Karlsson’s #65 absence is a huge impact on the Sharks losing-streak. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Washington Capitals are on a five-game losing streak (0-4-1) for the first time since 2014. The led to the Capitals having their first players-only meeting of the season after an 8-5 loss against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. The players discussed with the media about how they need to address backchecking, avoid opponent odd-man rushes, and play better defensively. Braden Holtby made an honest statement about the Capitals current state: “I think right now, our biggest battle is going to be making sure we’re not complacent. It’s one of those things that’s going to be hard, getting over the fact that last year is last year.”
Tonight they go against the San Jose Sharks who are currently on a three-game losing skid.
During the skid, the Sharks allowed six goals a game. Last night they were missing their All-Star defenseman Erik Karlsson in a 6-2 loss against the Florida Panthers. Karlsson’s absence was noticeable with the lack of explosiveness and creativity against the Panthers. Having a four-game losing streak coming into the All-Star break is something the Sharks need to avoid. Both teams are in bad form and hope to win before entering the All-Star break.
(Photo Courtesy by NHL.com)
The Arizona Coyotes have been playing their best of the season going 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Tonight they visit the Ottawa Senators hoping to win six out of their last eight games. The Senators are tied with the Detroit Red Wings and the New Jersey Devils with the worst record in the Eastern Conference. Lately, they have won four of their last six games and hope to go into the All-Star break with a winning attitude. Senators forward Mark Stone is one point away from 300 career points. Tonight the Coyotes will start goalie Darcy Kuemper who is 5-0-1 with one shutout and a .925 save percentage in the last six starts. The Senators will start veteran goaltender Craig Anderson. This matchup should be an exciting one.
The Oilers will host the Red Wings tonight as they look to end their six-game losing streak. Yesterday the Oilers signed their goaltender Mikko Koskinen to a three-year contract extension with a $4.5 million annual salary. Jimmy Howard will start for the Red Wings hoping to end their two game losing streak. The Red Wings have been 3-6-1 in their last 10 games. The Oilers hope to get back into playoff contention by beating the Red Wings.
The New York Islanders six-game winning streak is currently the hottest story in the league. Barry Trotz turned this team around thanks to their goaltender Robin Lehner. Lehner should be in the Vezina Trophy debate thanks to his recent success. In the last twelve games, Lehner’s record is 11-1-0 with a miniscule 1.30 goals-against average, .953 save percentage and two shutouts.
Lehner’s amazing shutout win against the Anaheim Ducks. Vezina Trophy candidate (Frank Franklin II / AP)
The Islanders are now first in the Metropolitan Division and hope to extend their winning streak to seven against the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks 8-5 victory against the Capitals last Sunday ended their five-game losing streak. Patrick Kane is one of the hottest players in the NHL right now scoring 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) in an eight-game point streak. This may not be the biggest matchup of the night, but the whole league is keeping an eye on the Islanders.
Tonight’s game will be a game of familiar faces. Carolina Hurricanes forward Micheal Ferland and defenseman Dougie Hamilton and Calgary Flames forward Elias Lindholm and defenseman Noah Hanifin will each face their former teams for the first time. Let’s not forget that Flames coach Bill Peters used to be the head coach of the Hurricanes.
Calgary is currently the best team in the Western Conference and is 7-0-1 in their last eight games. The Hurricanes have also been playing good hockey going 8-3-0 in the past 11 games. Not only are their post-game celebrations exciting, but they also have been playing exciting hockey. The Hurricanes will be putting their newest member Nino Niederreiter in the starting lineup. This matchup should be game of the night and will most likely be a close one.
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