January 8, 2022

Behind The Mask

With Kelly Hrudey

Monday, January 10, 2022:		vs

Dallas continues to climb up the standings going an impressive 9-1 in their last ten games. Some may argue they hit a soft part of their schedule but they also had wins over Vancouver and these same LA Kings. This home and home affair will be interesting. Los Angeles have a 5 game winning streak at the moment and lead San Jose by 3 points in this tough division. They appear to have found the consistency I thought they were capable of. Regardless this should be an entertaining game.

Prediction (OT)
	vs
3		3

Actual
	vs
1		7

Tuesday, January 11, 2022:		vs

There are some people around the league wondering what's going on in Montreal. Not looking like the force they usually are, the Habs just don't seem to have that swagger of seasons past. That being said it's never a good idea to underestimate this team at any time. Hartford have hit a wall for the first time this season in the form of a 6 game losing streak. A very unimpressive showing against Seattle yesterday (a 4-2 loss), I'm wondering if there maybe some changes looming on the horizon. Granted some of those losses were to Edmonton, Tampa Bay, Florida, and the New York Islanders.

Prediction
	vs
2		3

Actual
	vs
2		3

Wednesday, January 12, 2022:		vs

Interesting that one of these teams will make the playoffs even though they would be currently ranked 9th and 10th in their conference point wise. It is what it is so let's have a look. The Predators trail the Blues by a single point and looked good against Montreal earlier today coming away with a 2-0 victory. Looking to move Jason Spezza is a bit of a head scratcher considering their position but maybe he'll stay. The Blues for their part have gone 7-3 in their last ten and are now looking for a center. Imagine the year Kyle Connor would be having if he had a center. Could Spezza be the answer??

Prediction
	vs
2		4

Actual
	vs
2		6

Thursday, January 13, 2022:		vs

The Penguins are holding on to the last playoff spot in the east with 42 points. The Rangers have 41 and Detroit have 40. Chances are it'll be these three teams battling for the position. New Jersey and Buffalo have 37 points apiece and have an outside shot. If Pittsburgh can get some solid goaltending i believe they should be the team to waddle their way in.

Prediction
	vs
5		2

Actual
	vs
5		2

Wednesday, January 12, 2022:		vs

Things are heating up in the sunshine state and these two cross state rivals will be laying it on the line in this contest. With Hartford experiencing troubles, Florida have seized the opportunity and are now tied with Tampa Bay for the division lead. Riding a 6 game winning streak, the Panthers have put it into overdrive and in the driver's seat is none other than Brad Marchand. The consummate pest has 9 points in his last 6 games and it couldn't have come at a better time. Barkov is the leader in points but Marchand stirs the pot. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevski with his 10 wins in 12 games is providing the goaltending needed to challenge Tampa for the division. The Lightning are for real and it's nice to see them earn some success after so many disappointments. It'll be interesting how they handle the pressure down the stretch. Jordan Binnington is playing solid minutes in goal and James Van riemsdyk has provided the scoring expected of him. Needless to say GM Scott Palmer has made the moves to make his team relevant this year and it should be exciting hockey to watch as these two teams do battle the rest of the season.

Prediction (OT)
	vs
3		2

Actual
	vs
2		4

Ok now you're set up for another week of RSHL action. As always your feedback and comments are most welcomed and encouraged. Stay safe and enjoy the games. KH