Wednesday (Nov. 15)
New York Rangers at Chicago Blackhawks (8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT on NBCSN)
Why you should watch: The New York Rangers are going streaking, up the quad, to the gymnasium, and right back into the playoff picture.
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Winners of six in a row, the Rangers have found the back of the net after series early season shooting troubles. They’re averaging four goals per game on that win streak, playing a style of firewagon hockey that feels like it’s fresh out of 1993.
Speaking of firewagon hockey, the Blackhawks just lost a 7-5 game against the Metropolitan Division-leading New Jersey Devils.
Nothing about 2017 makes any sense.
Skip it if: You love defense. Both of these teams are in the top 10 for expected goals for (xGF), per Corsica. They’re also both in the bottom five for expected goals against.
Corey Crawford’s absurd start aside, there’s not much to be found on these blue lines or in these defensive systems. Henrik Lundqvist is playing like a beautiful, beautiful corpse this year, despite some strong starts during the streak.
Verdict: Worth watching on the East Coast. We’re all about offense here at Puck Prose. Not worth jetting home from work early if you live out west though.