Preview Roundups
January 18, 2019
Toronto at Florida 7:00 PM ET
The Florida Panthers have had no reason to celebrate since New Year's Eve, losing each of their first seven games of 2019. They vie for their first win of the calendar year when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday.
Montreal at Columbus 7:00 PM ET
The Columbus Blue Jackets have ascended to the top of the Metropolitan Division on the heels of four consecutive victories and will look to match a season-best winning streak when they host the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night in the finale of a three-game homestand. Winners of five of six overall, the Blue Jackets are also riding a four-game win streak at home.
NY Islanders at Washington 7:30 PM ET
All eyes will be on coach Barry Trotz when his red-hot New York Islanders visit the struggling Washington Capitals on Friday. Trotz, who returns to Capitol One Arena for the first time since leading Washington to its first Stanley Cup championship last spring and leaving the club two weeks later over financial differences, has New York near the top of the Metropolitan Division with a much-improved defense.
Ottawa at Carolina 7:30 PM ET
After enduring another loss in their personal house of horrors at Madison Square Garden, the Carolina Hurricanes look to reclaim their momentum when they host the Ottawa Senators on Friday night. Carolina lost for only the second time in the past nine games when it dropped a 6-2 decision at the New York Rangers -- its 16th consecutive road defeat in that series.
Detroit at Calgary 9:00 PM ET
The Calgary Flames have catapulted to the top of the Western Conference standings on the strength of an 8-1-2 run, however, Bill Peters' team was left with a sour taste in its mouth after sustaining its first home loss in three weeks. The Flames vie to get back to their winning ways on Friday when they complete their five-game homestand against the Detroit Red Wings to Scotiabank Saddledome.
Pittsburgh at Arizona 9:00 PM ET
The Pittsburgh Penguins answered their longest losing skid in nearly three years with a dominating performance against the Arizona Coyotes in November. After dropping back-to-back three-goal decisions, the Penguins hope that a visit to the Coyotes will once again cure what ails them when the teams get together at Gila River Arena on Friday.
Buffalo at Vancouver 10:00 PM ET
It looks like the Vancouver Canucks will be a bit more patient with rookie phenom Elias Pettersson as they continue a six-game homestand Friday against the Buffalo Sabres. Pettersson, who is a prohibitive favorite to win the Calder Trophy, is expected to miss his fifth straight game with a knee injury, according to coach Travis Green, after piling up 22 goals and 42 points - numbers that dwarf all other NHL rookies.