NHL Preview: Wednesday 27th October
Expectations are high in San Jose and a trip to the third round of the playoffs will not be good enough for the Sharks this season.
New York Rangers vs Atlanta Thrashers 
The Rangers could have an interesting, respectable season. But their stars Gaborik, Frolov, Prospal, Drury and Lundqvist must all have a special year. Few significant moves have been made thusfar, and the team is still well below the salary cap. There are too many „if' factors“ to truly determine how the team will do in the rest of the season. The hosts must find their heart, their drive, and renew their love of the game. Gaborik will be outstanding again, but he is now on injured reserve and has missed four straight games
After a good start, the Thrashers are in an extended slump. They hope to turn their play around in a matchup with the Rangers. The visitors were defeated by the Rangers in their last head to head match but the confidence they'll be carrying into this game, which gives them the belief that they can win a game when they're playing badly, will make them an entirely different proposition tonight. Their biggest acquisition is the Stanley Cup champion Dustin Byfuglien who has collected six points in eight games so far.
- I think the Rangers will narrowly win this game, NY to win is at 2.05 at Bwin. Also try under 5,5 goals, at 2.05 at Bwin.
San Jose Sharks vs New Jersey Devils 
Expectations are high in San Jose and a trip to the third round of the playoffs will not be good enough this season. The Sharks have a great defenseman in Dan Boyle and more great players in the offense: Thornton, Marleau, Heatley, Pavelski, Clowe and Setoguchi. After being burned by Chicago's speed in last playoff, they improved their mobility on the back end. I think their core will be even stronger than last year. There's no reason why the Sharks can't be one of the top Western teams and a legit Cup contender.
We can expect from this season what we've gotten from every Devils season since the lockout. The Devils had been methodically building their roster for several years. They have enough talent in their squad. Their goaltending tandem is one of the best in the league. As goes Brodeur, so goes the Devils nation. With one sole exception, New Jersey have made the playoffs and won the Atlantic Division eight times since 1994. With new head coach John MacLean we can count on another playoff appearance and the Devils to be a tough oponent.