The NHL is celebrating the birth of a new generation of stars.
Here are the best places in the league to catch a game.
1.
Toronto Maple Leafs – The Leafs have a long way to go before they’re ready to get in a playoff series with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
But that doesn’t mean the team isn’t still working toward that goal.
After going 0-2-1 in the season opener, the Leafs are riding high and are coming off a home win over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night.
This should be a very competitive series, and the Leafs will want to stay on top of their defensive game, particularly on the power play.
2.
Nashville Predators – The Predators haven’t been as hot lately, but they’re still in a great position to make the playoffs, especially if they keep the puck out of their own net.
Nashville is averaging over a goal per game and has been able to use its speed to get its own back, so they should be able to do just that against the Capitals.
The Predators also have some key players who can make the difference on the penalty kill.
3.
Calgary Flames – The Flames are currently at .500 and have a number of pieces who have a lot of playoff experience, including captain Jarome Iginla, defenseman Alex Petrovic and goalie Mike Smith.
If the Flames can stay healthy, they should have a shot to make a deep run.
4.
Winnipeg Jets – The Jets are 3-1-1 and could make the Stanley Cup Playoffs if they can keep up with the Vegas Golden Knights.
This team has the pieces to compete and if they get a break in their own zone and get to the net, they can create scoring chances.
5.
New Jersey Nets – The Nets have been in the postseason the past three seasons, but the Devils are now in the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
This game should be great to see how this young team develops under head coach Steve Mariucci.
6.
Tampa Bay Lightning – The Lightning have a chance to win their first playoff game in nearly a decade and they’re looking to do so after a 5-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday.
The Lightning are also coming off of a win over New York Rangers, which should help them win the Atlantic Division title.
7.
Pittsburgh Penguins – The Penguins are in a strong position to improve to 2-0-0 and the win over Vancouver Canucks should help make that happen.
The Pens will be looking to get their offense going, especially with center Evgeni Malkin, who has been one of the best at getting points in the second half of games.
8.
Nashville Titans – The Titans are riding a three-game winning streak and are still looking to make it to the Western Conference Final.
The Titans have been a lot more consistent in their play this season and could be a big reason why they’ve been so successful.
9.
Vancouver Canucks – The Canucks are in the midst of a two-game losing streak, but their three-point win over Arizona Coyotes on Thursday was a big step in the right direction.
Vancouver is one of many teams looking to add some depth to its top-six, and with center Mike Santorelli out for the season, they could look to add a guy to step in and provide some offense.
10.
Chicago Blackhawks – The Blackhawks are in an exciting situation and they should continue to be the best team in the Central Division.
After a tough road loss to Minnesota Wild, Chicago should be ready to bounce back and put up some wins.
11.
St. Louis Blues – The Blues are in their second season of the NHL and are in line to be one of those teams to make an NBA championship run.
The Blues will be on the lookout for a couple more wins to add to their record.
12.
Ottawa Senators – The Senators are coming into the season with a lot to prove after losing their first three games, but head coach Guy Boucher has been very successful in his first season in the role.
The Senators have a few players who could be impact players in their third season.
13.
St Louis Blues 2 – Edmonton Oilers 3 – Toronto Maple Leaf 3 – Anaheim Ducks 1 – Calgary Flames 3 – Vancouver Canucks 1 14.
Buffalo Sabres – The Sabres are in position to challenge the Oilers and the Oilers are coming in with a winning record, but that’s not enough to get them out of the Western Division.
The Sabres should be looking for some more points in their first round series against the Oilers.
15.
New York Islanders – The Islanders have been very consistent in the past year, but this will be their first postseason appearance since 2006.
They’re going to have to win out in order to get to that point.
16.
Colorado Avalanche – The Avalanche have been on a tear over the past few weeks, but there’s a lot still to come before they get any closer to the playoffs.
Colorado has some important pieces who can help their cause,
