With 32 teams and seemingly infinite storylines, it’s hard to keep track of all the weekly goings on during the NHL season. That’s why I’m here to help. Every Monday from October to April, I’ll preview the key events, games, narratives and milestones in play for the week.
So what’s on tap for Jan. 27 – Feb. 2?
Jan. 29: Dmitry Kulikov’s 1,000th game
Los Angeles Kings @ Florida Panthers, 7:00 p.m. ET
As the 2009 Draft’s 14th overall pick, Kulikov fell short of expectations overall, but he’s been a serviceable blueliner for 16 seasons, settling in as more of a bottom-pair defensive guy in recent years, albeit he’s had to play higher in Florida’s lineup lately because of injuries. He returned to the Panthers, the franchise that drafted him, last season after eight years away and earned a Stanley Cup ring.
Feb. 1: Leafs, Oilers resume pleasantries in Edmonton
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Edmonton Oilers, 7:00 p.m. ET
Toronto-Edmonton on a Saturday night. Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid. Mitch Marner and Leon Draisaitl. That’s the good stuff. Not only will they lock horns as duelling Stanley Cup hopefuls, but Saturday’s meeting is their first since Ryan Reaves earned a five-suspension for a hit to the head of Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse in a Nov. 16 game. Don’t be surprised if this is a chippy affair.
Brent Burns’ 900th point
Reaching 900 points would be an arbitrary milestone to celebrate for a forward, but only 12 defensemen in NHL history have that many. While Burns dabbled briefly as a forward, he’s been a defenseman for most of his career. He’s one point away from becoming the 13th defenseman with 900 points. The names directly above him on the list right now: Scott Stevens (908) and Bobby Orr (915).
Jonathan Quick’s 400th win
Seriously, Quick is cursed. Last week, he was poised to lock up No. 400 only for his New York Rangers to blow a lead to the Montreal Canadiens. Quick has lost six of his past seven decisions. The Blueshirts play a back to back this coming weekend, meaning he should get his latest shot at the milestone. When he finally reaches it, he’ll be the first American goalie ever to do it – and the 15th overall.
