1. It’s Miller Time in St. Louis. How does the Blues’ new netminder fare in his first start?
NHL Five Questions: Ryan Miller debuts for St. Louis, Flyers and Capitals battle for playoff position
Will Ryan Miller begin his Blues career with a bang? Who wins the Metropolitan battle in D.C.? Who gets traded?
Rick Stewart
Ryan Miller should really enjoy himself on Sunday. Playing goalie behind the St. Louis Blues is a much easier task than playing behind the porous Buffalo Sabres. The Blues are allowing just 2.27 goals per game, the third-lowest in the NHL Don't be surprised if Miller throws a shutout on Sunday.
2. Who shows up for the big Metropolitan showdown?
The Flyers and Capitals are separated by a single point in the standings heading into their matchup in D.C. on Sunday. What makes this afternoon game particularly interesting is that both teams played a matinee on Saturday. Considering how important mid-day naps are for hockey players, will players on both sides take awhile to get going?
3. Will Eddie Lack shut up the critics?
It wouldn't be a trade deadline without a Vancouver goalie controversy. Roberto Luongo isn't happy that he's getting benched in favor of Lack for the final outdoor game of the season. The fact may be that the Canucks are riding the hot hand in an important game, but Lack still needs to go out and prove that he was worthy of the nod.
4. How will trade deadline darlings play on Sunday?
Marty St. Louis is enjoying a nice little run with two goals in his last two games, and Ryan Kesler will get a chance to up his trade value on the big outdoor stage on Sunday. We'll see if both players can keep up the pace while the eyes of the entire league are upon them.
5. Can the Hurricanes snap out of their funk?
Carolina never really was in great position to make the playoffs, but they’ve dropped three straight games and now sit seven points behind Detroit for the final playoff spot. A win against Anaheim would do wonders for their confidence.
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