NHL Schedule: Nationally televised games this week

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Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images /

Tuesday

Chicago Blackhawks at Montreal Canadiens (7:30 p.m. ET/ 4:30 p.m. PT on NBCSN)

Why you should watch: Another Original Six matchup between 2017 playoff teams. And the first game of a doubleheader on NBCSN. The Hawks bring their high flying forwards to Montreal to take on the Canadiens.

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As Rob Vollman points out in this year’s Hockey Abstract, since 2014-15, the Canadiens are on a 113-point pace over 82 games when Price plays. When he doesn’t, they’re a 79-point team. The Canadiens play three times this week, but get plenty of rest. If he plays, this could be a heck of a struggle between offensive production and defensive posturing.

Skip it if: Chicago comes in on the wrong end of a back-to-back. It’s possible they come in groggy, slow, and starting backup goalie Anton Forsberg. One can logically assume Corey Crawford will get the start against the Maple Leafs.

Verdict: Worth tuning in for, but not indispensable.

Arizona Coyotes at Vegas Golden Knights (10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT on NBCSN)

Why you should watch: The Golden Knights head into their first home game in franchise history undefeated. James Neal has been on a tear early, scoring the first goal in franchise history Friday night. Following the tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas last weekend, it will be an emotional evening.

Also, the Coyotes added a number of pieces in the offseason, notably following trades for Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta with the New York Rangers. The blue line looks to be fleshed out with the

Skip it if: These teams are still not very good. Everyone loves an underdog, but the Coyotes aren’t quite there yet. Vegas is still an expansion team full of holes.

Verdict: Questionable. Not worth staying up for on the East Coast, but worth watching if you’re a Pacific Division fan or just live out west.

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