After a week off for spring break, we’re back with the NHL Week in Review!
Stump Stars of the Week
1st Star - Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning, 2 Games, 2 Goals, 5 Assists
2nd Star - Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks, 3 Games, 2 Goals, 5 Assists
3rd Star - Marc-Andre Fleury, Minnesota Wild, 3 Games, 2 Wins, .968 Save %
Goals of the Week
If you tuned in to our first week in review, you’d have seen Tim Stutzle on our goals of the week list, and he’s back again with a beauty. He picked the puck up at the top of the zone, toe dragged a defender, and snapped home a gorgeous wrist shot while falling to the ice.
In a back and forth battle in Boston, Morgan Frost helped the Flyers claw back into the game with a gorgeous goal. He made himself available for a pass near the left circle, and with no one to beat but the goaltender, he pulled off a between the legs shot that was truly a must watch.
Adam Fox and the Rangers had quite the day in Pittsburgh, and Fox entered the highlight reel with just three minutes gone in the first period. He jumped up into the play in the offensive zone, catching a pass at the right circle. He closed in on the goal, made a sweet toe drag to beat a defender, and finished the goal top shelf on the backhand.
Playoff Race Check-in
Eastern Conference
The wild card race is still hot, but now the last spot in the Metro division is also up for grabs, as the Flyers hold just a 3 point lead over both the Capitals and Islanders. Both of those teams are also just one point out of the last wild card spot, which is held by the Red Wings
The race for the lead in the east (and likely the President’s Trophy for best record in the league) is a toss up between the Bruins, Panthers and Rangers. Even the Hurricanes aren’t far out, the last few weeks of the season will prove to be interesting!
Western Conference
The wild card in the west is an interesting fight, as the Predators hold the top spot and the Golden Knights hold the second spot. However, Vegas is tied with the Kings in points, so either the Kings or Knights could end up with the last spot in the Pacific division. Don’t count out the Blues and Wild, as a late push could get either of those teams into the playoffs as well.
The Central division is INSANE! The Stars, Avalanche, and Jets are all tied at 91 points, there’s no telling who will end up on top (I personally think the Jets will surge for the top spot). The Canucks have 92 points to lead the Pacific division, so all four of those teams are in the mix for the top seed in the west!
Matchups to Watch
Tuesday - Penguins @ Devils
As the year begins to wind into the last ten games, these two teams cannot afford a loss. Both need to be stellar down the stretch - and get a little bit lucky - to have any playoff hopes. Playoff desperation should lead to a great game!
Thursday - Islanders @ Red Wings
These two teams are both battling for a playoff spot, and the Red Wings currently have the last spot by one point over the Islanders. Every point matters at this time of year, and I predict this will be a gritty battle in Detroit.
Saturday - Panthers @ Rangers
Two of the top dogs in the east in prime time on a Saturday at Madison Square Garden? I can guarantee this will be a fun hockey game to watch. Both teams are gearing up for the playoffs and have exciting trade deadline additions fitting into the roster. If you have any time to watch sports that aren’t march madness this weekend, make it for this game!
Comments