NHL's Thursday schedule features a pair of winning streaks on the line among its 10 games, as Columbus seeks its eighth straight win hosting the Flyers, and Toronto looks for its seventh win in a row, in Dallas. In Anaheim, the Kings and Ducks get together two nights before their outdoor tussle.
1. Will the Blue Jackets catch the Flyers in the standings?
The Blue Jackets enter their game against Philadelphia riding a franchise record seven-game winning streak. If they beat the Flyers in regulation they will tie them for third place in the Metropolitan Division standings (56 points) and still have two games in hand. Will the Blue Jackets make it eight in a row and catch the Flyers?
2. Will it be lucky No. 7 for the Maple Leafs?
Speaking of unexpected winning streaks, the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for their seventh in a row when they visit the Dallas Stars. This team will go as far as Phil Kessel and their goaltending will take them, and right now both are playing some of their best hockey. Kessel has a goal in four straight games (five goals total over that stretch) and has had three straight multiple-point games. Can he push the Maple Leafs to their seventh straight win?
3. Will the Ducks bounce back from their first home loss in regulation?
Their last time out the Ducks lost their first home game in regulation this season when they dropped a 3-2 decision to the Winnipeg Jets. They get the Los Angeles Kings at home on Thursday. Will they get back to their winning ways at home, where they currently own a 20-1-2 record on the season?
4. How will Michael Del Zotto perform in his Predators debut?
Defenseman Michael Del Zotto is expected to make his debut for the Nashville Predators after his trade from the New York Rangers on Wednesday. How will he do? He's had his share of struggles in New York over the years, and especially this season, but perhaps a fresh start in a new city on a new team is just what the talented, but sometimes frustrating, defenseman needs.
5. Will the Jets remain perfect under Paul Maurice?
The Jets have won four games in a row since replacing Claude Noel with Paul Maurice behind the bench. Will they make it a perfect 5-0 when they visit the San Jose Sharks on Thursday?
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