Game of the Night 10/05/2007

Professor Prax's Win Prediction record: 7-5 (I had a bad night last night, sorry guys)


Three nights into the schedule and we still have a few good ones to pick from. But there's one match-up that stands out in the crowd:

New York Islanders vs. Buffalo Sabres
Another rematch from last years playoffs, and both teams look very different. No more Drury and Briere in Buffalo. Can they dominate like they did last year without them? They still their top goalscorer in Thomas Vanek, and a healthy Tim Connoly will do a ton of damage. The Islanders are without their gamebreaker from last year (Ryan Smyth), and even though he didn't contribute much in the end, for the price Garth Snow paid for him, it's a big hole in any line-up. Will newcomers Fedotenko, Comrie, and Bill Guerin be able to plug the hole? Whatever happens, this match is deserving of GOTM honours, keep an eye out for this one on your TV sets.
Prediction: 3-2 Sabres, GWG is controversial.


Around the League:

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Sidney Crosby and his troups make their regular season debut as the 'Canes try to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Montreal on Wednesday night.
Prediction: 6-1 Pittsburgh, Crosby contributes on most of the goals.

Anaheim Ducks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Anaheim gets a night off after a tough road trip in London England vs. the Kings and then at Jos Louis vs. another top team in the west. What? Oh they're playing tonight? Does Columbus even count?
Prediction: 3-0 Anaheim, Bertuzzi has another big night.

Washington Capitals vs. Atlanta Thrashers
Here's a case of a team that did a lot to change vs. a team that didn't do much in the off-season. The Thrashers made the playoffs last year, but with teams improving around them left and right, are they good enough this year? The Capitals are much improved this year and, in my opinion, WILL pose a threat to teams like the Thrashers, and it starts tonight.
Prediction: 5-3 Washington, Backstrom scores in his first game in the NHL (with a little help from his budyd AO).

Boston Bruins vs. Dallas Stars
Here's a team that faced disappointment after disappointment last year vs. a team that could be this year's Bruins. The Stars have a lot to worry about, as do the Bruins, and even though this is an interconference game, it's an important one for both of them, as the Bruins need to start a season on a positive note and the Stars need to keep themselves out of a rut, already 0-1 this season.
Prediction: 2-1 Bruins (F/SO)

San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks
Playing a game the night after a disappointing loss in Canada is never an easy thing to do, but the Sharks try to do it tonight. The Canucks open the season tonight, and no one's really sure what to expect. Luongo is still one of the best goalies in the league, but other than that, what has Vancouver done to prove they can win games? Do they even need to do anything else? Facing a tired Sharks team is probably a good way to start the season though.
Prediction: 2-1 Canucks.