by Sean Murphy
Monday, Jan 22, 2024The NHL All-Star break is quickly approaching with the game's best set to square off on February 3rd in Toronto. Here's a quick look at some news and notes from around the league just past the halfway point of the regular season.
Broadway Blues
The Rangers appeared headed for a disastrous 0-3 start to their western road swing before rallying from a 2-0 deficit to secure a 5-2 victory in Anaheim on Sunday. Still, it's been a rough ride for New York lately as it has dropped six of nine games since January 6th. The Blueshirts will wrap up their road trip with a stop in San Jose on Tuesday as they try to gain some positive momentum before returning home where they'll play five of their next seven games. While the Rangers still occupy top spot in the Metropolitan Division they're just five points clear of the third-place Hurricanes.
Saint Patrick's Day
Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello made a big splash by firing head coach Lane Lambert and hiring Hall-of-Fame goaltender Patrick Roy on Saturday. The move paid immediate dividends as the Isles rallied for a 3-2 overtime victory against the Stars on Sunday. A shake-up was certainly needed as New York entered Sunday's action on the outside looking in as far as the Eastern Conference playoff hunt goes. With six of their next eight games coming on home ice the Isles are well-positioned to go on a run. It remains to be seen whether Roy's aggressive coaching style, which eventually wore out its welcome in Colorado, will lead to long-term success on Long Island but it will be fascinating to watch.
Striking oil
Not only are the Oilers riding their longest winning streak in franchise history, at 13 straight victories it marks the longest winning streak for any Canadian team in NHL history. While Edmonton is known for its offensive prowess it has been its defensive play that has fuelled its recent success. The Oilers have held 11 straight opponents to two goals or less. Next up is a three-game homestand that will include matchups against two of the league's worst teams in the Blackhawks and Blue Jackets. The schedule only toughens up when they hit the road for three games (including stops in Las Vegas and Los Angeles) following the All-Star break.
Wily Coyotes
Few expected much from the perennially-rebuilding Coyotes this season but as we approach February they sit just four points out of a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, with two games in hand. Arizona isn't a threat to pace the league in any offensive categories. The Coyotes leading scorer is Clayton Keller with just 41 points in 44 games. With that being said, they boast a balanced attack and have been rock solid defensively, giving up only six goals in regulation time in their last four contests. Arizona will play five of its next seven games on the road, wrapping around the All-Star break. First up will be a home date with the Penguins on Monday. The Coyotes haven't defeated Pittsburgh since February of 2017 - an 11-game slide in the series.
Broadway Blues
The Rangers appeared headed for a disastrous 0-3 start to their western road swing before rallying from a 2-0 deficit to secure a 5-2 victory in Anaheim on Sunday. Still, it's been a rough ride for New York lately as it has dropped six of nine games since January 6th. The Blueshirts will wrap up their road trip with a stop in San Jose on Tuesday as they try to gain some positive momentum before returning home where they'll play five of their next seven games. While the Rangers still occupy top spot in the Metropolitan Division they're just five points clear of the third-place Hurricanes.
Saint Patrick's Day
Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello made a big splash by firing head coach Lane Lambert and hiring Hall-of-Fame goaltender Patrick Roy on Saturday. The move paid immediate dividends as the Isles rallied for a 3-2 overtime victory against the Stars on Sunday. A shake-up was certainly needed as New York entered Sunday's action on the outside looking in as far as the Eastern Conference playoff hunt goes. With six of their next eight games coming on home ice the Isles are well-positioned to go on a run. It remains to be seen whether Roy's aggressive coaching style, which eventually wore out its welcome in Colorado, will lead to long-term success on Long Island but it will be fascinating to watch.
Striking oil
Not only are the Oilers riding their longest winning streak in franchise history, at 13 straight victories it marks the longest winning streak for any Canadian team in NHL history. While Edmonton is known for its offensive prowess it has been its defensive play that has fuelled its recent success. The Oilers have held 11 straight opponents to two goals or less. Next up is a three-game homestand that will include matchups against two of the league's worst teams in the Blackhawks and Blue Jackets. The schedule only toughens up when they hit the road for three games (including stops in Las Vegas and Los Angeles) following the All-Star break.
Wily Coyotes
Few expected much from the perennially-rebuilding Coyotes this season but as we approach February they sit just four points out of a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, with two games in hand. Arizona isn't a threat to pace the league in any offensive categories. The Coyotes leading scorer is Clayton Keller with just 41 points in 44 games. With that being said, they boast a balanced attack and have been rock solid defensively, giving up only six goals in regulation time in their last four contests. Arizona will play five of its next seven games on the road, wrapping around the All-Star break. First up will be a home date with the Penguins on Monday. The Coyotes haven't defeated Pittsburgh since February of 2017 - an 11-game slide in the series.
