Just two games on tap for today but they both should be dandies. We’ll use this as an open thread for today’s games.
Vegas Golden Knights (2-0-0) at Colorado Avalanche (2-0-0)
Rogers Place, Edmonton
Time: 3pm ET
TV: NBC, TVAS, SN
Team Sites: Mile High Hockey, Kinghts on Ice
The first of two battles for first place, Vegas and Colorado come in after looking impressive in their first two games, if for different reason. Vegas has scored more goals then any other team in the qualifiers (11) but they also have given up the third highest amount of goals as well. Colorado on the other hand has “only” scored six goals in two games, but they have only given up one. There is no doubt Vegas is fast and they use that speed to their advantage quite well. But Colorado is a fast team as well and their defense/goaltending has been top notch and will prove difficult for Vegas. The Golden Knights are going to have to find a way to keep pucks out of their net to win this one.
Philadelphia Flyers (2-0-0) at Tampa Bay Lightning (2-0-0)
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
Time: 8pm ET
TV: NBC, TVAS, SN
Team Sites: Broad Street Hockey , Raw Charge
The second of the first place games sees a Philadelphia team that has been very impressive in their wins over Washington and Boston, stifling their offenses while also putting up decent offensive numbers of their own (seven goals in two games). Tampa Bay on the other hand has won their first two games but have had some issues with establishing a consistent attack on offense and have had to gut out 3-2 wins, one in a shootout. Those wins could be the thing that solidifies a team and gives them the strength to fight through the gauntlet that is the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But they also could be an indication of a team holding on for dear life and about to fall. Today’s game should give more insight into which these two teams could be.
