This article is part of our Schedule Analysis series.
*B2b (back-to-back occurrences) are in bold
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Four Aces
One of 10 teams playing a four game slate this week, one of the NHL's best, Anaheim (7-1), will be very busy this week. Sami Vatanen has been tremendous on the man advantage.
Despite a win over Florida, Arizona has come back down to earth. Martin Hanzal (lower body) is expected to return on Tuesday. David Moss (upper body) is listed as week-to-week.
It is what it is in Buffalo, but four games could ease the pain for those scattered owners of Sabres players. Michal Neuvirth won on Saturday and could be considered currently in the lead for head coach Ted Nolan's number one guy. But that's always subject to change. Always keep an eye on our Goalie Grid for more update to date information.
The week gets progressively easier for Chicago. Daniel Carcillo (knee) will likely be out two weeks. Corey Crawford (upper body) is being eased back, but should return this week.
Colorado turned up the heat, clocking seven goals against visiting Vancouver on Friday. If they're going to sustain this week, it will be against four QUALITY opponents. Tyson Barrie collected three assists in the aforementioned defeat of the Canucks. Matt Duchene is returning to form.
With a big X on their backs, Los Angeles is headed East. Marian Gaborik (undisclosed) skated on his own Saturday.
Thanks to solid goal-tending, Minnesota has the league's second best goal differential. While the slumping Rangers and Bruins won't likely change that
*B2b (back-to-back occurrences) are in bold
----------------
Four Aces
One of 10 teams playing a four game slate this week, one of the NHL's best, Anaheim (7-1), will be very busy this week. Sami Vatanen has been tremendous on the man advantage.
Despite a win over Florida, Arizona has come back down to earth. Martin Hanzal (lower body) is expected to return on Tuesday. David Moss (upper body) is listed as week-to-week.
It is what it is in Buffalo, but four games could ease the pain for those scattered owners of Sabres players. Michal Neuvirth won on Saturday and could be considered currently in the lead for head coach Ted Nolan's number one guy. But that's always subject to change. Always keep an eye on our Goalie Grid for more update to date information.
The week gets progressively easier for Chicago. Daniel Carcillo (knee) will likely be out two weeks. Corey Crawford (upper body) is being eased back, but should return this week.
Colorado turned up the heat, clocking seven goals against visiting Vancouver on Friday. If they're going to sustain this week, it will be against four QUALITY opponents. Tyson Barrie collected three assists in the aforementioned defeat of the Canucks. Matt Duchene is returning to form.
With a big X on their backs, Los Angeles is headed East. Marian Gaborik (undisclosed) skated on his own Saturday.
Thanks to solid goal-tending, Minnesota has the league's second best goal differential. While the slumping Rangers and Bruins won't likely change that much, Dallas and San Jose have both proven to be explosive. Keith Ballard (illness) is not on the team's current road trip.
Montreal exclusively faces off with the Pacific division, starting with three on the road. Thomas Vanek had two assists in his last tilt.
Vancouver, like the rest of our 10 teams playing a four game slate, have a back-to-back occurrence and will likely give the nod to both goalies at some point.
Winnipeg's Tobias Enstrom has remained consistent, despite the team's environment. The Jets have recalled Patrice Cormier from AHL St. John's. Michael Frolik had seven shots on goal and Vladislav Namestnikov scored the game-winner on Friday.
Three of a Kind
Hold 'Em
Detroit has yet to piece together any form of consistency in the win or loss column this season and while we like the prospects of their week offensively (especially with Pavel Datsyuk back), we don't think this lack of consistency will change much. After two days off, their schedule takes them to Washington, then home to host the Kings and to Buffalo for the end of the week. Jonas Gustavsson defeated Philly on Saturday, but Jimmy Howard is the man. PREDICTION: 1-1-1
Like Montreal, Nashville takes their rejuvenated squad on the road for three games against the Pacific. Pekka Rinne has returned to his old ways and as long as someone on that team finds the net at least once a night, this Preds team could make the playoffs. PREDICTION: 3-0
Pittsburgh plays host all week starting with New Jersey. Although Los Angeles could give them fits, they may be a bit battered from their Tuesday tilt with Philly. Robert Bortuzzzo and Simon Despres have been battling for sixth man minutes on the Pens' blue line. Blake Comeau practiced on the team's second line with Evgeni Malkin and Pascal Dupuis. PREDICTION: 2-0-1
Fold 'Em
Despite our general vote of confidence, Dallas' schedule this week is rather tough. After hosting St. Louis, they'll rest for two days then play the top two teams (Anaheim, Minnesota) in league goal differential. Not really a great formula for a team that currently ranks in the bottom five of the league in shots and goals allowed per game. Both Kari Lehtonen and Anders Lindback have been suspect as of late, whether that's as a result or a direct effect, we'll let you decide, but they are seriously missing at least one lock down defender. PREDICTION 1-2
Ottawa has continually surprised us, tied for third in goals allowed. Add in the solidarity the team is feeling after last week's horrific events and as much as we would love to say this continues, the cards show differently. Robin Lehner lost to the Devils on Saturday, but this is still a warm goalie hot seat in our humble opinion. Marc Methot is not expected to travel with the team. PREDICTION: 1-2
St. Louis has continually surprised us as well, but not in a good way. The Blues have muddled around in mediocrity and rivalry dates with Dallas, Anaheim and Colorado are not likely change things for the better. PREDICTION: 1-2
Two Pair
Weekly owners should avoid the two teams playing a two game slate. Florida, the league's worst offense gets a much needed respite. Perhaps the Rangers can use the time off to finally start solidifying their lines.
Bonus card: While Boston plays three this week, be advised they play just two next week.
TABLE TALK: The Isles activated Mikhail Grabovski (concussion) and placed Josh Bailey (hand) on injured reserved. J.T. Brown (upper body) did not play on Saturday and Ryan Callahan (lower body) was placed on IR, but is eligible to return back immediately, as soon as he's cleared. Jason Demers was a healthy scratch in Saturday's tilt against Buffalo. Carolina will have to decide on Leon Draisaitl's future soon. It appears Ray Emery is gaining steam on a struggling Steve Mason, once again. Marcus Foligno registered a minus-1 playing in center slot as Cody Hodgson moved back to the wing. Radko Gudas returned to action on Friday. Martin Havlat (undisclosed) did not play on Saturday.Tyler Kennedy (upper body) did not return to Saturday's game. Another Lightning forward, Alex Killorn (upper body) is on IR but could be nearing a return. Oilers' defensemen Nikita Nikitin had an assist and plus-4 rating on Friday against Carolina. Richard Panik logged his first goal in a Leafs uniform. Michael Raffl has four goals and an assist in his last six games. Due to Eric Staal's move to IR, Victor Rask is currently Carolina's top line center in between Jiri Tlusty and Alexander Semin. In light of Zdeno Chara's injury, Dennis Seidenberg has been paired with Dougie Hamilton. Damon Severson continues his shine, time to take him for real? Derek Stepan (leg) has begun skating on his own.
