NHL Matchups (Jan 31) - Pre-Game Analysis and TV Schedule
Dive into a thrilling night of NHL action on January 31, 2024, with three electrifying games. The Ottawa Senators challenge the Detroit Red Wings in a captivating showdown, followed by the Los Angeles Kings battling the Nashville Predators in a crucial contest for playoff positioning. The evening rounds off with the San Jose Sharks facing the Anaheim Ducks, as both teams vie for a much-needed victory.
Ottawa Senators at Detroit Red Wings
- Date: January 31, 2024
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Watch the game here: ESPN+, Bally Sports Detroit, Sportsnet
- Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
- Season Record: Ottawa Senators (18-25-2), Detroit Red Wings (26-18-5)
Preview
The Ottawa Senators, standing at 18-25-2, will face off against the Detroit Red Wings, who have a more favorable 26-18-5 record. The Senators have been showcasing offensive skills, particularly from Tim Stutzle who has accumulated 45 points this season. They will need to up their game against the Red Wings, who boast a strong offensive lineup, including Dylan Larkin with 22 goals and 24 assists. Ottawa's goaltender Joonas Korpisalo will be key in this matchup, facing a Detroit team known for its scoring ability. Detroit's offense is complemented by their goaltender Alex Lyon, who has been impressive this season, promising an intriguing battle at the Little Caesars Arena.
Los Angeles Kings at Nashville Predators
- Date: January 31, 2024
- Time: 7:30 PM ET
- Watch the game here: TNT, Max, Bally Sports West
- Venue: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
- Season Record: Los Angeles Kings (22-15-10), Nashville Predators (26-22-1)
Preview
The Los Angeles Kings, holding a record of 22-15-10, are set to face the Nashville Predators with a 26-22-1 record. Despite a rough patch, the Predators, led by Filip Forsberg with an impressive 50 points in 50 games, are still contenders in the Wild Card race. The team's performance at home has been close to .500, but they need to improve their goal differential to advance in the Western Conference.
The Predators recently suffered a tough loss against the Ottawa Senators, highlighting the need for better defensive strategies. The Kings, struggling with away games, desperately seek a win. This match at Bridgestone Arena is critical for both teams as they approach the All-Star break, with Nashville being slightly favored due to their recent head-to-head record against the Kings.
San Jose Sharks at Anaheim Ducks
- Date: January 31, 2024
- Time: 10:30 PM ET
- Watch the game here: ESPN+, Bally Sports San Diego, Bally Sports SoCal
- Venue: Honda Center, Anaheim
- Season Record: San Jose Sharks (13-32-4), Anaheim Ducks (17-30-2)
Preview
In what seems to be a battle between two teams seeking to improve their standings, the San Jose Sharks, with a 13-32-4 record, face off against the Anaheim Ducks, who hold a slightly better record of 17-30-2. The Sharks have been struggling offensively, with Tomas Hertl leading the team with 15 goals and 19 assists from 48 games. Their performance is offset by defensive and goaltending challenges, with goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood facing a tough season.
The Ducks, on the other hand, have displayed a more robust offensive setup. Right winger Troy Terry, leading with 35 points (14 goals and 21 assists), and Frank Vatrano with 21 goals, have been key players for the Ducks. Their goaltender, John Gibson, has been a consistent performer despite the team's overall struggles.
Both teams have shown recent signs of improvement, with San Jose going 3-1-0 in their last four games and Anaheim achieving a 2-0-1 record in their last three. However, the Sharks have struggled on the road, winning only five of their 26 away games this season. This game at the Honda Center could potentially favor the Ducks, especially considering their slightly better performance and the Sharks' road record challenges.
Author: Dan Anderson