Faceoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Centre Bell, Montreal, Quebec
TV/Streaming: ESPN+ (national), FDSNOH (Blue Jackets local), SNE / TVAS / CITY (Canadiens local)
Radio: 97.1 The Fan / CBJ app (Blue Jackets), Sportsnet 590 / TSN Radio (Canadiens)

This late-season Eastern Conference matchup carries significant playoff implications as both teams fight for positioning in the final stretch. The Blue Jackets (5th in the Metropolitan) visit the Canadiens (2nd/3rd in the Atlantic, playoff-clinched) in what could be a high-stakes battle for home-ice advantage or wild-card seeding. Montréal enters as the clear home favorite with superior depth, while Columbus looks to play spoiler despite a depleted roster and recent road struggles.

Team Records and Standings Context

Columbus Blue Jackets (39-28-12, ~90 points): 5th in Metropolitan Division. Solid + goal differential but 19-17-4 on the road; they remain in the wild-card hunt but injuries have tested their consistency.

Montréal Canadiens (47-22-10, ~104 points): 2nd/3rd in Atlantic Division (playoff-clinched). Strong + goal differential, excellent home record (~22-13-2), and one of the East’s top teams with elite special teams and goaltending.

Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)

Columbus Blue Jackets (2-3-0):

L 5-0 @ Buffalo (4/9)

L 2-1 vs. Winnipeg (4/4)

W 4-3 vs. Detroit (4/7)

Mixed results with defensive lapses in recent losses but offensive flashes in wins.

Montréal Canadiens (4-1-0):

W vs. recent opponents (including shootout wins and strong home play)

8-game win streak snapped earlier but overall resilient form with timely scoring.

Injury Report

Columbus Blue Jackets (significant absences):

Damon Severson (D) – Out for season (shoulder surgery)

Brendan Smith (D) – Out for season (knee)

Mathieu Olivier (RW) – Out for season (upper body)

Dmitri Voronkov (LW) – Out (hand; week-to-week, possible return target)

Blue line and forward depth are heavily compromised, forcing reliance on younger call-ups.

Montréal Canadiens (moderate depth hits):

Alexandre Carrier (D) – Out (upper body; 2-4 weeks)

Patrik Laine (RW) – Out (abdomen)

Kirby Dach (C) – Out (upper body)

Joe Veleno (C) – Day-to-Day (illness)

Montréal remains relatively healthy up front compared to Columbus.

Key Player Matchups

Kirill Marchenko / Adam Fantilli (CBJ) vs. Canadiens defense (without Carrier): Columbus relies on its young scorers; Montréal’s structure could limit them.

Cole Caufield / Nick Suzuki / Juraj Slafkovsky (MTL) vs. Blue Jackets blue line: Montréal’s star trio provides elite speed and finishing against a depleted Columbus back end.

Goaltending: Elvis Merzlikins (CBJ) vs. Sam Montembeault / Canadiens tandem: Merzlikins faces heavy pressure; Montréal’s home goaltending has been a strength.

Special teams: Canadiens power play vs. Blue Jackets penalty kill (impacted by absences).

Montréal holds clear edges in most individual battles due to health and home advantage.

Series History (2025-26 Season)

The teams have split the season series 1-1 (or Canadiens 1-0-1):

March 26, 2026: Canadiens 2, Blue Jackets 1 (at Montréal)

Earlier meeting: Competitive result favoring Montréal slightly.

Games have been low-scoring and tight, with Montréal owning recent home success in the rivalry.

Betting Trends

Canadiens are strong as home favorites and have covered well lately.

Blue Jackets are 19-17-4 on the road and have struggled ATS as underdogs with injuries.

Totals trend slightly under in structured defensive games; public leans Montréal.

Game Odds

Columbus Blue Jackets                  6.5

Montréal Canadiens                       – 142

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 10, 2026

Faceoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV/Streaming: ESPN+ (national), SCRI / RSN / CBC (local Maple Leafs), Bally Sports Florida / Panthers+ (local Panthers)
Radio: 98.7 FM / 1050 AM (Rangers affiliate style for Panthers), Sportsnet 590 / TSN Radio (Maple Leafs)

This late-season Atlantic Division matchup features two teams that have been eliminated from playoff contention and are playing out the string with significant injury issues on both sides. The Panthers visit Toronto on the second night of a back-to-back after a tough road stretch, while the Maple Leafs host their final home game of the regular season and look to snap a recent skid in front of their fans.

