NHL Match Preview Roundup for Saturday, January 21, 2012 -Part II
Columbus Blue Jackets at Detroit Red Wings
The lowly Columbus Blue Jackets have a challenging weekend ahead. After facing defeat by Nashville Predators (3-0) on Thursday, they are heading to Detroit to play against the Red Wings on Saturday, January 21, 2012.
Red Wings are on a five-game winning streak and seem to be in no mood of comprising it. However, they do have some criticism to answer.
Out of the five wins, three were decided in shootouts while one in overtime and only a single game finished in regulation.
Many experts have criticised their inability to contain the opponents from scoring goals, but as long as they are on a winning streak, these things hardly matter.
Detroit is ranked fourth in the Western Conference with 63 points after playing 47 games.
On the contrary, Blue Jackets have all the reasons to worry. After 46 games, they are ranked at the bottom of the same conference with only 31 points.
The Red Wings have a clear edge over the visitors.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Phoenix Coyotes
After losing seven straight games, Tampa Bay Lightning managed a win on Tuesday. They built on the momentum and overcame Dallas Stars (2-1) on Friday, and are now going to take on the struggling Phoenix Coyotes a day later on Saturday at the Jobing.com Arena.
Coyotes are on a two-game losing streak and have lost seven of their last nine games. After playing 48 games, they are ranked at the 12th spot in the Western Conference with 50 points.
Tampa Bay’s record is even worse.
The team sits at the 14th spot in the Eastern Conference with 42 points after 46 games.
Tampa Bay Lightning is geared up, thanks to their recent victories, but the Coyotes have to work hard to lift the morale and give a tough time to the opponents.
Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers
Calgary Flames has a chance to improve its record as the team prepares to play Edmonton Oilers at the Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
After playing 48 games this season, the Flames are ranked at the 11th spot with 50 points.
They have been equally consistent in terms of managing winning and losing streaks respectively.
Last month, their three-game winning run was ensued by four failures, which was then followed by four victories.
This month, they ended their five-game skid (two lost in last month and three in the present) by winning three straight games, but gave away two games after that.
They defeated Los Angeles Kings on Thursday and one cannot but hope that they continue their winning run.
On the other hand, the Oilers are having a miserable time. Out of their last 21 games, they have lost 16 and are on a two-game losing streak at present.
Dallas Stars at Minnesota Wild
After receiving an unexpected defeat against Tampa Bay Lightning (2-1) on Friday, the Dallas Stars are going to face Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The Wild won their last home-ice against San Jose Sharks (5-4) in shootout, but this was the only victory they could get this month. They have played six games on road and have lost all, and are on a four-game losing streak.
Hoping to get another win on home-ice, they are hosting the Stars, who also are on a four-game losing streak. The only difference is that they have lost on their home as well as on road.
The team that manages to overcome its flaws the sooner will certainly be the first to end the skid.
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