So many games. So little time. What should you focus your NHL hockey fandom on if your favorite team’s games don’t scratch the itch enough?
Welcome to This Week in the NHL. From now until April, we’ll lay out a collection of key games, events and deadlines to watch on the league calendar each week.
So what’s on tap for Feb. 26 – March 3?
Leafs eying franchise-winning streak
Last week, the New York Rangers equalled their franchise record by winning a 10th consecutive game. The Leafs, riding high after beating the Colorado Avalanche in a thriller Saturday night, have won seven games in a row. If they go three for three this week in their homestand against the Vegas Golden Knights, Arizona Coyotes and Rangers, the Leafs can equal their franchise mark of 10 straight wins, set in the 1992-93 season.
Feb. 29: Leap Day in the NHL
For the 21st time in the NHL’s 106-season history, it will host games on a leap day. The Feb. 29 slate includes 12 games. Since 1935-36, every fourth season has featured at least one game on a leap day, save for 1951-52 and 1959-60. #CoolStoryBro
March 2: Miikka Kiprusoff’s jersey retirement
Pittsburgh Penguins @ Calgary Flames, 10:00 p.m. ET
‘Kipper,’ one of the best late bloomer stories in NHL history, became a Calgary institution in the 2000s. When he exploded onto the scene after a trade from the San Jose Sharks in 2003-04, he began an incredible run in which he finished as a Vezina Trophy finalist three consecutive seasons, winning the award in 2005-06. He also led the Flames to within a single victory of a Stanley Cup in 2003-04. Games, wins, goals-against average, save percentage, shutouts – name the category and Kiprusoff is Calgary’s franchise leader. On Saturday, his No. 34 will rise to the Saddledome rafters. He’ll become the second Flames goalie to have his digits retired, joining 2023 Hall of Fame inductee Mike Vernon.
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