2013 NHL schedule: Capitals, Penguins the focus of this week

A look at this week’s schedule profiling the games you might want to consider watching.

Nov 18, 2013, 3:08 PM UTC

Greg Fiume

Two teams have really captivated my attention over the last few weeks: the Dallas Stars and Phoenix Coyotes. I didn't think much of either club entering this season, but both have been really entertaining to watch. Dallas has tore November up by recording points in seven of eight games (registering wins in six of them) and Phoenix has been on fire for virtually the entire season.

Since registering consecutive losses in their second and third game of the season, the Coyotes have not gone more than one game without registering at least one point. That’s really important for a team in the Pacific Division.

It’s a light week for both Dallas and Phoenix, which will give us plenty of time to focus on other teams this week. Here’s a look at some notable match-ups you might want to consider watching:

Monday

Anaheim Ducks at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7:30 p.m. ET (RDS, TSN 2, NBCSN)

The Penguins lost their grip on the Metropolitan Division lead after the Washington Capitals defeated the St. Louis Blues on Sunday night. However, the club can retain the position with one point against the Ducks on Monday night. Anaheim enters competition with the Pacific Division lead but only hold the position by the slimmest of margins as the San Jose Sharks trail by a single point.

Tuesday

Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche, 9 p.m. ET (CSN-CH, ALT)

Are the Avalanche for real? The upstart club started the season on fire but have lost three straight. Making matters worse is the injury to Matt Duchene. The club will look to rebound against the Blackhawks who have gone 8-1-1 in their last 10.

Wednesday

Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals, 8 p.m. ET (TSN 2, NBCSN)

However you want to profile this game, it will be the first meeting between these two teams under realignment. Depending upon how the Penguins perform against Anaheim, it could also decide first place in the Metropolitan Division. Yeah, it’s still early but it’s bound to be a quality game and it’s on national television, so you probably wanna tune in.

Thursday

Tampa Bay Lightning at San Jose Sharks, 10:30 p.m. ET (SUN, CSN-CA)

Tampa Bay lost Steven Stamkos and everyone thinks they are going to fall off because of it. They didn't in their first game without the star, but did against Phoenix. The Lightning will be traveling west for the first time this week and will challenge three Pacific Division opponents. The second contest will come Thursday against San Jose. The Sharks will be plenty rested for the game but will be entering off a 5-1 loss to the Blackhawks on Sunday.

Friday

Montreal Capitals at Washington Capitals, 7 p.m. ET (RDS, TSN, CSN-DC)

Well, turns out the Metropolitan Division is getting all the attention this week. The Montreal Canadiens -- who are in the Atlantic -- have fared exceptionally well against Met opponents, combining for a record of 5-1-0 against the grouping. Washington has the potential to enter the night as the best squad in the Metropolitan. How will the Habs perform against them?