Five NHL questions: Varlamov faces old team, Rangers look to rebound

A daily feature which asks the five biggest questions about today’s NHL action. Will they be answered? (That doesn’t count as one of the five questions.)

by Patrick Iversen

Oct 12, 2013, 3:34 PM UTC

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

1. Will Semyon Varlamov stick it to his old team?

To the surprise of everyone, the Colorado Avalanche are 4-0-0 and sitting pretty at the top of the Western Conference. Even more surprising is how they're winning. One of the worst defenses in the NHL last season is averaging less than a goal against per game so far thanks to the superb play of Semyon Varlamov. The Russian netminder will face his former team on Saturday for the first time. Will he continue his strong play?

2. Can Tyler Seguin put together back-to-back multi-point nights?

Seguin enjoyed one of his best nights as a pro on Friday, putting up four points for the first time in his regular season career. Another big night from the young center would mean a win for the Stars in their first game against the Wild as division rivals. It would also mean we get to see Seguin wear this awesome cowboy hat again.

Love it! #TylerTX pic.twitter.com/qUTfbT9zvc
— Jeff K (@jeffk_stars) October 11, 2013

3. Will the Canucks struggle in their own end without Alexander Edler?

The Canucks' top defenseman is suspended for three games for an illegal hit on Tomas Hertl on Thursday. It isn't the best timing. Edler leads the team in ice time, and the Canucks have already been struggling in the goals against department (3.20 GAA, 24th in the NHL). Montreal has been scoring at a pace of three goals per game. Vancouver might need a big night from Roberto Luongo on Saturday.

4. Can the Rangers give up less than five goals?

On Tuesday, New York was routed 9-2 by the San Jose Sharks. Two days later, they got whipped by the Ducks in a 6-2 loss. These first few weeks have not been kind to Alain Vigneault's team, and it doesn't get any easier on Saturday with a matchup against the Blues. Three goals against or less would be a nice silver lining if the Rangers lost again, right?

5. Can the Flyers overcome the loss of Scott Hartnell and Vincent Lecavalier?

The answer is probably no, but a strong game offensively without those two veterans would go a long way in instilling some confidence in Philadelphia.