Your Week in NHL Hockey, November 13-19: Cross-Conference Clashes

SAN JOSE, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on during the game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on November 5, 2016 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images)

Wednesday, November 16

Nationally televised in the United States and Canada

Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals (7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN; Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada)

Locally televised in the United States and/or televised in Canada

Arizona Coyotes at Calgary Flames (10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Arizona Plus; Sportsnet and Sportsnet One in Canada)

Best bet: Penguins-Capitals

Remember those complaints about balancing the schedule on the previous slide? Consider them renewed, especially when you see the Thursday slate.

Anyway, the Penguins and Capitals have risen to the upper echelons of the Metropolitan Division, where both teams jockey with and around the New York Rangers for the top three spots. That means that this match is incredibly important. It’s a chance to deny a close competitor a few points and to add to your own pile at the same time, which means that both the Penguins and the Capitals will go all out.

Besides, this is a Wednesday Night Rivalry game on NBCSN, and it’s one heck of a good choice. Settle in and watch the sparks fly as two top-flight teams try and take a win. The Pens don’t do awfully on the road, either.