Kings center Kopitar to call into NHL Live

NHL Live with Bill Pidto and E.J. Hradek, at 5 p.m. ET on NHL Network, welcomes Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar at 5:30 p.m. The NHL's First Star for the week ending Dec. 21 has 10 points in his past four games with six coming on the power play.

The Central Division-leading Chicago Blackhawks are 8-1-1 in their past 10 games and play the Winnipeg Jets at United Center. Eddie Olczyk will join the show from Arena Cam to preview the game.

St. Louis Blues radio analyst Kelly Chase also checks in from Pepsi Center in Denver to preview the Blues' game against the Colorado Avalanche (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN).

The Washington Capitals (7-0-2 in their past nine games) and New York Rangers (six straight wins) are each playing their best hockey of the season. NHL.com senior writer Dan Rosen joins us during pregame skate at Madison Square Garden to look at two teams vying for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.