NHL: What a day of hockey ahead for fans of the game!
By Jim Lynch
The NHL has one of their most action-packed nights of the season, and there are only four games in the league. With Jack Eichel set to join the Vegas Golden Knights and a big matchup in Carolina, there is a lot to get excited about.
First and foremost when talking about hockey I think the biggest story of the night is going to be the women’s ice hockey gold medal game tonight between Canada and the U.S. in the Olympics. The game has a start time of 11:10 ET and I know I cannot wait to watch that event! Canada did win their previous matchup 4-2. This game will be on NBC and Peacock in the United States.
The Olympic game will be the big matchup of the night, but there will be some other games earlier to warm up hockey fans for the main event. Here are the four NHL games on the schedule:
Minnesota Wild at Winnipeg Jets – 7 ET
A great central division matchup, Jets vs Wild is going to have something all fans are going to want to see. The Wild are 8-1-1 while the Jets are desperately trying to get back into the playoff race. This matchup is going to be incredible to see as the Wild have been one of the best teams around. The Wild have lost just one game in regulation since New Year’s day, and that game was against the Winnipeg Jets this past week.
Their last matchup was chippy and had some fights, there is no doubt that could be the case yet again tonight. This matchup could be similar to physical playoff hockey, the next game is just two good teams slugging it out for two points.
Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes – 7:30 ET
The Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes each find themselves in second place within their respective divisions. Both teams are destined for the playoffs, but the points still matter in determining the seeding within each division, so this game is going to be a good measuring stick and opportunity to secure some points. This will be the first matchup back from the all-star break for the Panthers and the Hurricanes’ last matchup was on Saturday in a loss against the Wild. Both teams are looking for a big win.
Anaheim Ducks at Calgary Flames – 9:30 ET
The Flames have won seven straight to take back the top spot within the Pacific Division, at the same time, the Ducks have lost two straight and have won just four of their last ten to now fall to a tough spot within the division standings. While they are tied for points to be third in the division, they have played the most games and are stuck behind the Kings and Oilers. This is going to be a tough race for the Pacific Division, and the Ducks need these points to stay afloat in the standings.
Colorado Avalanche at Vegas Golden Knights 10 ET
Two great teams, and a welcome party for the Golden Knights’ new face of the franchise in Jack Eichel. What more needs to be said about this one?
I am not going to lie, all four of those games will probably be on my TV tonight at some given time, as well as the big Olympic game tonight. Make sure to check in with Puck Prose on Twitter for updates throughout the games!