There are four games on the schedule for Monday, including one nationally televised in Canada. Here are five things to watch today, along with the complete game schedule.
Crosby vs. Matthews
It's Sidney Crosby vs. Auston Matthews when the Pittsburgh Penguins visit the Toronto Maple Leafs on "Prime Monday Night Hockey" (7:30 p.m. ET; TVAS, Prime, NHLN, SN-PIT). Crosby has 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) in 13 games for the Penguins (8-3-2), who are tied with the New Jersey Devils for first in the Metropolitan Division. Matthews has nine points (six goals, three assists) in 12 games for the Maple Leafs (6-5-1), who are one of six teams within one point from third to eighth in the Atlantic.
Chasing legends, gold
Crosby needs 21 points to pass Mario Lemieux (1,723) for the most in Penguins history; Matthews needs 14 goals to overtake Mats Sundin (420) for first in Maple Leafs history. Crosby captained Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off last season, while Matthews captained the United States. Canada won the tournament with a 3-2 overtime victory against the U.S. in Boston on Feb. 20, but Matthews had chances to win it in OT. Next comes the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Binnington watch
Jordan Binnington was a hero for Canada at 4 Nations, making big saves against Matthews and others. But he has struggled for the St. Louis Blues (3-7-2) early this season, going 2-4-2 with a 3.21 goals-against average and .860 save percentage. Now he faces Canada teammate Connor McDavid and the 6-4-3 Edmonton Oilers (8:30 p.m. ET; FDSNMW, SNW). Canada's goaltending situation remains a hot topic ahead of the Olympics. McDavid will play his 726th NHL game. He's one point from 1,100 and becoming the fourth-fastest player in League history to reach the milestone behind Wayne Gretzky (464 games), Mario Lemieux (550) and Mike Bossy (725).
