As the playoffs inch closer, the games get better. We’ve been treated with some exciting games coming off of the All-star break, most notably the battle of Alberta. On Superbowl Sunday we experienced another playoff like game between the Capitals and Penguins. Tom Wilson was a monster in this one playing his abrasive and pesky game. His hit early in the third period changed momentum for the Caps despite their efforts coming short. They had just killed a big penalty and were trailing by two when Kuznetsov found the back of the net about six minutes into the third. The Capitals would absolutely control the game for the rest of the third but could not capitalize on any of their chances. The penguins would score an empty netter with a little over two minutes to-go basically sealing the game. Lars Eller had different thoughts, scoring just seconds later with a gorgeous dangle and snipe to get it back to a one goal game with about two minutes left. The capitals would get a few chances with the extra skater but failed to send it to OT. Ultimately, the crowd was loud, it was physical, back-and-forth, intense and had great playoff pace. Yet again another great game to cap off the weeks action.

I need the battle of Alberta in the playoffs, you need the battle of Alberta in the playoffs, and the NHL needs the battle of Alberta in the playoffs.

I know the scoreboard makes it seem like it wasn’t much of a game but as far is in game action and tension goes, it was quite the game indeed. Ultimately, what’s going to be the headline of this game is the goalie fight between Smith and Talbot which was short-lived but exciting. It was a complete yard sale after that sequence and was just another cherry on-the-top from last time the two teams met on Wednesday with the Tkachuk- Kassian beef. You can really feel the tension and rivalry between these two teams and cities, especially with the current standings in the Pacific.

For many American viewers without ESPN+, there wasn’t really any options for viewing this game which I think is very unfortunate. Sure, these markets probably won’t appeal to many Americans; yet getting this game on national TV in the states would be awarding the true hockey fans and garnishing American fans who happened to watch some piece of this game.

This game had a lot of things that most games don’t have nowadays. I am a huge believer that the refs have a lot to do with the lack of tension between teams in today’s game. They break up plays after the whistles all too early, not letting the players get into some heated exchanges which would definitely add a different element to the game. However, in rivalry matches like this, the refs don’t factor in AS MUCH due to the tension levels set prior to puck drop.

Old time hockey fans and casual sports fans usual associate hockey with rough hard hitting hatred between teams. Since we don’t see as much of that style today, it is always refreshing to get it when we do. This is why I think a playoff series between these two teams would be a huge win for everyone. Hockey always gets more attention come playoff time and these two teams would no doubt carry over and even amplify their intensity in the playoffs. I think this series will draw in more fans to the playoffs as a whole since we will likely see more hits, fights, chirps, and much more.

At the end of the day, I know one thing… I NEED THIS SERIES IN THE PLAYOFFS!

The battle of Alberta is tonight, and I could not be more excited. Matt Tkachuk is so fun to watch. He is the type of grit/skill player that every team dies for. On top of the Kassian-Tkachuk beef, there are major playoff implications on the line here. As of right now Edmonton has 57 points and Calgary has 58, 3 and 2 points out of first in the Pacific, respectively. It seems obvious that Mcdavid, Draisaitl, Kassian, and Tkachuk will headline tomorrow night’s game. But who else will have an impact? I think Gaudreau and Monahan are way overdue to start playing up to last year’s standards. Both forwards’ numbers are very underwhelming and are more than likely a large reason as to why the flames are where they are in the standings thus far. Geoff Ward did some line juggling last night against St. Louis to help spark the offense and it seems to have worked well considering Monahan and Gaudreau’s presence on the scoresheet. Both players will have to continue to score consistently if the flames want to find themselves in the top 3 spots in the Pacific come mid-April. I think we are in for a battle tonight. Buckle up.

Feels like Déjà vu yet again in Buffalo. While I’m not a Sabres fan I’ve been rooting for them to just at least make the playoffs at some point. Every year you start off thinking…this is the year. By the time you get quarter of the way through the season you really have bought into that thought; but as the season goes on your confidence dwindles every game. It wasn’t too long ago they were atop the Atlantic. Eichel is having a career season, Dahlin is growing better with every game, and rookie Olofsson really broke out. I think what it comes down to for Buffalo is a lack of depth and solid goaltending. The Sabres really need guys like Mittelstadt, Thompson, Vesey to start contributing more consistently. Looks like Sabres fans will have to hope for growth and an active offseason if they want to see postseason action next year. While Eichel is a phenomenal player, you just can’t rely on one guy to carry you to the postseason (the oilers have 2). This is especially true given the amount of competition for the last spot in the east. Again, this is where that lack of depth hurts the Sabres.

Typed this up last night and just wanted to get it out there. Just typed up some thoughts on last’s nights action in the NHL coming off of the All-Star break.

In a game that Montreal really needed to keep their playoff hopes alive, they could not find a way to beat a good caps team at home. The habs jumped out to an earlier lead after Jeff Petry found twine less than 2 minutes in. The caps would go on to score three straight, however. Dale Weise scored about halfway through the third but to no avail as the habs failed to score with the extra attacker. Backstrom would seal it with an empty netter. You would have to think Marc Bergevin and staff are looking to sell at the deadline. The most notable name on the roster is stay at home right-handed defenseman Jeff Petry.

A wild game in Ottawa headlined by a Tkachuk and Subban fight. A game that saw two of the leagues worse team go back in forth scoring 6 goals while the Devils would take the 4-3 win in the shootout. While they are not a great team, something I recently heard that reigns true regarding the Sens is that they fight and compete every night. New additions to the Devil lineup is Hughes and Gusev both scored in the shootout to give the Devils the edge.

Of the nights games, Tampa v Dallas was easily the best one. A playoff like pace throughout the whole game and absolutely dominate goaltending on both sides, but in particular with Ben Bishop in Dallas. Stopping 23-25 Bishop had a great night and led Dallas a much-needed victory now only 2 points behind the avs. Both teams went 0/4 on the powerplay which attest to the goaltending and competitiveness in the game. Tied 1-1 going into the third Jamie Benn who was far and beyond the most notable player in this game scored to put Dallas ahead. Stamkos, however, would score with the net empty to salvage a point for Tampa. Benn continued his bold performance by scoring a beautiful goal fighting through Tampa players to break loose.

Big win for Toronto over a disappointing and struggling Nashville team. The leafs showed up in a big way coming into Nashville a few points out of the final wildcard in the East. William Nylander continues his hot streak and has been a rather bright spot for the inconsistent leafs. Rookie Rasmus Sandin the 29^th overall pick in 2018 got on the scoreboard scoring his first NHL goal to put the leafs up 3-1. While they did score another goal, things never seemed to connect for the preds. Unfortunately for the preds they are not getting the offensive production they envisioned and seem like a long-shot for a playoff appearance.