Team Records and Standings Context

Florida Panthers (37-38-4, 78 points): 7th in the Atlantic Division, 14th in the Eastern Conference. They sit with a -37 goal differential and a 16-23-1 road record, well outside the playoff picture after a season plagued by injuries.

Toronto Maple Leafs (32-33-14, 78 points): 8th in the Atlantic Division, 15th in the Eastern Conference. A -39 goal differential and 18-13-8 home record reflect similar struggles, with both squads now focused on lottery positioning and evaluating young talent.

Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)

Florida Panthers (1-4-0):

L 1-5 @ Ottawa (4/9)

L 3-4 (SO) @ Montreal (4/7)

L 2-5 @ Pittsburgh (4/5)

L 4-9 @ Pittsburgh (4/4)

W 2-1 vs. Boston (4/2)

The Panthers have dropped four straight, with defensive breakdowns and goaltending under pressure on the road.

Toronto Maple Leafs (approx. 1-3-1 in recent stretch, entering with L2):
Recent results show inconsistency, including losses to strong teams but occasional competitiveness at home. The Leafs are 3-5-2 in their last 10 overall.

Injury Report

Florida Panthers (heavily depleted roster):

Matthew Tkachuk (LW) – Out / Personal (expected return unclear; did not play recent games)

Seth Jones (D) – Out (Fractured foot)

Dmitry Kulikov (D) – Out for Season (Fractured finger)

Aaron Ekblad (D) – Out (Broken finger; multiple weeks)

Evan Rodrigues (C) – Out for Season (Finger)

Sam Reinhart (RW) – Out for Season (Foot)

Brad Marchand (LW) – Out (Lower body / IR)

Additional depth forwards (e.g., Cole Schwindt, Jonah Gadjovich) also sidelined.

The Panthers are missing key scorers and blue-line anchors, forcing heavy reliance on call-ups and younger players.

Toronto Maple Leafs (significant absences):

Auston Matthews (C) – Out for Season (Knee surgery / MCL tear)

Chris Tanev (D) – Out for Season (Abdomen / core surgery)

Joseph Woll (G) – Day-to-Day (Lower body)

Anthony Stolarz (G) – Out

Oliver Ekman-Larsson (D) – Day-to-Day (Lower body)

Toronto is without its captain and veteran defensemen, opening opportunities for prospects but thinning overall depth.

Key Player Matchups

Sam Reinhart / Matthew Tkachuk absences (FLA) vs. Toronto defense: Without their top scorers, Florida’s attack relies on secondary contributors; Toronto’s depleted blue line (without Tanev) could be vulnerable but benefits from home structure.

William Nylander / John Tavares (TOR, if active) vs. Panthers goaltending and checking lines: Nylander’s speed and playmaking are Toronto’s primary offensive threats against a Panthers team missing multiple top-six forwards.

Goaltending: Sergei Bobrovsky / backup tandem (FLA) vs. Maple Leafs netminders (Woll DTD): Both sides face goaltending uncertainty, but Toronto’s home goaltending has been steadier lately.

Special teams and youth: Panthers power play (impacted by injuries) vs. Maple Leafs penalty kill; expect young players on both sides to see expanded roles in a low-stakes game.

Toronto’s home energy and remaining veteran presence give them slight matchup edges despite mutual injuries.

Series History (2025-26 Season)

The Panthers hold a narrow edge in recent head-to-heads, including a 5-1 victory over Toronto earlier in the season (Feb. 26). Games have generally been competitive, with Florida winning several of the last matchups, though both teams’ current injury situations make historical trends less predictive.

Betting Trends

Maple Leafs are competitive as home favorites despite records; Panthers are 1-4 SU recently and have covered poorly as road underdogs.

Totals have gone Over in several recent Panthers games due to defensive lapses.

Game Odds

Florida Panthers               6.5

Toronto Maple Leafs      – 130

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 10, 2026

Faceoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
TV/Streaming: FDSNSO / Utah16 (local), ESPN+ (national)
Radio: 99.9 The Fan / Hurricanes app (Carolina), Utah16 / Mammoth app (Utah)

This cross-conference clash features the top-seeded Eastern Conference Hurricanes visiting a playoff-clinched Mammoth squad still jockeying for Central Division positioning. Carolina is rolling with elite defensive structure and goaltending depth, while Utah rides a five-game winning streak and home-ice energy in what could be a tightly contested, low-scoring affair with playoff implications for seeding.

Team Records and Standings Context

Carolina Hurricanes (51-22-6, 108 points): 1st in Metropolitan Division / 1st in Eastern Conference. Dominant +53 goal differential, 22-12-4 on the road, and one of the league’s stingiest defenses (2.90 GAA). They have clinched the East’s top seed and are pushing for the Presidents’ Trophy.

