October 23, 2021

Behind The Mask

With Kelly Hrudey

Sunday, October 24, 2021:		vs

Tampa after a slow start have won four straight and look to keep the winning streak going against the blueshirts. Jordan Binnington has won three of his last four starts and should get the nod here. The Rangers are showing they're no slouches themselves. With only one loss in six games, New York's power play is something the Lightning will have to be wary of. It's clicking at a 30% clip at the moment.

Prediction
	vs
3		5

Actual
	vs
3		1

Tuesday, October 26, 2021:		vs

New Jersey are having a Devil of a week coming off their third loss in a row. Giving up 28 goals in seven games has been very un Devil like. I expect MacKenzie Blackwood to get a look soon if Jack Campbell can't get his game in gear. Calgary meanwhile have started out on fire. Leading the way has been the play of center Nicolas Backstrom. 11 points in 7 games, Backstrom is paying dividends despite what some were saying in that the Flames had given up too much for him. I'd say he's been worth it so far.

Prediction
	vs
2		6

Actual
	vs
3		4

Thursday, October 28, 2021:		vs

If there was one area in which I thought the Ducks wouldn't have any problems it would be in goal. Neither Cam Talbot or Ilya Shesterkin have been able to grab the net and while it’s too early to panic, if the trend continues it will be interesting to see what happens next. The goaltending tandem in Los Angeles has impressed me so far. Thomas Greiss and Philipp Grubauer look very comfortable so far sharing the net. Their early season success has the Kings atop the tough Dionne Division. How long can they stay there?

Prediction
	vs
1		3

Actual
	vs
4		1

Friday, October 29, 2021:		vs

The Sens are going through their growing pains and it's just a matter of time i believe that Jacob Markstrom gets moved to a contender soon. Nashville were busy especially at the free agency table signing a whopping nine players. The new blood in the lineup seems to have the desired effect. In a busy week for them, Ottawa maybe the break they need.

Prediction (OT)
	vs
2		3

Actual
	vs
4		2

Friday, October 29, 2021:		vs

This should be a great early season matchup. Toronto snapped Hartford's five game unbeaten streak with a dominant 2-1 win earlier this week. If not for goaltender Simeon Varlarmov it wouldn't have been that close as he was spectacular. He'll have to be the same this time around unless the Whalers can tighten things up. I can see Young phenom MacKenzie Weegar and veteran Alex Pietrangelo seeing alot of ice in this contest. They really compliment each other and I must say that Weegar looks like he belongs there on the Whalersblueline. Meanwhile in the Big Smoke, the buds are rolling along with a team scoring effort and excellent goaltending. While the Leafs aren't filling the net, their team play is getting it done. It also helps that their goalies are playing very well. Mike Smith was aquired with some skepticism but he's proving his worth with solid play. Petr Mrazek has given some good relief when called upon also. I'm thinking this game will be close again but will Hartford rely on their goaltending to keep them in it or will Toronto dominate?

Prediction
	vs
2		3

Actual
	vs
5		3

Well there you go with some predictions on what look like some excellent games. What do you think? As always your feedback is appreciated and welcomed. Stay safe and enjoy the games. Until next week. KH