This Week in the NHL: Beastly week for East Wildcard race

Credit: Dec 20, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki (14) shoots the puck while Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider (53) tries to block during the third period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images

With 32 teams and seemingly infinite storylines, it’s hard to keep track of all the weekly goings on during the NHL season. That’s why I’m here to help. Every Monday from October to April, I’ll preview the key events, games, narratives and milestones in play for the week.

So what’s on tap for Jan. 20-26?

Jan. 23: Crucial night in Eastern Conference Wildcard race

Montreal Canadiens @ Detroit Red Wings, 7:00 p.m. ET

Ottawa Senators @ Boston Bruins, 7:00 p.m. ET

These four teams are separated by six points, with the Senators occupying the first Wildcard position in the Eastern Conference. It may not feel like late-January games decide playoff spots, but we could look back on some of these clashes as the difference between making or missing the big dance.

Jan. 25: Battle of Ontario shifts to Canada’s capital

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Ottawa Senators, 7:00 p.m. ET

The Leafs and Senators have met once since the infamous game last season when Ottawa’s Ridly Greig took a slap shot on an empty net, leading to a rage-fuelled attack from Toronto’s Morgan Rielly. But the incident originally took place in Ottawa, and Saturday will mark the first Battle of Ontario matchup at Canadian Tire Centre since. Will a charged-up crowd, mixed with fans of both sides, spark a rough and tumble affair?

Jonathan Quick’s 400^th win

Quick will become the 15^th member of the 400-win club and its first American soon enough, but he’s been stuck on 399 victories since Jan. 2, and his playing time remains unpredictable in a backup role with the New York Rangers. While Quick doesn’t have a Vezina Trophy, his two Stanley Cups and Conn Smythe Trophy, coupled with the wins milestone, should all but clinch a future induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Frederik Andersen’s 300th win

Andersen has returned from his knee injury and resumes his hunt to become the 42nd goaltender – and the first Dane, obviously – to win 300 games. He opens the week with 298, and his Carolina Hurricanes play four times, including a back-to-back on Monday and Tuesday.