Jets’ Hellebuyck, Connor Showcase Olympic Skills Against Senators
The NHL landscape is heating up as teams intensify their battles for playoff positioning. This week, several matchups showcase top talent as clubs continue to vie for supremacy in their respective divisions.
Panthers Eye Division Rival
The Florida Panthers are on a competitive streak, winning four of their last five games. A victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning could cut their deficit to three points behind the Atlantic Division leaders. Currently, the Panthers hold a 16-13-2 record.
- Penalty Kill Efficiency: 90.6% since Nov. 18
- Short-Handed Goals: 3 (tied for seventh in the league)
- Player Highlight: Anton Lundell – 3 short-handed points (1 goal, 2 assists)
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay boasts an 18-11-3 record. Forward Nikita Kucherov has contributed significantly, posting eight points in the last three games (1 goal, 7 assists). Coach Jon Cooper remains optimistic about the return of goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, aiming for a pre-Christmas comeback. As such, Jonas Johansson is expected to start as the goaltender.
Emotional Reunion at Madison Square Garden
The New York Rangers will host the Anaheim Ducks tonight in a highly anticipated matchup featuring Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba. Both players are facing their former team for the first time after trades. Kreider, a long-standing Rangers player with 326 career goals, was traded on June 12, 2024. He currently ranks third on the Ducks with 13 goals.
- Kreider: 13 goals this season
- Trouba: 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists) and plus-14 in 32 games
The Ducks enter the game with a 19-12-1 record, although they suffered setbacks with two consecutive road losses against the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils. The Rangers, on the other hand, hold a 16-13-4 record while gaining points in eight of their last ten games.
Blues Prepare for Predators Challenge
The St. Louis Blues are set to clash with the Nashville Predators at Enterprise Center. This matchup marks their second meeting in four days. The Blues hope to contain Steven Stamkos, who last week scored four goals against them in a dominating 7-2 win for Nashville.
- Stamkos: 4 goals in the previous game
- Goals Allowed by Blues: 116 (highest in the NHL this season)
The Blues currently hold a record of 12-14-7, struggling defensively as they deal with an ongoing issue of allowing too many goals. The upcoming game promises to be critical for both teams as they navigate through the season’s challenges.
