Home Games Playoff Tree

Behind the Mask

January 16, 2021

Behind The Mask

With Kelly Hrudey

Columbus have stumbled as late, Chicago are turning heads, and Toronto look to make headway in the east. Let's have a look at some of these teams and how they're fairing.

Sunday, January 17, 2021: vs

The Isles have a nice looking roster but just can't get any traction. The acquisition of Zach Hyman could help with his dedication to hard work. Maybe it will rub off on some of his new teammates. Dallas meanwhile currently sit atop the Dionne Division a point ahead of San Jose, Anaheim, and Winnipeg. No room for error as points don't grow on trees.

Prediction
vs
2 3
Actual
vs
1 2


Monday, January 18, 2021: vs

The Leafs are only two points behind Montreal for the division lead and this week couldn't come at a better time. They play Boston five times in the next six games with St.Louis thrown in to break the monotony. That's a possibility of 12 points before their meeting with Montreal next week. The Bruins could prove to be stubborn but Toronto needs to capitalize.

Prediction
vs
4 2
Actual
vs
1 3


Friday, January 22, 2021: vs

What's going on in Columbus? Finally breaking a six game losing streak with a 4-2 win over Toronto. Should there be panic in Columbus? I don't think so. They're too good not to overcome their recent play. The back to back shutouts were a bit concerning though. One of those shutouts came at the hands of Anaheim. The Ducks are flying high and climbing the standings. 6-2-2 in their last ten and winners of four straight, things are looking good for Rochwerg's team. A good game from both teams should be expected.

Prediction
vs
2 4
Actual
vs
3 4


Thursday, January 21, 2021: vs

Elvis has just entered the building. Mr. Merzlikins has been very impressive especially in his last six starts winning five of them including today's 5-1 shellacking against the Edmonton Oilers. These aren't no hound dogs! They've quietly crept up on Columbus who are only six points ahead. The Jets are in that tough Dionne Division and have also been playing good hockey lately. This will be a good hard battle.

Prediction (OT)
vs
3 3
Actual
vs
5 1


Saturday, January 23, 2021: vs

It's always a pleasure to watch these two rivals go at it and I for one will be looking forward to this one. The Oilers are 6-4 in January despite having the best line in hockey. Yes they've been winning but some recent games have been really close against teams they should dominate. Today's 5-1 beat down in Chicago was an eye opener. Perhaps a game against Vancouver will get the competitive juices flowing again. The Canucks remain consistently steady cruising along and taking care of business in the way they should. 8-1-1 in their last ten and winners five straight, head coach Travis Green just has to grab the reigns and hold on. To think Vancouver is without Jaime Benn and Taylor Hall due to injuries. Of note, both goalies are on fire for the Canucks.

Prediction
vs
2 5
Actual
vs
<%=objRec("awayscore")%> <%=objRec("awayscore")%>


There you go. This month is very busy for all teams schedule wise so there should be some jostling in the standings when I return next week. As the halfway mark in the season draws near I may contemplate doing a quick review of teams vying for a playoff spot and those trying to hold on to theirs. We'll see. In the mean time enjoy this week's action and be safe everybody. KH

1/16/2021
Your Call    |    Now closed

Excellent read.

1/16/2021 8:09:37 PM PT

great read

1/16/2021 8:22:16 PM PT

Way off but enjoyable to read

1/17/2021 3:25:10 AM PT