What's Happening: The Metropolitan is playing the Central this week, and the Atlantic is playing the Pacific. Game of the Night: Sunday March 25 - 9:00 PM Anaheim Ducks at Ottawa Senators The Ducks are just outside the playoffs looking at a one point deficit for the second wildcard spot and plenty of challengers just behind them. The Senators are eyeing the top of the Atlantic with 3 teams within 6 points. A good start to the week could bode well for both these teams that face off Sunday night. Monday March 26 - 10:00 PM Detroit Red Wings at New Jersey Devils New Jersey is not first in the Metropolitan for the first time since the season started. Both teams are just four points back from their respective division leaders, and both these teams are looking for two points to hopefully catch the first-place team in their division. Tuesday March 27 - 9:00 PM Toronto Maple Leafs at Edmonton Oilers After a scorching hot week, Toronto ran into many members of the Atlantic looking to stop the Leafs' rapid rise. The Oilers, on the other hand, had their best week of the season, and find themselves in the second wildcard spot. Both of the second wildcards attempt to capture two points and improve their playoff chances. Wednesday March 28 - 9:00 PM Colorado Avalanche at Calgary Flames The Flames are in a dead heat for the playoffs as most of the Pacific are separated by a handful of points. The Avalanche have a big lead on the Wild, but an even bigger lead on teams attempting to capture the second wildcard; however, Winnipeg and Chicago are very much within reach. The two 3rd seeds in the Western Conference duke it out on Wednesday night. Players to Watch: The Jets have cooled off a bit since the beginning of the season, and the Blackhawks have been gaining ground ever since. While the Jets aren't a one-player team by any means, @Stoner x 95 has had plenty of individual success this season and leads the team with 22 goals and the league with 52 points. Look for him to have a big week against Metro opponents. The Devils can't like seeing a team usurp their throne atop the Metropolitan. Hopefully, this provides ample motivation for the Devils to regain their early season competitiveness. Look to one of the Devil's veteran players in @Stewkos to lead the way this week. One of the top goalies this season with an 86.7 save percentage and a 1.36 GAA, @lx JoneZ xl has been a force to be reckoned with in net for the Canucks. Vancouver needs another big week from their starting goalie to strengthen their playoff aspirations. Teams Most Likely to Improve: Arizona Coyotes Ok, let's try this again. The Coyotes are in roughly the same spot they were in last week. Four teams within four points of them. If they can get some good match ups, there shouldn't be any reason they can't move closer to the postseason. Ottawa Senators Two teams just two points ahead of them. The Senators have one of the better records in their last ten games in the league indicating their hot right now. All the teams ahead of them in the Atlantic have all had strong weeks, but it doesn't seem like anyone is going to underestimate the Senators. Pittsburgh Penguins The Penguins had an abysmal start to the season and have made a slew of trades through week 5. The deadline is coming up, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Penguins cement themselves as buyers at the end of this week. Some Interesting Stats: A small (and I mean small, let's not let this pump up anyone's ego) round of applause to: @Gary Garoo for currently leading all defenseman in the league in "Own End Efficiency". It takes the opposing team 4:41 of zone time to score when Gary is out there. @P t P 10 for leading the league in "Own End Efficiency". It takes the opposing team 8:44 (wut ) of zone time to score when Ptp is playing. @BizyBounce and @o S m i i t t y for leading the league in games played. Umm, congrats guys. The Calgary Flames who currently lead the league with 370 hits. You just can't teach that kind of aggression. The Detroit Red Wings come in with the highest shot difference in the league. (Coincidentally, also way less one goal losses than last season so far.)
The Detroit Red Wings come in with the highest shot difference in the league. (Coincidentally, also way less one goal losses than last season so far.) @Stoner x 95 @Eddiekog
