This week's featured National Hockey League game of the week is a battle of two playoff teams from last year, the New York Islanders, and the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks have to be considered a playoff favorite once again with the bulk of their championship team returning, and their goalie, Corey Crawford, signed to a new six-year extension. Crawford had a strong campaign last year finishing third overall in goals against, but that only got better as the playoffs progressed where he finished as the top goalie in the post season. Upfront, returnees Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp are set to help Chicago once again be a dominating team on offense. As for the Islanders, their appearance in the playoffs last year was surprising to many and whether they will be able to repeat that feat in a new division alignment in a full season of play remains to be seen. Much of their success will be tied to their goalie, Evgeni Nabokov, and to newcomers, Pierre-Marc Brouchard, Cal Clutterbuck and Brock Nelson, as well as the development of their young players. Last year's playoff experience could go a long way in setting the tone for this year's season.
All times in GMT
19:00 October 9
NHL: Tampa Bay Lightning at Buffalo Sabres
10:30 & 20:00 October 10
NHL: Chicago Blackhawks at St. Louis Blues
07:30 & 20:00 October 11
NHL: Colorado Avalanche at Boston Bruins
11:30 October 12
NHL: Pittsburgh Penguins at Florida Panthers
00:00 (LIVE) & 09:00 October 12
NHL: New York Islanders at Chicago Blackhawks
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