The Monday 5 Pack
By Ray Calder HockeyObserver.com
Here are 5 games that top my list for viewing this week ;
Rangers at Buffalo (Friday Jan 9) - I'll be taking in this one in person and I'm interested in seeing what's going on away from the puck in the Rangers end of the ice . Early in the year goalie Henrik Lundqvist was winning contests by himself while the Rangers were scuffling to score 3 goals a game . I don't think his play has slipped that much, but the team's offense has completely dried up (including a powerplay that has already allowed 12 shorthanded markers at the season's mid point).Buffalo is a team who keeps looking like they're going to put together a run just before they stub their toe again . The teams don't particularly like each other so I expect a competitive, combative game .
Columbus at Detroit (Tuesday Jan. 6) - Columbus is becoming a difficult club to play against (ask the Sharks ), and this is one of those measuring stick games that will give us an idea of how much the Jackets have improved . Rookie netminder Steve Mason is playing at a very high level and is giving his team a chance every single night .The Red Wings have gotten less pub than the Rangers, Sharks, and Bruins but here we are nearing the season's halfway mark and the champs have a loss total (in regulation) in single digits .
San Jose at Edmonton (Friday Jan. 9) - These two teams can really fly and if you saw the contest in early December where the Sharks outshot Edmonton 43-17 and lost 3-2 (OT) you know why the re-match is so attractive . Oiler goalie Dwayne Roloson had one of the first halfs best performances and I can't wait to see this one .
Dallas at Phoenix (Saturday Jan. 10) - The Stars have improved their play of late and Marty Turco seems to slowly be finding his game as we reach the season's midpoint . The Coyotes are among the more interesting teams with all of their young talent, and I expect they'll give the more veteran Stars all they can handle in this contest .
Washington at Montreal (Saturday Jan. 10) - The Caps are getting healthy finally with Mike Green and Alexander Semin back in the lineup . The Canadiens should have Carey Price back in the crease . Should be a very intense 60 minutes between two of the Eastern Conference favourites .