Utah Mammoth (42-30-6, 90 points): 4th in Central Division / Western Conference playoff berth clinched. +34 goal differential, 21-14-3 at home, with a balanced attack that has surged lately.

Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)

Carolina Hurricanes (4-1-0):

W 7-2 @ Chicago (4/9)

W 6-5 (OT) vs. Boston (4/7)

L 6-3 @ Ottawa (4/5)

W 4-3 vs. New York Islanders (4/4)

W 5-1 vs. Columbus (4/2)

Carolina has been explosive offensively (averaging 5.6 GPG in wins) while showing resilience in tight contests.

Utah Mammoth (5-0-0):

W 4-1 vs. Nashville (4/9)

W vs. Edmonton (OT, recent surge)

Strong 7-3-0 in last 10, with timely scoring and goaltending stability fueling the streak.

Injury Report

Carolina Hurricanes:

Jalen Chatfield (D) – Day-to-Day (Lower body)

Jordan Staal (C) – Day-to-Day (Undisclosed)

Jordan Martinook (LW) – Day-to-Day (Undisclosed)

Pyotr Kochetkov (G) – Out (Hip; long-term)

Depth defensemen and forward checking lines are tested, but the core remains intact.

Utah Mammoth:

Barrett Hayton (C) – Out for Season (Upper body)

Jack McBain (C) – Out for Season (Lower body)

Significant center depth losses, forcing reliance on younger forwards and increased minutes for stars like Clayton Keller.

Key Player Matchups

Seth Jarvis / Andrei Svechnikov (CAR) vs. Utah defense (e.g., available corps without full center support): Jarvis’s speed and Svechnikov’s physicality will test Utah’s depleted forward group.

Clayton Keller / Dylan Guenther (UTA) vs. Carolina blue line and goaltending: Keller remains Utah’s captain and offensive leader; Carolina’s structured defense (led by Slavin) aims to neutralize him.

Goaltending: Frederik Andersen / Pyotr Kochetkov absence (CAR) vs. Karel Vejmelka / Utah tandem: Andersen has been stellar; Utah’s home goaltending has been a strength during the win streak.

Special teams: Carolina’s power play (24.7%) vs. Utah’s penalty kill; both teams trend opportunistic in high-stakes games.

Carolina’s depth and star power give them a slight edge, but Utah’s home momentum creates matchup challenges.

Series History (2025-26 Season)

The teams split earlier meetings, with competitive games featuring overtime and special-teams play. Carolina holds a narrow edge in the season series entering this finale.

Betting Trends

Mammoth are 5-0 SU and strong at home lately; Hurricanes are 4-1 but vulnerable on the road against hot teams.

Utah projects low shots but high save percentage edge.

Totals trend under in structured defensive matchups; public leans Carolina, but sharp money favors home side.

Game Odds

Carolina Hurricanes        6.5

Utah Mammoth               – 122

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 10, 2026

Faceoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET
Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
TV/Streaming: Victory+ / MSG (Rangers local), ESPN+ (national), Bally Sports Southwest (Stars local)
Radio: 98.7 FM / 1050 AM (Rangers), The Ticket 96.7 FM / 1310 AM (Stars)

This cross-conference matchup pits an eliminated New York Rangers squad (8th in the Metropolitan Division) against a Dallas Stars team that has clinched a playoff spot and sits 2nd in the Central Division, still jockeying for optimal seeding in the final week. The Rangers are on the road looking to play spoiler, while the Stars aim to maintain home dominance and build momentum heading into the postseason.

Team Records and Standings Context

New York Rangers (33-37-9, 75 points): 8th in Metropolitan Division (eliminated from playoff contention). Road record of 19-17-2 with a -11 goal differential; they have shown sporadic offensive bursts but overall inconsistency late in the season.

Dallas Stars (47-20-12, 106 points): 2nd in Central Division (clinched playoff spot). Strong home record of 25-11-4 and a league-best +49 goal differential, reflecting elite defensive structure and depth.

nhl.com +1

Dallas is locked into the postseason with home-ice potential still on the table, while New York is playing out the string.

Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)

New York Rangers (2-3-0):

L 3-5 vs. Buffalo (4/8)

W 8-1 vs. Washington (4/5) — Cuylle hat trick

W 4-1 vs. Detroit (4/4)

L 2-3 vs. Montreal (4/2)

(Prior results showing defensive lapses in losses but explosive offense in wins)

New York has been streaky, with big home wins mixed against road/home setbacks.

