One of the greatest rivalries of the 21st century headlines the Saturday afternoon slate of games this week.
Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby meet for the final time this regular season. The two star players always make for high-level entertainment, as the Capitals and Penguins are jockeying for a prime playoff spot.
In total, there are eight games on national TV this week, including three games featuring the Capitals and three featuring the reigning Stanley Cup champion Lightning.
Here is a look at the NHL games on national TV this week.
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What games are on NHL Network this week?
Maple Leafs vs. Lightning
- Date: Monday, April 4
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
This is a potential first-round matchup as the Maple Leafs and Lightning have sat in the No. 2 and No. 3 spots in the Atlantic Division for most of the season. It’s been two hotly-contested affairs so far this season, with Maple Leafs earning a 2-1 overtime win first, then the Lightning winning 5-3 in the second. The two will meet one more time after Monday night’s contest.
Lightning vs. Bruins
- Date: Friday, April 8
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay is back on NHL Network Friday night against another Boston, another Atlantic Division foe. The Bruins have been creeping up behind the Lightning for that third spot in the division, so Friday has major playoff matchup implications. While Tampa won the first game between the two this season 3-2 in OT, Boston has won the last two.
Rangers vs. Senators
- Date: Saturday, April 9
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
It is two teams on opposite ends of the standings in the Saturday night clash. The Rangers are primed for a run in the postseason while the Senators of bottom-feeders. New York holds victories in the previous two contests this season.
What games are on TNT this week?
Capitals vs. Lightning
- Date: Wednesday, April 6
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
It’s been a while since these two clubs have squared off. The Capitals and Lightning met twice at the beginning in October and November, where Tampa won both games by a goal. The Lightning look to make it three in a row on Wednesday night.
Ducks vs. Flames
- Date: Wednesday, April 6
- Time: 10 p.m. ET
The top team in the Pacific Division takes one of the lower teams in the division. The Flames and Ducks meet for the final time this season. After splitting the first two matchups, Calgary laid down a 6-2 thumping on Anaheim in mid-February.
Capitals vs. Bruins
- Date: Sunday, April 10
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
It’s a Sunday matinee matchup between two Eastern Conference playoff teams. The Bruins beat up the Capitals in the two contests in January, winning 7-3 and 4-3.
Penguins vs. Predators
- Date: Sunday, April 10
- Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Pittsburgh and Nashville meet in a cross-conference contest in the late afternoon on Sunday. It’s the second and final time the two will see each other in the regular season. The Predators won the first game 4-1 in mid-March.
What game is on ABC this week?
Penguins vs. Capitals
- Date: Saturday, April 9
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
Ovi vs. Sid. One of the best rivalries in hockey that we’ve seen over the last 15 years or so is back on national TV on Saturday. The Metropolitan Division foes meet for the last time in the regular season. The Capitals have the edge, winning two of the three previous matchups.