NHL 26/02/2022: Florida Panthers meet Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs in action

The NHL always throws up some shock results, and you can’t take your eyes off it for a moment! Anyway, let’s look ahead to three of the biggest games taking place this weekend. These include the Florida Panthers v Edmonton Oilers, and Pittsburgh Penguins v New York Rangers. Check out our full preview.

Florida Panthers pay the price for third-period capitulation against Nashville Predators

The Panthers have been enjoying an incredible season to date. They are top of the Atlantic Division, with a 35-11-5 record after 51 games. This puts them five points clear of Tampa Bay Lightning. However, what was perhaps less excusable, was the way they folded against the Predators earlier this week.

It was the Panthers’ first loss on home ice since December. But, after leading three times during the match, they crashed to a 6-4 defeat. They will need to regroup quickly, as they face a stern test on Saturday evening against the Edmonton Oilers.

Edmonton Oilers see their winning streak snapped by Minnesota Wild

After enjoying five wins on the bounce in the NHL, the Oilers came crashing back down to earth against Minnesota Wild, as they were on the wrong end of a 7-3 scoreline. They don’t have too much time to regroup, and they will be eager to get back to winning ways against the Oilers.

Edmonton Oilers looking to plug forward shortage in potential trade

Thoughts are never usually too far away from trade deals. And with the Oilers, they are considering picking up Chicago Blackhawks star Dominik Kubalik as cover for Jesse Puljujarvi, who is set to spend up to a month on the sidelines through injury.

Pittsburgh Penguins in need of quick fix after recent slide

The Penguins will be looking for a quick fix after a recent slide in form saw them losing their last two games on the spin. They conceded eight times in their past two NHL outings against the Maple Leafs and the Carolina Hurricanes. However, there’s no need to panic as they are second in the Metropolitan Division.

New York Rangers in good shape ahead of Pittsburgh Penguins

Ahead of what could be a pivotal clash against the Penguins on Saturday, the New York Rangers will be happy with how things are shaping up. Although they take on the Washington Capitals before the Penguins, they bounced back from their 3-2 defeat against the Detroit Red Wings to take out the Ottawa Senators.

Against the Senators, Artemi Panarin contributed a goal and an assist. The victory leaves the Rangers just a point behind the Penguins in third spot, however, they have two games in hand, which is an added boost. A win for the Rangers would give them added hope of overhauling the Penguins, and even topping the table come the end of the regular season.

Meanwhile, former Rangers star Sean Avery is set to make a dramatic hockey comeback after signing a deal with East Coast Hockey League’s Orlando Bears. The last time he stepped on the ice was a decade ago, and Rangers fans will no doubt be wishing him all the best.

Toronto Maple Leafs edged out in seven-goal thriller against Columbus Blue Jackets

High scoring games are part and parcel of ice hockey. However, the Maple Leafs will no doubt be disappointed to come out second best in a seven-goal thriller against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Nevertheless, they are still third in the Atlantic Division, hanging on the coattails of the reigning NHL champions Tampa Bay Lightning.

However, the Maple Leafs will be foolish to underestimate the Red Wings. At the time of writing, the Red Wings have won three of their past four NHL outings, and they are fifth in the Atlantic Division. However, if they take this game se