Dallas Stars (4-1-0):

W 5-4 vs. Minnesota (4/9)

W 4-3 (OT) vs. Calgary (4/7)

L 0-2 vs. Colorado (4/4)

W 3-0 vs. Winnipeg (4/2)

(Prior strong stretch)

Dallas enters hot with a 4-1-0 mark in its last five, showcasing resilience and timely scoring at home.

Injury Report

New York Rangers:

Urho Vaakanainen (D) – Day-to-Day (Upper body; practiced in regular jersey, probable return)

Matt Rempe (C) – Out for Season (Thumb)

Vaakanainen’s status is the primary question mark on the blue line; otherwise, the Rangers are relatively healthy for a late-season game.

Dallas Stars (multiple forward and defensive concerns):

Miro Heiskanen (D) – Day-to-Day (Lower body)

Nils Lundkvist (D) – Day-to-Day / Expected out until at least Apr 11 (Illness)

Roope Hintz (C) – Out (Lower body)

Tyler Seguin (C) – Out for Season (ACL)

Nathan Bastian (RW) – Out (Hand)

Radek Faksa (C) – Day-to-Day (Upper body)

Dallas is dealing with significant forward depth issues and potential blue-line absences, though core stars remain available.

Key Player Matchups

Alexis Lafrenière / Will Cuylle (NYR) vs. Dallas defense (Heiskanen if active / others): Cuylle’s recent hot streak (hat trick vs. Washington) gives New York scoring punch, but Dallas’ structured back end will test them.

Jason Robertson / Wyatt Johnston (DAL) vs. Rangers goaltending and checking lines: Robertson’s go-ahead goals lately make him Dallas’ offensive catalyst; New York must contain the Stars’ transition game.

Goaltending: Rangers tandem vs. Jake Oettinger (DAL): Oettinger has been stellar at home; New York’s netminders face a high-powered Dallas attack even with injuries.

Special teams: Stars’ power play vs. Rangers’ penalty kill; Dallas’ depth could be tested, but home structure favors them.

Dallas holds the edge in most matchups due to superior roster health and home advantage.

Series History (2025-26 Season)

The teams have met once this season:

December 2, 2025: Rangers 3, Stars 2 (at New York).

New York leads the season series 1-0. All-time, Dallas trails significantly in the historical matchup.

Betting Trends

Stars are strong as home favorites (W2 entering) and have covered well in recent home games.

Rangers are 19-17-2 on the road but have struggled as heavy underdogs.

Totals have varied; recent Stars home games trend slightly over with offensive output.

Game Odds

New York Rangers           5.5

Dallas Stars                         – 198

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 10, 2026

Faceoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee
TV/Streaming: ESPN+ (national), FDSNSO / FDSNNO / FDSNWIX / KSTC (local/regional)
Radio: KSTP 1500 AM / Wild app (Minnesota), 102.5 The Game / Predators app (Nashville)

This Central Division matchup pits a locked-in playoff team (Minnesota, currently 3rd in the Central and Western Conference) against a Nashville squad still fighting for wild-card positioning on home ice. The Wild enter as slight road favorites after a recent high-scoring loss, while the Predators look to capitalize on home advantage and defensive structure in what could be a low-event affair.

Team Records and Standings Context

Minnesota Wild (45-22-12, 102 points): 3rd in Central Division / 3rd in Western Conference. Strong +35 goal differential, 23-12-4 on the road, and one of the league’s better defensive teams (2.85 GAA). They have clinched a postseason berth and are pushing for higher seeding.

Nashville Predators (37-32-10, 84 points): 5th in Central Division / 8th in Western Conference. -21 goal differential, 20-15-3 at home. Still mathematically alive for a wild-card spot but need consistent results down the stretch.

Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)

Minnesota Wild (3-2-0):

L 5-4 vs. Dallas (4/9) — Kaprizov 2 goals

W vs. recent opponents (strong stretch prior)

Mixed but offensively potent, averaging 3.3 GPG lately.

Nashville Predators (3-2-0):

W (recent home/road split)

5-4-1 in last 10 overall, showing resilience but inconsistency on special teams.

Injury Report

Minnesota Wild:

Zach Bogosian (D) – Day-to-Day (Lower body / undisclosed)

Bogosian’s status is the only notable question mark; the Wild otherwise roll a healthy lineup with their top stars available.

