NHL schedule: Five questions for Friday

1. Will the Pittsburgh Penguins extend their winning streak to 11 games?

It seems like an NHL team has had an extended winning streak every week this season. Regardless, the Penguins have a chance to push their streak to 11 with a win over their Atlantic Division rivals, the New York Islanders, on Friday night.

2. Can the Islanders rebound from their third period meltdown on Thursday?

The Islanders entered the third period of Thursday night's contest against the Montreal Canadiens tied at two. They ended the game losing, 5-2. With the team making a push for the playoffs, can they rebound on Friday night against the Penguins?

3. Will the Columbus Blue Jackets tie the San Jose Sharks in points?

No, the Blue Jackets will not take over the eighth seed with a win. They will, however, move into position to do such a thing with a win against the Calgary Flames on Friday night. With a win on Friday and a loss by the Sharks against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday afternoon, the Blue Jackets would enter competition on Saturday night as the eighth seed.

4. Can the Washington Capitals sweep their back-to-back series against the Winnipeg Jets?

The Capitals need to win games. As of late, they've done a decent job by winning three of five, including a 4-0 victory over the Jets on Thursday. Can they follow up the effort by completing the sweep on Friday?

5. Will the Anaheim Ducks continue their point streak?

The Ducks have gone 12-consecutive games without a regulation loss. They will attempt to extend it to 13 games against the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night.

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