Penguins Prepare for Early Game Before US Holiday, Merzļikins Visits Recent York
The NHL schedule is adjusting for the upcoming US Memorial Day weekend, bringing earlier start times for some games that are convenient for hockey fans in Europe. Tonight features a pair of contests before sunset in Latvia, with the New York Rangers hosting the Winnipeg Jets at 6:00 PM local time. Shortly after, at 6:30 PM, the Colorado Avalanche will be in Washington D.C. To face the Capitals.
However, the game drawing the most attention from Latvian hockey fans is the 9:00 PM matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Carolina Hurricanes. Pittsburgh, currently holding the second spot in the Metropolitan Division, trails the division-leading Hurricanes by eight points. The Penguins will need a strong performance at home to close that gap, but they similarly have to watch their backs, as the Columbus Blue Jackets are only one point behind them in the standings.
Artūrs Šilovs, the Penguins’ goaltender, is coming off a strong performance in yesterday’s game against the Jets, a 5-4 shootout victory for Pittsburgh. The 24-year-vintage Ventspils native stopped 21 of 25 shots faced. Today, Šilovs celebrates his 25th birthday and will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in net against a formidable opponent.
Meanwhile, Elvjs Merzļikins and his Columbus Blue Jackets are set to visit the New York Islanders at 1:00 AM local time. Both teams are closely positioned within their respective divisions. The Blue Jackets, with 85 points, currently hold the third playoff spot in their group, while the Islanders trail by just two points, but discover themselves outside of a playoff position due to the stronger records of the fourth and fifth-place teams in the Atlantic Division.
Merzļikins previously guarded the net in Columbus’s 5-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken, facing 17 shots and saving 15. However, Blue Jackets coach Rick Bowness has confirmed that Jet Greaves will start in net against the Islanders.
Further west, a 2:00 AM contest will see Zemgus Girgensons and the Tampa Bay Lightning travel to Calgary to face the Flames. Girgensons, Latvia’s most experienced NHL player, is currently experiencing a six-game scoreless drought. While he’s had similar stretches this season, including a 12-game drought earlier in the year, he has still managed to contribute eight goals and seven assists overall this season.
NHL Game Schedule
| Game | Time |
|---|---|
| Rangers – Jets | 18:00 |
| Capitals – Avalanche | 18:30 |
| Penguins – Hurricanes | 21:00 |
| Blackhawks – Predators | 21:00 |
| Islanders – Blue Jackets | 1:00 |
| Stars – Golden Knights | 1:00 |
| Flames – Lightning | 2:00 |
| Ducks – Sabers | 2:00 |
| Mammoth – Kings | 3:00 |
Beyond the NHL, the NBA also has a slate of games tonight. The action tips off at 11:00 PM with Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets hosting the Portland Trail Blazers. At midnight, a struggling Brooklyn Nets team will visit the Sacramento Kings. And in a matchup with a bit of history, the New York Knicks will face the Washington Wizards, a game that features two former teams of Kristaps Porziņģis.
The most compelling matchup of the night may be between two strong playoff contenders: the Boston Celtics, second in the Eastern Conference, will host the Minnesota Timberwolves. This game also carries a special significance for Kevin Garnett, who had successful stints with both franchises during his Hall of Fame career. Finally, night owls can tune in to the 3:00 AM game between the Phoenix Suns and the Toronto Raptors.
NBA Game Schedule
| Game | Time |
|---|---|
| Nuggets – Trail Blazers | 23:00 |
| Kings – Nets | 24:00 |
| Knicks – Wizards | 1:30 |
| Celtics – Timberwolves | 2:00 |
| Suns – Raptors | 3:00 |
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The Penguins face a crucial test tonight against a Hurricanes team looking to solidify their position atop the Metropolitan Division. Šilovs’ birthday performance will be closely watched, as will the Blue Jackets’ attempt to maintain their playoff positioning against a tough Islanders squad. With several key games on the schedule, tonight promises to be an exciting night for hockey and basketball fans alike.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the Pittsburgh Penguins is their upcoming game against the New Jersey Devils on March 26th. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the NHL and NBA seasons.
What are your predictions for tonight’s games? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