Nashville Predators:

Nic Hague (D) – Day-to-Day (Upper body)

Roman Josi (D) – Day-to-Day (Upper body)

Both defensemen are being monitored daily. Their potential absence would further strain Nashville’s blue line depth.

Key Player Matchups

Kirill Kaprizov / Matt Boldy (MIN) vs. Nashville defense (Josi / Hague if active): Kaprizov’s speed and scoring (recent 2-goal game) will test Nashville’s depleted blueline.

Filip Forsberg / Steven Stamkos (NSH) vs. Wild blue line and goaltending: Forsberg remains Nashville’s offensive engine; Minnesota’s structured defense (led by Spurgeon) will aim to neutralize him.

Goaltending: Filip Gustavsson (MIN) vs. Nashville tandem: Gustavsson has been steady (.904 SV%); Nashville will lean on home goaltending stability.

Special teams: Minnesota’s power play (25.5%) vs. Nashville’s penalty kill (81.9%); both units have been opportunistic lately.

Minnesota’s star power and depth give them the edge in most matchups.

Series History (2025-26 Season)

Minnesota leads the season series 2-1:

February 4, 2026: Minnesota 6, Nashville 5 (OT)

December 23, 2025: Nashville 3, Minnesota 2 (OT)

November 4, 2025: Minnesota 3, Nashville 2 (OT)

All three games have gone to overtime or been decided by one goal, highlighting the rivalry’s competitiveness.

Betting Trends

Wild are strong as road favorites (-151 to -200 range) and 9-3 in recent similar spots.

Predators are 5-0 ATS in last 5 but have struggled SU lately.

Totals trend Under in several recent head-to-heads; both teams play structured, lower-event hockey.

Game Odds

Minnesota Wild               – 130

Nashville Predators        6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 10, 2026

Faceoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET
Venue: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
TV/Streaming: ESPN+ (national), CHSN (Blackhawks local), FDSNMW (Blues local)
Radio: 101 ESPN / Blues app (St. Louis), WGN Radio 720 AM / Blackhawks app (Chicago)

This Central Division rivalry matchup is a late-season contest with minimal playoff implications—both teams have been eliminated from postseason contention—but carries the usual intensity of the Blues-Blackhawks series. St. Louis visits Chicago on the tail end of a road-heavy stretch, while the Blackhawks host their final home game of the regular season and look to build momentum despite a depleted roster.

Team Records and Standings Context

St. Louis Blues (33-33-12, 78 points): 7th in the Central Division, 15-19-5 on the road. They boast a +0 goal differential overall but have shown late-season flashes of competitiveness.

Chicago Blackhawks (28-37-14, 70 points): 8th in the Central Division, 13-17-8 at home. A negative goal differential reflects their position near the bottom of the Western Conference.

Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)

St. Louis Blues (2-3-0):

L 2-3 vs. Winnipeg (4/9)

L 1-3 vs. Colorado (4/7)

W 3-2 @ Colorado (4/5)

W 6-2 @ Anaheim (4/3)

L 1-2 @ Los Angeles (4/1)

The Blues have alternated wins and losses, with strong road performances mixed against home defensive lapses.

Chicago Blackhawks (2-3-0):

L 2-3 @ San Jose (4/6)

W 4-2 @ Seattle (4/4)

L (prior road loss contributing to earlier skid)

Mixed results showing occasional offensive bursts but overall inconsistency.

Chicago snapped a five-game losing streak with the Seattle win but has struggled to sustain momentum.

Injury Report

St. Louis Blues:

Tyler Tucker (D) – Out (Lower body; week-to-week since late March, no clear return timeline)

Depth on the blue line is tested, but the forward group and goaltending remain intact.

Chicago Blackhawks (significant long-term absences):

Oliver Moore (C) – Out (Lower body; significant time missed, possibly for the remainder of the season)

Matt Grzelcyk (D) – Out for Season (Upper body)

Artyom Levshunov (D) – Out for Season (Hand)

Chicago is thin on the blueline and at center, forcing heavy reliance on younger or call-up players.

Key Player Matchups

Robert Thomas / Jordan Kyrou (STL) vs. Chicago defense (depleted without Grzelcyk/Levshunov): Thomas has been a consistent scorer (recent shorthanded tallies); Chicago’s injury-riddled back end could struggle containing St. Louis’ speed.

Connor Bedard / Teuvo Teravainen (CHI, if Bedard active) vs. Blues checking lines: Bedard’s playmaking remains Chicago’s biggest threat despite team struggles.

Jordan Binnington (STL) vs. Chicago goaltending tandem: Binnington has been steady; Chicago’s netminders face pressure against a Blues team averaging solid shots.

