Tony Kelshaw 
Toronto can’t afford to slip up against teams like Chicago if they are to challenge for top honours in a powerful Atlantic Division. The Blackhawks have been playing with plenty of spirit during a decent run of results but this represents a significant step up in class.
The pressure is mounting on Edmonton after three straight defeats but we’re not ready to desert them ahead of a home clash with Boston. When these teams met at TD Garden last month, the Oilers secured a 5-3 success and the hope is that they can confirm that superiority.
Boston are only fifth in the Eastern Atlantic division but have games in hand of those teams above them and are still fairly well placed. Brad Marchand continues to lead the way for the Bruins and he should again help them to victory against Vancouver, who have lost three straight.
Los Angeles have just come off a dreadful homestand as they head north to face Edmonton at Rogers Place. The Oilers have seen provincial rivals Calgary Flames pull three points clear at the top of the Pacific Division standings and will be hoping to move closer.
Pittsburgh will be looking to make it third time lucky on their Canadian road trip when visiting a suddenly resurgent Vancouver. The Penguins only went down in overtime at Calgary and were undone by breakaways in Edmonton but played well enough on both occasions.
Ottawa will hope to climb off the foot of the NHL standings when they welcome Colorado to the Canadian Tire Centre. However, the Avalanche responded to a heavy defeat by Toronto with a smooth victory over Montreal and are fancied to prove just too strong.
Nashville were beaten 6-3 in Montreal a couple of weeks ago but are fancied to gain revenge in the return fixture at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators have a solid 7-5-0 record on home ice while the Canadiens are not travelling well this term, going 2-9-1 on the road.
Novak Djokovic continues to dominate the ATP tour and has a chance to win his fourth successive Australian Open title in January. Melbourne was the scene of his first ever Grand Slam title back in 2008 and over his career he has won the tournament nine times out of a possible 14.
Devin Haney is expected to come through the fourth defence of his WBC lightweight title when facing Joseph Diaz in Las Vegas. The Dream has boxed his way to three straight points wins and can secure another decision against his mandatory challenger at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Pittsburgh and Calgary both saw winning runs come to an end over the weekend but the Flames look better equipped to get back on track. Darryl Sutter’s side crushed the Penguins 4-0 on the road in front of 17,743 fans last month when coming on strong in the closing period.
Los Angeles have gone five games without a win but their last victory was when visiting Ottawa and they are taken to confirm that superiority. The Senators are on a woeful run of form themselves, picking up just one triumph in 10 outings and conceding 17 times in three defeats this week.
Toronto appear to be going from strength to strength at the moment and have the all-round quality to take out San Jose. The Maple Leafs made it seven victories in eight games when beginning their three-match California swing with a 6-2 demolition of Los Angeles Kings.
February will see the NBA season pause for All-Star Weekend, which takes place just after that season’s trade deadline. The highlight of the weekend is the NBA All-Star game: an exhibition match between the league’s best players that has been contested since 1951.
Los Angeles and Toronto head into this game at opposite ends of the spectrum and an intriguing counter is in store at Staples Center. The Maple Leafs have climbed to second place in the Atlantic Division, while the Kings have dropped three straight home games.