"The All-Star break is a good time to look back at the happenings of the NHL as the league takes off at least six days for all teams (not including the participants of the All-Star game) with the exception of Montreal and Detroit who get off only five days. St. Louis receives the biggest break of all as they are off from Tuesday the 24th to February 3rd, a span of 10 days.
All games on Sunday are afternoon starts with the Super Bowl taking over the evening in a game that can be seen on NBC. We expect a lot of cross-promoting for the NHL during the telecast.
The Rangers and Bruins each have 35 games left in the second half, the most in the NHL, while Ottawa has only 30 games left with the Hurricanes and Avalanche playing 31 for the three least in the NHL. This information could help as you look for every possible advantage in your fantasy pool home stretch.
Now to The Week Ahead.
WEEK OF JANUARY 30-FEBRUARY 5
4 Games – Boston, Montreal, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, Winnipeg
3 Games – Anaheim, Buffalo, Carolina, Chicago, Colorado, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Edmonton, Florida, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Nashville, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Ottawa, San Jose, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Vancouver
2 Games - Calgary, Phoenix, St. Louis
The Winnipeg Jets play all four games on the road.
Boston, Edmonton, Montreal, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay play three games at home this week.
Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, Pittsburgh and Washington play three games away from home this week.
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INJURIES
Jaromir Jagr is day-to-day with a groin injury.
ANAHEIM
Games this week
@ Phoenix, vs. Dallas, vs. Columbus
Notes
The Ducks were hot heading into the break but lost 1-0 in their last game. They play three games in four nights before taking the weekend off, so Jeff Deslauriers could see action in one game in place of Jonas Hiller who has been great of late. Dan Ellis is still out at least two more weeks with a torn groin muscle. They are tired on Wednesday when they face a rested Dallas team as the Ducks are in Phoenix Tuesday. Mark Bell returned to the NHL for the first time in four years as Anaheim recalled him from the minors. Bell last played for the Toronto Maple Leafs before spending two seasons in the Swiss League for Kloten. Kyle Palmieri was recalled by the Ducks and could stick for good this time.
BOSTON
vs. Ottawa, vs. Carolina, vs. Pittsburgh, @ Washington
The Bruins playfour times this week, including three games in four nights this week so look for Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask to split the net. Thomas got himself into a lot of hot water this past week when he did not accompany the Stanley Cup champs to the White House to meet President Obama. The Bruins apparently are considering moving the veteran to another team and giving the net to the up and coming Rask. Patrice Bergeron is having a great season with 43 points in 47 games. Nathan Horton is suffering from a mild concussion and could return after the break. Andrew Ference picked up a three game suspension for his hit on the Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh and will be eligible to return on Thursday against the Hurricanes.
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