The Preds put up a fight in last night’s 3-2 loss to the Leafs but were ultimately undone in the third period by Auston Matthews.
Friday’s game in Montreal is slightly easier against one of the worst teams in hockey, although Nashville’s 0-3 record in the second half of a back to back this year hardly inspires much confidence.
That said, the Canadiens are playing their fourth game in six days coming off an overtime win over the Isles on Wednesday, so if you’re looking for a bet, the Over seems the best play with some tired legs on the ice.
The Lightning should have a big point to prove after losing 5-3 to the Leafs on home ice last Sunday.
Jon Cooper’s side has had three days to reflect on the loss, and they now welcome a Sharks team that has proven feisty over the last few weeks thanks to rookie sensation, Macklin Celebrini.
With another two-day break to follow though, this still shapes as a nice ‘get right’ game for the Lightning against one of the league’s cellar dwellers.
The Jackets arrive in Edmonton on Friday following a very emotional shutout loss to the Flames on Wednesday.
Giving up three unanswered goals to a team that struggles to find the back of the net doesn’t bode well for the rest of this Western Canadian road trip, particularly with the Oilers well-rested having played only three games over the last seven days.
The Jackets head straight to Vancouver on Saturday, before wrapping up the trip in Winnipeg on Monday, so this shapes as an enormous test for a team that continues to flirt with a .500 record.