Battle Previews: All 4 In Action On Thursday Extravaganza

October 8, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

It’s not often all four Battle teams play on the same day unless it’s a Saturday. However, they all will be in action tonight in a busy Thursday slate that features 12 games and 24 clubs. Just call it an NHL Thursday Extravaganza.

Let’s take a quick look at each Battle game:

Phoenix vs Buffalo (7 ET/4 PT, MSG/CI)-As usual, Lindy Ruff’s club has played only one game thus far, falling in overtime to nemesis Montreal at HSBC last Saturday. The Sabre offense looks to get untracked against the surprising 2-0 Coyotes, who are playing quite differently under more defensive oriented Dave Tippett. In their first two wins of a three-game road trip, the ‘Yotes have outscored opponents 9-3 including a dominant 3-0 shutout of the defending champs last night. Old pal Petr Prucha scored a highlight reel goal from his knees and Radim Vrbata has three goals or as many as he had with Tampa. Buffalo scored just once in their opener via a Tim Connolly power play goal but also allowed a shorthanded goal, losing despite a 35-17 SOG edge. Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville and Drew Stafford must turn it up. The Sabres are well rested and should have an edge.

Rangers vs Capitals (7 ET/4 PT, MSG/CSN)-After going 2-1 in a challenging three-in-four, John Tortorella’s club gets the reward of having to slow down Alexander Ovechkin, who’s already put up nine points in Washington’s first three games. Apparently, the two-time league MVP is on a mission which could include 70+ goals. Did we mention linemates Nicklas Backstrom (8 A) and Alex Semin (4-3-7) are just as potent? Brooks Laich also has six points. Even scarier is that Mike Green (2 A) is off to a slow start. The Rangers don’t want to awaken him. Our advice: Stay out of the box. The one positive entering a place they never win is that the Caps have allowed 10 goals the last two games, including a hat trick to Mike Richards in a 6-5 OT loss Tuesday. We’re guessing the Blueshirts will see Semyon Varlamov. They won’t have Sean Avery, who remains out due to his right knee but former Cap Donald Brashear returns. Hopefully, he’ll stay under control cause he’s been good so far. If they want to win, the Gaborik line must dominate. It’d also help if they took the play to the Caps. Good luck!

Islanders vs Senators (7 ET/4 PT, MSG++2/RSNE)-John Tavares’ second game and return to Canada comes five days (really 100) after an impressive rookie debut in which the No.1 overall pick proved why by scoring his first NHL goal on a nifty backhand and setting up another in the club’s 4-3 shootout loss to the Pens. So, what can the gifted 19 year-old center do for an encore closer to home? All of Canada’s eyes will be on the phenom. No pressure. All kidding aside, it should be a fun atmosphere against a Sen team that evened their record with a 2-1 home win over the struggling Leafs. Brian Burke can’t lose enough. Ottawa got goals from Shean Donovan and captain Daniel Alfredsson, who went backhand deke on The Monster, converting a penalty shot. Not on the scoring sheet was Alex Kovalev. The Isles would be wise to keep him quiet. Veteran Doug Weight makes his season debut and recently claimed Rob Schremp also donns Islander colors for the first time. Blake Comeau also will suit up with enforcer Joel Rechlicz in Bridgeport. Might Martin Biron make his debut or does Scott Gordon stay with Dwayne Roloson? Either way, the Isles aim for win No.1.

Devils vs Lightning (7:30 ET/4:30 PT, MSG-+/SUN)-The Devils are also looking for their first win following disappointments against rivals (Phi, NYR) both at home. Perhaps a three-game Southeastern swing is just what the doctor ordered for Jacques Lemaire’s club. They’ll need stronger goaltending from Martin Brodeur, who’s already permitted eight with more than half uncharacteristic. Perhaps it’s cause MB30’s on my fantasy team. C’ mon Marty. Wake up! Aside from his struggles, the team hasn’t played well either, looking lost defensively which doesn’t help when you’re hardly scoring (4 GF). ZZ Popp was better Monday but needs to kick it into high gear. Zach Parise hasn’t finished yet and with Patrik Elias still out, that can’t happen. Jamie Langenbrunner must be better than the other night. Against a dangerous Bolt club led by Martin St. Louis, Vinny Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos, they might need at least three to prevail. Encouraging is that they’ve won eight straight versus Tampa including four in a row in St. Pete. So, confidence shouldn’t be an issue. The Devs will also get their first taste of No.2 overall pick Victor Hedman. The big Swede defenseman has an assist but is minus-two in his team’s 0-1-1 start. It should be worth checking out.

Here’s the rest of the Thursday schedule:

Pens @ Flyers 7 ET/4 PT (FSPI/CSP-CI)

Ducks @ Bruins 7 ET/4 PT (FSPT/NESN-CI)

Blackhawks @ Red Wings 7:30 ET/4:30 PT (NHL Network)

Avalanche @ Predators 8 ET/5 PT (ALT/FSTN-CI)

Thrashers @ Blues 8 ET/5 PT (SS/FSMW-CI)

Flames @ Oilers 9:30 ET/6:30 PT (RSW-CI)

Wild @ Kings 10:30 ET/7:30 PT (FSNO/FSW-CI)

Blue Jackets @ Sharks 10:30 ET/7:30 PT (FSOH/CSBA-CI)