Sunday proves to be the day of rest for many NHL squads. Except for Washington, Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Florida. Because screw you guys. Positioned strategically before the NFL Divisional Round game between the Cleveland Browns and reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs, the Caps-Pens rivalry will start its 2021 iteration at noon. Competing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers-New Orleans Saints game for viewership, the Panthers will open their season with a home game against the Blackhawks. While few Floridians would watch the game anyway, I’m sure the ratings will be low. Only sulking Bears fans will tune in to cry over their hockey team’s recent demise. Good riddance, Chicago. Better luck next decade.
Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins
Despite the lack of games, this one will be gnarly to watch. It would earn the Golden Jersey no matter the other matchups. The Caps pulled two games out of the Sabres, the most recent of which came on the back of rookie netminder Vitek Vanecek. While Ilya Samsonov will likely get the start, the Caps will likely be able to play a riskier style with a more experienced man between the pipes. T.J. Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom lead the team with three points apiece. Alex Ovechkin has yet to light the lamp through two games. I’d bet $50 that he’ll put one up against struggling Pens goaltending. The Pens, who fell to a rival Philadelphia Flyers squad, don’t have the firepower or depth to be a shoe-in victor in this game. If they win, I’ll be shocked.
Prediction: 6-3, Capitals
Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers
After back-to-back thumpings at the hands of Stanley Cup champion Tampa, the Hawks will look to right the ship while the Panthers open their season. Keith Yandle will not appear for the Panthers, ending his ironman streak at 866 games. The team will apparently move on from his services and he is not in their future plans. Losing Evgenii Dadonov to free agency but picking up Anthony Duclair and Vinnie Hinostroza, the Panthers somewhat restocked their cupboard. Noah Juulsen was also claimed off of waivers earlier this week, but it is uncertain where he will fit in with the club. Juulsen will sit on COVID-19 protocol for a few games it seems. Chris Driedger will likely face Collin Delia in what will be an OK game. I can see this going either way, but I think the Panthers’ goaltending will take this one.
Prediction: 4-2, Florida
Big Tex Goes to College 