NHL Games of the Week: Saturday, January 15 – Friday, January 21
Saturday, January 15th – 10:00 pm Eastern SiriusXM 91
Los Angeles Kings at Seattle Kraken
Hands up those who had the Kings amongst the Western Conference teams challenging for a 2022 playoff spot? Many of those same folks probably picked the brand-new Kraken to be in that position, but Seattle more closely resemble a traditional NHL expansion team than the recent expansion Vegas Golden Knights did. Los Angeles is loaded with impressive young talent, one reason they’re already in the thick of the playoff race in the Pacific Division.
Sunday, January 16th – 2:00 pm Eastern SiriusXM 91
Vancouver Canucks at Washington Capitals
This road trip will probably help determine who exactly these Vancouver Canucks are. They’ve played their way back into the playoff conversation in the Western Conference ever since the head coaching change, but now find themselves facing some tough Eastern Conference opponents (Nashville, Florida, and St. Louis await).
Monday, January 17th – 4:00 pm Eastern SiriusXM 91
Los Angeles Kings at San Jose Sharks
All three California-based NHL teams were not expected to do much this season, but that’s why they play the games. The Ducks, Kings, and Sharks are all in (or near) a playoff spot in the Pacific Division. Which means a Monday night game in mid-January between two of these teams takes on more importance than initially anticipated.
Tuesday, January 18th – 10:30 pm Eastern SiriusXM 91
Tampa Bay Lightning at Los Angeles Kings
After facing the Sharks, the Kings take the shuttle back to L.A., and do battle with the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. The Lightning took a while to round into form, but have been playing top notch hockey recently, even while the roster has been decimated due to COVID protocols.
Wednesday, January 19th – 7:30 pm Eastern SiriusXM 91
Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Rangers
This Original Six matchup features two teams well on their way to the 2022 post-season. Who they match up with in the first round remains the question, with both clubs looking to finish on top of their respective divisions in order to (arguably) facilitate a less arduous opening round playoff opponent.
Thursday, January 20th – 7:00 pm Eastern SiriusXM 91
Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins
Last week the Bruins were in D.C., and emerged with an impressive 7-3 victory. This time around, they’re the home team, and have All-Star goaltender Tuukka Rask back in the fold. Both teams are looking for solidify their Eastern Conference playoff credentials as we approach the halfway mark of the 2021-22 NHL regular season.
Friday, January 21st – 7:00 pm Eastern SiriusXM 91
New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes
Quietly, the Hurricanes continue to rack up points in the tough Metropolitan Division. Tonight, they face a visiting Rangers team that also has designs on the Metro crown. This could very well be a preview of an opening round playoff series later this spring.
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