The New York Rangers have survived the loss of Igor Shesterkin remarkably well. Unfortunately, their next assignment is Jack Hughes, a forward whose skating can turn a respectable defensive structure into an emergency evacuation. New Jersey’s star center presents a specific problem for Mike Sullivan’s Rangers: his ability to attack through the middle with speed, […]

Montreal arrives in Washington with a dangerous combination: Cole Caufield’s finishing, Nick Suzuki’s playmaking and a Capitals team whose defensive concentration has become increasingly vulnerable late in games. The Canadiens have scored enough to threaten Washington, but their own defensive record complicates the equation. Jakub Dobeš is confirmed in goal with a 4.43 goals-against average […]

Connor McDavid’s 800th NHL game should be an occasion for celebration. Quinton Byfield may have other ideas about the festivities, although stopping the guest of honor could prove considerably harder than arranging the cake. McDavid arrives in Los Angeles with 13 points in five games. Byfield, meanwhile, has inherited Anze Kopitar’s responsibilities just as the […]

Mackenzie Blackwood faces a particularly uncomfortable assignment in Dallas. Colorado’s goaltender is coming off a difficult performance against Toronto, while Jake Oettinger has conceded just one goal across his last three starts. The contrast is significant because Colorado brings an attack capable of producing sustained pressure, led by Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas and Cale Makar. […]

Macklin Celebrini is back. San Jose’s defensive problems haven’t disappeared with him. The Sharks captain returned against Edmonton on Saturday after missing two games with a lower-body injury. His availability restores the center of San Jose’s attack, but it also creates a fascinating confrontation with Boston’s defensive structure. The Sharks can manufacture dangerous chances through […]

San Jose has found ways to win without Macklin Celebrini. Connor McDavid offers a less forgiving look at that resilience. The Sharks enter Saturday with three victories in four games, all three requiring overtime. Edmonton arrives with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl projected together on the top line, a concentration of offensive talent that threatens […]

Seattle has lost Ryan Lindgren just as Detroit has regained Dylan Larkin. That is an awkward exchange for the Kraken, whose first road trip now opens against a Red Wings attack with its most influential centre back in the lineup. Lindgren is on injured reserve with an upper-body injury and faces four to six weeks […]

Macklin Celebrini has a lower-body injury, San Jose has a rather conspicuous hole where its offense used to be, and St. Louis has been handed the sort of opportunity that usually comes with a complimentary bow. Naturally, the Blues have their own problems. Robert Thomas is still searching for his first point of the season, […]