EHEC Game Preview 11/25

[Virtual Jarmo]

After a slow night, with just one game on the docket, EHEC explodes again on Wednesday night with a 14 game schedule. The Jackets returned to their winning ways on the strength of Rick Nash's two goals and a solid appearance from backup Mathieu Garon. Georges "Laraque Me Amadeus" scored a shorty for the Habs.

But all eyes have been focused on the heavy schedule bursting with interesting storylines on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. With just Columbus and Vancouver idle, Co-Commissioner Ryan Spurrell with have a lengthy sim to deal with. But it's okay. Unlike his fellow simming partners, he won't be gorging himself the following night with a feast fit for a pilgrim. That takes preparation. Serious preparation.

Nashville (11-11-0-0) @ Colorado (8-14-0-2)

Following a huge win over the Detroit Red Wings, GM Sebastien Harrison hopes the Midas touch continues when he goes westward to battle the surging Avalanche. Pekka Rinne played well in the win stopping 19 of 21 shots. His strong play will have to continue because the EHEC Central Division is jampacked. With their win, Columbus tied Chicago for the division lead while Detroit is just two points behind. Nashville sits last in the division, despite having 11 wins. In such a competitive conference, each point is crucial.

The Avalanche have bounced back from a horrid 1-13-1 start with a 7-1-1 stretch and GM Quinn Mulligan is pushing all the right buttons. Despite having given up a league worst 87 goals against, the young Avs are showing a lot of fight and character in the month of November. Coming off a 6-4 win against Eastern Conference powerhouse Philadelphia, Mulligan and his Mile High Club look to roll in to the Thanksgiving holiday feeling satisfied.

Buffalo (10-6-3-1) @ Washington (17-6-0-1)

The Sabres want to build off of last weekend's success where they took down division foes Boston and Ottawa in a tough back-to-back. Now, they head to the nation's capital to take on a Capitals team that has been the epitome of consistent play. Jason Pominville finally found his scoring touch this past weekend against Ottawa and the Sabres will need all the offense they can get tonight. Ryan Miller will have to stand on his head for the Sabres to steal two points from the red, white, and blue.

Looking at Washington's roster, they don't look like the type to win 3-1 games. But, that's exactly what they did Monday night against the Ottawa Senators. The Capitals did not have to rely on their scoring depth though as Robert Lang potted a pair while some Ovechkin guy added two points. Simeon Varlamov continues to play well and when the Capitals are getting timely offense, especially from their explosive power play, good goaltending, and solid team defense, they just might be the best hockey team on the planet. Those three things will have to continue as the Sabres come to town looking to steal two points.

Chicago (14-6-1-1) @ San Jose (12-11-1-1)

GM Mike Maruca was given the nickname Femur from his college days back at Marquette when he was part of a college band who had more of a penchant for keg stands and beer bongs than producing music. Now, almost 20 years later, he is managing a simulation hockey team that tops the conference and has played extremely well of late. The Blackhawks travel West and look to scalp the Sharks in this battle of perennial playoff teams. Feeling pressure from below in the crowded Central, the Hawks having won seven of their last ten, a mark that looked even better before being tripped up by the Canucks this past Sunday.

It's been a season of ups, downs, and inconsistencies for GM Dan Taranu's Sharks. Struggling to get all facets of their game together all at once, the Sharks look to do so against a very talented Blackhawks squad. When Evgeni Nabokov has played well, the offense has sputtered. When Nabokov hasn't played well, the offense has shown up and been on the short end. For the Sharks, all that matters is avoiding the jaws of defeat against the Midwest's top hockey team.


In other games, Phoenix travels to their country to take on the Calgary Flames in a battle of solid Western Conference teams. Surprising Carolina takes on division leader Anaheim in a 10 pm tilt, while the East Coast features another interesting matchup as Montreal faces the end of a back-to-back against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

[Tuo-SabresGM]

Nicely done once again Adam. This will certainly be a big game against Washington and a key opportunity to catch up in the division. Hopefully we can keep the offense going.

I'm still blown away by the complete 180 of the Avs. To go from one win in 15 games to taking 13 of 14 possible points the last 7 games is just nuts.

[CapsGM]

Nicely done once again Adam. This will certainly be a big game against Washington and a key opportunity to catch up in the division. Hopefully we can keep the offense going.

Good luck Nick, it's a huge game for both of us. Looks like the best powerplay might determine the game...

I'm still blown away by the complete 180 of the Avs. To go from one win in 15 games to taking 13 of 14 possible points the last 7 games is just nuts.

Too bad the real Avs have gone the opposite 180. Real Craig Anderson has gone cold.

[GM Office Q]

Young teams are always bipolar. In real life, the good stretch was in October, in EHEC, its November.

[NashvilleGM]

Sorry for the Avs but the streak stops tonight ...

[Tuo-SabresGM]

Sorry for the Avs but the streak stops tonight ...

You totally need to go 41-41-0 for the season.