February 20, 2021

Behind The Mask

With Kelly Hrudey

Monday, February 22, 2021:		vs

The Avalanche are clinging to that final playoff spot one point ahead of Chicago and three up on Los Angeles. Losers of two straight games they'll need to pick up their game. Calgary meanwhile are seven back and it appears the Flames are dying out. Could they play spoiler? Petr Mrazek stood on his head in their last meeting and came away with a 4-1 victory.

Prediction
	vs
3		2

Actual (OT)
	vs
2		3

Thursday, February 25, 2021:		vs

The Sharks apparently have finished wheeling and dealing and feel they have enough to hold off the Ducks for the division. I believe they will. The Jets are looking to stay ahead of Colorado and build on their three point lead. Time for the Jets to take off but I fear a crash landing in Shark infested waters.

Prediction
	vs
4		1

Actual
	vs
6		3

Friday, February 26, 2021:		vs

The Kraken fittingly are trolling the depths of the standings but are 3-4-1 in their last eight games. Dallas are six points ahead of Chicago and will look to improve on that lead and their play of late. I really thought this team would be far better than what I've seen so far. I'm not sure moving Ryan Graves for Jake Virtanen was a good move but I think a shakeup maybe is what Dallas may have needed.

Prediction
	vs
2		5

Actual
	vs
4		5

Friday, February 26, 2021:		vs

Leni's crew look to be back on track especially in their familiar place atop the standings. Splitting his games with Edmonton this month has Vancouver two points ahead of their division rival and it appears to have woken up the Canucks. Speaking of waking up, it looks like Buffalo have finally thrown in their hat for playoff contention. 6-1-3 in their past 10 games and winners of four straight, they have beaten the teams they were supposed to. With three games against Montreal this week can they show they are for real today?

Prediction
	vs
4		2

Actual
	vs
3		1

Tuesday, February 23, 2021:		vs

Columbus are currently sitting third in the west by virtue of leading their division. I'm not a fan of this format but it is what it is. Seems like the Cup champs are feeling the heat of defending their title. Are they playing possum or are they going to try something before the trade deadline? Chicago, just a point behind Colorado have to start making a move. This is a huge game as they could pull to within five points of Columbus with a victory. I'm sure Blackhawks fans wouldn't mind a playoff birth.

Prediction (OT)
	vs
2		3

Actual
	vs
3		5

Now you're all set for another exciting week of hockey action! It'll be even more exciting with the upcoming trade deadline next weekend. Until then, stay safe and enjoy the games everyone! KH