game winning streak with up-and-down play, including victories in just seven of its last 16 contests to see a halt in its ascent in the top-heavy Metropolitan Division.
St. Louis at Toronto 7:30 PM ET
The St. Louis Blues have returned to their stingy brand of hockey under the watch of Mike Yeo, with the club surrendering just one tally in the new coach's debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs before answering a loss with back-to-back shutouts. The Blues look to continue their strong play away from home on Thursday when they play the third contest of a five-game road trip versus the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Dallas at Ottawa 7:30 PM ET
The Ottawa Senators look to rebound from two of their worst performances of the season when they host the similarly struggling Dallas Stars on Thursday night. The Senators were outscored 10-0 in losses to Buffalo and St. Louis, leaving them with two wins in their last seven games (2-3-2) as they attempt hold on to an Eastern Conference playoff position.
Los Angeles at Florida 7:30 PM ET
The Florida Panthers look to regain their momentum from their mandatory break in the schedule on Thursday when they bid to complete a perfect four-game homestand against a Los Angeles Kings' team that has mustered just one goal in the first three contests of its four-game road trip. What's more, Kings coach Darryl Sutter didn't mince words after his team dropped consecutive 5-0 setbacks to Washington and Tampa Bay.
Pittsburgh at Colorado 9:00 PM ET
Sidney Crosby carries his quest to become the 12th-fastest player in NHL history to reach the 1,000-point plateau into Thursday's tilt as the Pittsburgh Penguins open a two-game road trip against the Colorado Avalanche. Crosby notched an assist for his league high-tying 60th point in Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss to Calgary to move within two of becoming the 86th player to reach the milestone.
Montreal at Arizona 9:00 PM ET
The Montreal Canadiens are holding down the top spot in the Atlantic Division, but they are still in search of their first win in February as they prepare to visit the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night. Montreal has scored only three goals during a season-worst four-game skid and is coming off a 4-0 loss at league-worst Colorado.