The Chicago Blackhawks and Jonathan Toews face the Los Angeles Kings in one of this week's five must-watch games in the NHL. (file photo)DANNY MOLOSHOK/Reuters
Kings at Blackhawks – Los Angeles may be spluttering this season but they are still the defending Stanley Cup champs and still in playoff position so any game with Chicago promises to be entertaining.
Monday, 8 p.m., TSN2, NBCSN.
Canadiens at Penguins – There are many who still can't quite take Montreal seriously this season and a win over Pittsburgh would cure the doubters. But the Pens are the hottest team in hockey right now.
Tuesday, 7 p.m., RDS, TSN-Habs.
Jets at Hurricanes – Winnipeg needs a win here not only to stop a recent skid but also to hang on to the third seed in the Eastern Conference over equally shaky division-mate Carolina.
Tuesday, 7 p.m., TSN-Jets, Fox Sports Carolina.
Sabres at Lightning – If Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman hires Lindy Ruff to coach the Lightning, this will be the most interesting game of the week given the Sabres fired Ruff a month ago. It's just too bad this game isn't in Buffalo.
Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., MSG-Buffalo, Sun.
Ducks at Blackhawks – Anaheim won the last battle between the NHL's two best teams with two quick goals in the third period. The Ducks were missing Corey Perry for that game and the Hawks didn't have Marian Hossa. Perry will play but Hossa (shoulder) is questionable.
Friday, 8:30 p.m., NHL Network U.S., CSN Chicago.