British and French forces had previously tried to take the strategic high ground from the Germans, but failed in their attempts. Three days after the battle began, the Canadian and British forces successfully pried the Germans loose from Vimy.
Ottawa Senators at New York Rangers, 7:00PM
2014-15 Records: OTT 41-26-13 (5th in the Atlantic); NYR 52-21-7 (1st in the Metropolitan);Leading Scorers: Erik Karlsson (21G, 45A); Rick Nash (42G, 27A)
With their win over New Jersey on Tuesday night, the New York Rangers clinched the 2014-15 Presidents’ Trophy. The last time the Rangers accomplished this feat they went on to win the Stanley Cup in 1994. Currently, the Blueshirts are the favourite to go the distance, but is history on their side? Since the Presidents’ Trophy was first awarded in 1986, only eight winners have gone on to win the Stanley Cup. Can the Rangers make it nine in 2015?
Prediction: Ottawa by 1
Detroit Red Wings at Montréal Canadiens, 7:30PM
2014-15 Records: DET 42-25-13 (3rd in the Atlantic); MTL 48-22-10 (1st in the Atlantic)Leading Scorers: Henrik Zetterberg (17G, 47A); Max Pacioretty (37G, 30A)
With Detroit back in the Eastern Conference, it’s nice to see this Original Six rivalry renewed with greater frequency. In 12 meetings since the 2006-07 season (six of which came in the last two years) Montréal has edged Detroit 7-4-1. More recent meetings in the Bell Centre have also favoured the Canadiens as they’ve beaten the Red Wings three times in their last five meetings. Montréal will be without Max Pacioretty (concussion) this evening and Detroit will look to take advantage of this as they try to distance themselves from Boston.
Prediction: Detroit by 1
Winnipeg Jets at Colorado Avalanche, 9:00PM
2014-15 Records: WPG 42-26-12 (5th in the Central); COL 37-31-12 (7th in the Central)Leading Scorers: Andrew Ladd (24G, 38A); Gabriel Landeskog (23G, 35A)
Winnipeg’s final push for the postseason has been nothing short of impressive and the Jets now find themselves in the position to clinch a playoff spot this evening. If the Jets defeat the Avalanche in any fashion they will secure a post-season berth and bring NHL playoff hockey back to Winnipeg for the first time since 1996.
Prediction: Winnipeg by 1
Los Angeles Kings at Calgary Flames, 9:00PM
2014-15 Records: LAK 39-26-15 (4th in the Pacific); CGY 44-29-7 (3rd in the Pacific)Leading Scorers: Anze Kopitar (16G, 48A); Jiri Hudler (29G, 44A)
The Western Conference playoff picture could be solidified this evening in this second clinching scenario. If Calgary defeats Los Angeles in regulation, they will secure a divisional playoff spot. In four meetings this season, the Flames have beaten the Kings three times. Each of these wins was decided by one goal, so it will not be easy for Calgary and you can never count out Los Angeles in big games. If the Kings lose tonight, they will be the first defending champions since 2007 to not qualify for the post-season the following year.
Prediction: Calgary by 1
San Jose Sharks at Edmonton Oilers, 9:30PM
2014-15 Records: SJS 39-32-9 (5th in the Pacific); EDM 24-43-13 (6th in the Pacific)Leading Scorers: Joe Pavelski (37G, 32A); Jordan Eberle (23G, 39A)
The San Jose Sharks will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2003. Despite having a strong team on paper, the Sharks struggled at times this season and now have a three-per-cent chance at winning the first overall pick in the NHL draft lottery. Meanwhile, the Oilers have played much better in the second half of the season and now find themselves out of contention for the No. 1 spot. They will land the third overall pick and will likely draft big Boston College blue-liner Noah Hanifin or OHL scoring title winner Dylan Strome.
Prediction: San Jose by 1
Arizona Coyotes at Vancouver Canucks, 10:00PM
2014-15 Records: ARI 24-48-8 (7th in the Pacific); VAN 46-29-5 (2nd in the Pacific)Leading Scorers: Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23G, 20A); Daniel Sedin (18G, 54A)
After a one-year hiatus, the playoffs are back in Vancouver and the B.C. Restaurant and Food Services Association couldn’t be happier. Ian Tostenson, president of the organization, recently told CBC that the city’s economy probably takes in at least $1 million per game. The Canucks are guaranteed at least two home games in the first round, but if they secure second place in the Pacific Division, that will give them home-ice advantage in the series should it extend beyond four-games.
Prediction: Vancouver by 2
Last Minute of Play:
Some still regard Vimy Ridge as a nation-building moment in Canadian history. It marked the first time that the four divisions of the Canadian Corps had fought together and the victory enhanced Canada’s international stature. However, the price of taking the ridge was extensive, more than 10,500 Canadians were killed and wounded and the offensive did not significantly change the outcome of the war. As we inch closer to the centenary of Vimy, it’s important that we remember the sacrifices, but that we don’t conflate the realities of the battle or glorify the bloodletting.Two Minutes for Delay of Game:
This morning I talked with TSN analyst Bob McKenzie for another project I’m working on, but I took the opportunity to try and get some insights for the final “History ‘n’ Hockey” column. I asked him about tonight’s Ottawa-New York game and he said it’s “historically not a good matchup for the Sens, so if the Rangers come with any kind of game at all, it’s going to be a real tough game for Ottawa.” My gut still says Ottawa, although I’m uncomfortable not only going against the history but the Hockey Insider as well.Current Record: 13-13