Special teams: Blues power play (17.3%) vs. Blackhawks penalty kill (83.9%); both units could be pivotal in a lower-scoring affair.

St. Louis holds the edge in most individual matchups due to Chicago’s absences.

Series History (2025-26 Season)

The teams have split recent meetings (exact 2025-26 head-to-head leans competitive, with no dominant side). All-time, the rivalry remains one of the NHL’s most physical, though games this season have featured narrow margins and special-teams play.

Betting Trends

Blues are 2-3 in last 5 but stronger overall; Blackhawks are slight home favorites per models (53% implied win probability) despite worse record.

Totals trend moderate; recent games for both sides have stayed around 5-6 goals.

Game Odds

St. Louis Blues                   – 130

Chicago Blackhawks       5.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 10, 2026

Faceoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
TV/Streaming: ESPN+ (national), FDSNDET (Red Wings local), MSGSN (Devils local)
Radio: Devils Hockey Network / 98.7 FM (Devils), 97.1 The Ticket / Wings app (Red Wings)

This cross-conference matchup serves as Detroit’s final home game of the 2025-26 regular season (Fan Appreciation Night) and features two Eastern Conference teams with vastly different postseason outlooks. The Red Wings (6th in the Atlantic, firmly in the playoff mix) host the Devils (7th in the Metropolitan, all but eliminated from wild-card contention) in a game that could help Detroit lock in seeding while New Jersey plays spoiler on the road.

Team Records and Standings Context

New Jersey Devils (40-36-3, 83 points): 7th in Metropolitan Division, 20-19-0 on the road. They sit outside the playoff picture with a -12 goal differential and have been inconsistent away from Prudential Center.

Detroit Red Wings (41-29-9, 91 points): 6th in Atlantic Division, 21-15-4 at home. A +22 goal differential and strong home play keep them alive for a postseason berth in a crowded East.

Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)

New Jersey Devils (2-3-0):

L 1-5 vs. Philadelphia (4/7)

W 3-0 @ Montreal (4/5)

L 3-4 (SO) vs. Montreal (4/4)

(Prior results showing defensive lapses in losses and offensive flashes in wins)

The Devils have been streaky, with shutout efforts mixed against blowout defeats.

Detroit Red Wings (3-2-0):

W 6-3 vs. Philadelphia (4/9) — Larkin hat trick

L 4-5 vs. Minnesota (4/5)

(Recent stretch featuring offensive outbursts at home and competitive road losses)

Detroit enters with momentum from a crucial home win and Larkin’s recent scoring surge.

Injury Report

New Jersey Devils (multiple long-term absences):

Arseni Gritsyuk (RW) – Out for Season (Upper body; surgery)

Stefan Noesen (RW) – Out for Season (Knee)

Zack MacEwen (RW) – Out for Season (Knee)

Brett Pesce (D) – Out (Lower body)

Luke Hughes (D) – Out (Undisclosed; recent season-ending designation in some reports)

New Jersey’s depth is severely tested, especially on the wings and blue line.

Detroit Red Wings (moderate depth hits):

Michael Rasmussen (C) – Out (Lower body; expected return ~Apr 15)

Mason Appleton (C) – Day-to-Day (Upper body; missed recent games)

Emmitt Finnie (C) – Day-to-Day (Concussion protocol)

Justin Faulk (D) – Out (Recent injury; status monitored)

Detroit is missing key center depth but Dylan Larkin and the top line remain fully operational.

Key Player Matchups

Jack Hughes / Nico Hischier (NJD) vs. Detroit top line (Dylan Larkin / Lucas Raymond): Hughes remains New Jersey’s offensive catalyst despite team injuries; Larkin’s recent hat-trick form makes him the home-side X-factor.

Timo Meier / Devils secondary scorers vs. Red Wings defense (Moritz Seider / Jake Walman): Meier provides net-front presence, but Detroit’s blueline depth (even shorthanded) excels at home.

Goaltending: Jacob Markstrom (NJD) vs. Detroit tandem: Markstrom has delivered shutouts lately; Detroit’s home goaltending has been steady in high-stakes games.

Special teams: Detroit’s power play (bolstered by Larkin/Seider) vs. New Jersey’s depleted penalty kill.

The Red Wings’ home structure and star health give them the edge in most individual battles.

Series History (2025-26 Season)

The teams have split the season series 1-1:

March 8, 2026: Detroit 3, New Jersey 0 (at New Jersey) — Red Wings shutout victory.

