This week’s schedule gets decidedly more interesting with the specter of the trade deadline looming on April 3. Jarome Iginla appears to be the name that is garnering the most attention, specifically because he provided a list of teams that he would waive his no-trade clause for.
With Calgary in Chicago for a Tuesday night tilt, their game takes on significant meaning because the Blackhawks are one of the teams that made the Calgary captain’s list. Los Angeles, Boston and Pittsburgh are said to also be on Iginla’s list for possible destinations.
The storylines this week will be on potential trades, but this week might also be the last attempt for some teams to solidify their playoff position. For teams like the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers, the disappointing regular season so far can be salvaged if they can get to the postseason. Here are five games that you will not want to miss this week.
5. New York Rangers at Philadelphia Flyers, Tuesday
Expectations were high for both of these teams to contend in the Eastern Conference. Both sides have been up and down all year, and chances are if one of these teams makes it to the playoffs it will be at the expense of the other. Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek lead the Flyers while Henrik Lundqvist Brad Richards, Marian Gaborik and Rick Nash lead the Rangers.
4. Montreal Canadiens at Pittsburgh Penguins, Tuesday
The Penguins and Sidney Crosby have won 12 straight games and are showing no signs of slowing down. They just added Dallas Stars’ captain Brenden Morrow to a loaded roster and have to be considered favorites to take the Eastern Conference at this point. The Montreal Canadiens, led by Max Pacioretty and goalie Carey Price lead the Northeast Division and will try to end the Penguins streak.
3. Anaheim Ducks at Chicago Blackhawks, Friday
The Blackhawks will be out for revenge after the Ducks rallied for a 4-2 win in Anaheim last week. Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan lead the Ducks in to Chicago with Western Conference supremacy on the line. Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and net minder Corey Crawford lead the Blackhawks who are trying to prove that they didn’t peak too early this season.
2. Detroit Red wings at San Jose Sharks, Thursday
The Red Wings have been on a roll during their latest road trip, winning their last three. Led by Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and goalie Jimmy Howard, Detroit has won their last six overall on the road. The Sharks are always a hostile opponent featuring Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Antti Niemi. Detroit will try to continue their climb in the Western Conference while the Sharks will be trying to get their groove back after a hot start to the season.
1.Montreal Canadiens at Boston Bruins, Wednesday
The greatest rivalry in hockey is renewed on Wednesday after the Canadiens play in Pittsburgh the night before. They might be a little tired after playing two games in as many nights but the adrenaline from playing a hated rival will make this game another epic matchup.