NHL On Tap: Rangers host Sharks, try for seventh straight home win

Welcome to NHL On Tap. Three NHL.com writers will share what they are most looking forward to on the schedule each day. Today, their choices from the five games Friday.

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Rangers aim to extend streaks against road-warrior Sharks

The New York Rangers (14-4-3) have won six straight at home, nearly doubling their opposition in goals (23-13) during that span. They've won four games in a row overall and are led by the 1-2 offensive punch of forward Artemi Panarin, who leads New York with 23 points (six goals, 17 assists) in 21 games, and forward Chris Kreider, who has scored eight goals in his past nine games. They' play the San Jose Sharks (7 p.m. ET; SN, TVAS, MSG, NBCSCA, ESPN+, NHL LIVE), who are on a run of their own, 3-0-0 with just three goals allowed to start a five-game road trip, including a 2-1 overtime win at the New York Islanders on Thursday. San Jose (13-9-1) is led by forward Timo Meier, who has scored 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) in 18 games, and is second in the NHL with five game-winning goals, one behind Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl. -- Dave Stubbs, columnist

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Jets hope to end scoring woes

The Winnipeg Jets (10-8-4) are 1-5-1 and averaging 1.29 goals in their past seven games, the second-lowest total in the NHL since Nov. 18 (Islanders, 0.80). That record, though, is not the fault of goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who has a .926 save percentage in his past six games despite a 1-4-1 record. The Jets' offense has dried up; in their past seven games, forwards Kyle Connor, Nikolaj Ehlers and Pierre-Luc Dubois each have scored two goals, and top-six forwards Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler have not scored despite combining for 30 shots on goal. The Jets will try to get back on track at home against the New Jersey Devils (8 pm ET; TSN3, MSG+, ESPN+, NHL LIVE). New Jersey (9-8-4) lost 5-2 at the Minnesota Wild on Thursday. -- Rob Reese, fantasy editor

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Draisaitl, McDavid continue scoring race

When you watch the Edmonton Oilers (16-5-0) play at the Seattle Kraken (10 p.m. ET; ROOT-NW, SNW, ESPN+, NHL LIVE), you can follow the NHL scoring race without changing the channel. Not that you would want to change the channel with Oilers forwards Draisaitl and Connor McDavid on the screen, because you never know when they might make another unbelievable, highlight-reel play. Draisaitl leads the NHL in goals (20) and points (41) in 21 games. McDavid is right behind with 40 points (15 goals, 25 assists) in 21 games. Draisaitl had two goals and two assists when the Oilers played the Kraken (8-13-2) on Nov. 1; McDavid had an assist. -- Nicholas J. Cotsonika, columnist

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Friday schedule

San Jose Sharks at New York Rangers (7 p.m. ET; SN, TVAS, MSG, NBCSCA, ESPN+, NHL LIVE)
The Rangers are tied for second in the Metropolitan Division after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. Kreider has scored 16 goals, tied for third in the NHL with Calgary Flames forward Andrew Mangiapane, behind Draisaitl and Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (19). The Sharks are fourth in the Pacific Division, two points behind the third-place Anaheim Ducks.
New Jersey Devils at Winnipeg Jets (8 p.m. ET; TSN3, MSG+, ESPN+, NHL LIVE)
The Devils are 2-5-2 in their past nine but 1-0-2 in the second game of a back to back this season. The Jets haven't played since a 1-0 loss to the Arizona Coyotes on Monday.
Vegas Golden Knights at Arizona Coyotes (9:30 p.m. ET; ESPN+, HULU, NHL LIVE)
The Golden Knights (12-10-0) are 1-3-0 with 16 goals allowed in their past four games. Forward Max Pacioretty has scored four points (one goal, three assists) in three games since returning from a lower-body injury that kept him out 17 games. The Coyotes (5-16-2) are led by defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who has scored 16 points (three goals, 13 assists) in 23 games.
Calgary Flames at Anaheim Ducks (10 p.m. ET; SN1, SNE, SNO, SNP, BSW, ESPN+, NHL LIVE)
The Flames (14-4-5) are the first team with 10 road wins this season (10-2-2). Mangiapane has scored 15 of his 16 goals on the road, leading the League. The Ducks are (13-8-3) are 9-4-1 at home. Forward Troy Terry remains hot with three goals in four games and an Anaheim-high 25 points (15 goals, 10 points) in 23 games.
Edmonton Oilers at Seattle Kraken (10 p.m. ET; ROOT-NW, SNW, ESPN+, NHL LIVE)
The Oilers have won three in a row and are 5-1-0 in their past six. The Kraken are 4-1-1 in their past six. Seattle got a point in a 4-3 shootout loss at the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday while playing without forwards Jordan Eberle (undisclosed), Jared McCann (undisclosed) and Jaden Schwartz (lower body), and defenseman Mark Giordano (COVID-19 protocol).