November 24, 2025: New Jersey 4, Detroit 3 (at New Jersey).

Games have been decided by narrow margins or special teams, with Detroit owning the most recent matchup.

Betting Trends

Red Wings are strong as home favorites and 3-2 in their last 5 overall.

Devils are 20-19-0 on the road and have covered poorly as underdogs lately.

Totals have gone Over in several recent Wings home games; both teams trend higher-scoring when playoff implications are present.

Game Odds

New Jersey Devils            6.5

Detroit Red Wings           – 142

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 10, 2026

Faceoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
TV/Streaming: ESPN+ (national), FanDuel Sports Network West / KCAL (Kings local), SNW (Oilers regional)
Radio: 630 CHED / Oilers app (Edmonton), iHeartRadio / Kings app (Los Angeles)

This Pacific Division clash is a critical late-season matchup with direct playoff implications. The Oilers sit atop the division and are locked into the playoffs, while the Kings are battling for the final wild-card or division spot in a tight Western Conference race. Edmonton arrives on the second half of a back-to-back road trip with key injuries, but boasts elite star power; Los Angeles is riding a three-game win streak and strong home play.

Team Records and Standings Context

Edmonton Oilers (40-29-10, 90 points): 1st in Pacific Division. They lead the division with a +10 goal differential and a solid 19-15-6 road record, clinched for the postseason but fighting for higher seeding.

Los Angeles Kings (33-26-19, 85 points): 4th in Pacific Division. They hold a -22 goal differential but a respectable 19-9-10 home mark, still in the thick of the wild-card hunt with limited games remaining.

Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)

Edmonton Oilers (2-2-1):

W 5-2 @ San Jose (4/8) – McDavid hat trick

L 5-6 (OT) @ Utah (4/7)

L 1-5 vs. Vegas (4/4)

W 3-1 vs. Chicago (4/2)

W (prior road win)

Edmonton has been streaky, with offensive explosions tempered by defensive lapses on the road.

Los Angeles Kings (4-1-0):

W 4-1 vs. Vancouver (4/9)

W 3-2 (SO) vs. Nashville (4/6)

W 7-6 (OT) vs. Toronto (4/4)

L 4-5 (SO) vs. Nashville (4/2)

W 2-1 vs. St. Louis (4/1)

Los Angeles is rolling with timely scoring and goaltending stability at home, winning three straight entering this contest.

Injury Report

Edmonton Oilers (significant top-six and depth hits):

Zach Hyman (LW) – Out (Undisclosed; expected to miss ~2 weeks, targeting playoffs)

Leon Draisaitl (C) – IR (Lower body; out for remainder of regular season)

Connor Ingram (G) – Day-to-Day (Undisclosed)

Jason Dickinson (C) – Day-to-Day (Leg)

The absences of Hyman and Draisaitl severely impact Edmonton’s scoring depth and secondary offense.

Los Angeles Kings:

Andrei Kuzmenko (LW) – IR (Knee; reevaluation in 7-8 days, possible return ~Apr 16)

Kevin Fiala (LW) – Out for Season (Lower leg)

Los Angeles is thinner on the wings but otherwise relatively healthy for a late-season push.

Key Player Matchups

Connor McDavid / Leon Draisaitl absence vs. Kings defense (Drew Doughty / Brandt Clarke): McDavid remains the Oilers’ focal point and must carry the load without Draisaitl; Los Angeles’ veteran shutdown pairs will try to limit his transition game.

Adrian Kempe / Anze Kopitar (LAK) vs. Oilers blue line (without full depth): Kempe’s speed and Kopitar’s two-way dominance could exploit Edmonton’s injury-riddled forward group.

Goaltending: Stuart Skinner (EDM, if Ingram limited) vs. Darcy Kuemper / Anton Forsberg (LAK): Los Angeles has leaned on strong netminding lately; Edmonton’s tandem faces pressure on the road.

Special teams: Edmonton’s power play remains lethal even shorthanded; Kings’ penalty kill has been opportunistic at home.

The game could turn on whether Edmonton’s stars overwhelm a motivated Kings defense or if Los Angeles’ home structure and depth prevail.

Series History (2025-26 Season)

The teams have split the first two meetings:

February 26, 2026: Edmonton 8, Los Angeles 1 (at Los Angeles) – Oilers dominated.

January 10, 2026: Los Angeles 4, Edmonton 3 (SO, at Edmonton).

Games have been competitive overall, but Edmonton has owned recent blowouts at Crypto.com Arena.

