Games of the Week

 Boston Bruins @ New York Rangers

You better not miss these games

By Marnitz Kotze

Tuesday Nov 19th 7:30 PM ET

 TSN,NBCSN,NESN,MSG 2

Weeeeeee!

Tuesday marks the first meeting of the season between these two original six teams. The Rangers, started their season off 3-7 but have completely turned it around, going 7-2 since then, a record good enough for third in the Metropolitan Division. They've done this without star forward Rick Nash who is hoping for a return against the Bruins. Nash was sidelined with a concussion after absorbing a hit from San Jose's Brad Stuart. Nash is rumoured to be the replacement for Steven Stamkos on Canada's top line at the upcoming Olympics, so you would expect some elevated play to prove his worth. The Bruins, on the other hand, have only been playing .500 hockey, but that's been good enough for second in the Atlantic, due mostly to the dismal records of everyone in their division not named the Tampa Bay Lightning. The two teams faced off three times last year, with the Rangers taking two of three contests but by close decisions; one in a shootout, and the other in overtime.

Prediction: Boston

These are both defence-first teams so we can expect a low scoring affair. It could come down to goaltending, so I'll give it to Rask over Lundqvist. 

 Pittsburgh Penguins @  Washington Capitals

          Wednesday Nov 20th 8:00 PM ET

             TSN 2, NBCSN

How perfect was it for the NHL to have the two most marketable players be in competition with each other? One thing they didn't account for was David Steckel attempting the Chicken Dance on Crosby's face. Crosby would be sidelined for 11 months, Oveckin's offensive numbers would decline slowly before the firing of Bruce Boudreau, and the rivalry dissipated. Fast forward to 2013 where the realignment has given the rivalry new light. I'm sure it was no mistake these two teams ended up in the same division together. No doubt the league wanted to help rekindle this rivalry. The Penguins sit at the top of the Metropolitan with 24 points in 20 games while the Caps are a close second with 23 points. Wednesday will mark the first meeting, and while the Penguins dominated the Capitals last year winning all three games, this year features a much better Washington team.

Prediction: Washington

I'm basing this prediction on looks, Ovechkin's a stud muffin, 'nuff said, Washington FTW.

 Chicago Blackhawks @  Vancouver Canucks

         Saturday Nov 23th 10:00 PM ET

            CBC,WGN

"Hurrrrr! I'm goalie-ing! Durrrr!" - Roberto Luongo

In case you've been living under a rock - I know I have - you should know the Blackhawks and Canucks are not fond of one another. After facing each other three straight years in the playoffs, and with most of the same players still on both teams, this rivalry is still very active. It's no secret these teams hate each other and this week, Hockey Night in Canada will be the first showcase for the rivalry this season. The Blackhawks are currently at the top of the Central Division and lead the lead in scoring with 73 goals over 20 games. The Canucks are sitting fifth in the Pacific Division but given their relatively easy schedule leading up to this point, they could (and probably should) be higher in the standings. This game appearing in this space isn't based on standings but rather the ongoing rivalry between the two. Of the three games the Hawks and 'Nucks played last year, two went to a shootout. I expect that trend to continue in a taut, hard-hitting, fuel-filled game.

Prediction: Vancouver
In an attempt to throw a curveball at my fellow writers, cause I love Pat Kane so much, I am going with the Canucks in this one. Luongo always gets up for regular season games against Chicago. OOOH BURN.

Available in stores now. 

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Marnitz Kotze would like to apologize to Roberto Luongo for that joke. Follow him on Twitter at @MarnitzKotze