Friday
New York Rangers at Columbus Blue Jackets (7:00 p.m. EDT/ 4:00 p.m. PDT on NHL Network)
Why you should watch: This game should give us some insight into the Metropolitan Division going forward. There’s an argument to be made the Blue Jackets were lucky (or rode great goaltending) to a franchise-best season last year. Either way, they put up 108 points.
They also return most of their main contributors. The Blue Jackets sport a line up that reminds us of the Minnesota Wild. While their long-term cap situation is suspect, there just are not many holes.
The Rangers start the first game of a divisional back-to-back as they head home the next night to face the New Jersey Devils. They got a huge win on Sunday against the Canadiens after struggling in their first two games. With an improved defense, they hope to improve on last season.
Here’s what Rangers fans should and shouldn’t be worrying about through two games, courtesy @brandonco4: https://t.co/FbFDiLboOJ
— Blue Line Station (@BlueLineStation) October 8, 2017
Skip it if: Boy, if you though Alain Vigneault was a frustrating coach, John Tortorella is another level of difficult. When he isn’t ruining the World Cup for US fans, he’s blowing winnable playoff series.
Verdict: Unless you’re particularly attached to the Metro Division you can get your weekend started early. This should be a very good game though. Still, with the Rangers likely starting Ondrej Pavelec in goal, this one isn’t as exciting as it could be.