Betting Trends

Oilers are strong as road favorites but 2-3 in last 5 overall.

Kings are 4-1 SU recently and 3-2 ATS at home in high-stakes games.

Totals have gone Over in several recent Kings home contests; Edmonton games trend higher-scoring without full depth.

Game Odds

Edmonton Oilers              6.5

Los Angeles Kings            – 115

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 10, 2026

Faceoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET
Venue: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
TV/Streaming: ABC (national), SportsNet Pittsburgh (Penguins local), Monumental Sports Network (Capitals local)
Radio: 106.7 The Fan / 97.1 FM (Capitals), 105.9 The X / Penguins app (Penguins)

This Metropolitan Division rivalry game carries late-season playoff implications as the Penguins (2nd in the Metro, strong Eastern Conference positioning with 98 points) host the Capitals (6th in the Metro, 89 points) in the first of a back-to-back set. Pittsburgh enters on a three-game win streak and aims to solidify home-ice positioning, while Washington looks to keep its slim wild-card hopes alive despite road challenges.

Team Records and Standings Context

Washington Capitals (40-30-9, 89 points): 6th in Metropolitan Division, 16-19-4 on the road. They hold a +12 goal differential and have shown offensive bursts but inconsistency away from Capital One Arena.

Pittsburgh Penguins (41-22-16, 98 points): 2nd in Metropolitan Division, 20-12-8 at home. A +33 goal differential and strong home play make them a tough out at PPG Paints Arena.

nhl.com +1

Both teams are in the Eastern playoff picture, but Pittsburgh has more breathing room.

Recent Team Forms (Last 5 Games)Washington Capitals (2-3-0 in recent stretch, entering with W1):

W 4-0 @ Toronto (4/8)

L 8-1 @ NY Rangers (4/5)

W 6-2 vs. Buffalo (4/4)

L 7-3 @ New Jersey (4/2)

(Prior results showing mixed results with defensive lapses in losses).

The Capitals have been streaky, with shutout wins bookending blowout defeats.

Pittsburgh Penguins (4-1-0, 3-game win streak):

W 5-2 @ New Jersey (4/9)

W 5-2 vs. Florida (4/5)

W 9-4 vs. Florida (4/4)

L 6-3 @ Tampa Bay (4/2)

W (prior).

Pittsburgh has been explosive offensively in recent home wins and enters with momentum.

Injury Report

Washington Capitals:

Charlie Lindgren (G) – Day-to-Day (Upper Body)

Eriks Mateiko (LW) – Out for Season

(Earlier concerns with Aliaksei Protas upper body appear managed or resolved for this matchup).

Lindgren’s status is key for goaltending stability on the road.

Pittsburgh Penguins:

Caleb Jones (D) – Out for Season (Shoulder)

Blake Lizotte (C) – Out (Upper Body; reevaluation timeline extends beyond regular season)

(No other major long-term absences reported; lineup largely intact).

Pittsburgh’s blue-line depth is tested but the core remains available.

Key Player Matchups

Alex Ovechkin (WSH) vs. Pittsburgh defense (e.g., Erik Karlsson / available corps): Ovechkin (31 goals this season) remains a constant threat; Pittsburgh’s veteran blueline must contain his net-front presence.

Sidney Crosby (PIT) vs. Capitals checking lines (Dylan Strome / others): Crosby’s playmaking and two-way game are elite; he’ll look to exploit any gaps in Washington’s structure.

Goaltending: Logan Thompson (WSH, if Lindgren out) vs. Pittsburgh netminders: Thompson has been steady (.912 SV%); Pittsburgh’s depth in goal gives them a slight edge at home.

Special teams and physicality: Pittsburgh’s recent offensive surge vs. Washington’s road penalty kill; expect heavy hits in this historic rivalry.

The Penguins’ depth and home energy provide matchup advantages.

Series History (2025-26 Season)

Pittsburgh leads the season series 1-0:

November 6, 2025: Penguins 5, Capitals 3 (at Pittsburgh).

This is the second (and first of a back-to-back) meeting of the year. All-time, the Penguins hold a significant edge in the rivalry (regular season ~126-103-16-7).

Betting Trends

Penguins are on a 3-game win streak and strong at home but 1-4 ATS in recent games.

Capitals are 5-2 as road favorites in similar spots historically but struggle away (16-19-4).

Totals have gone Over in 6 of Washington’s last 7; Penguins’ recent games trend higher-scoring at home.

Game Odds

Washington Capitals                      6.5

Pittsburgh Penguins                       – 130

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 10, 2026