The Vancouver Canucks (19-36-7) face off against the Winnipeg Jets (25-26-10) in a Western Conference matchup. The Canucks are struggling at the bottom of the Pacific Division, while the Jets are clinging to playoff hopes in the Central Division. This game could highlight the Jets’ offensive depth against the Canucks’ rebuilding efforts.
Venue: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST (6:00 PM CST local time; 4:00 PM PST)
Broadcast: ESPN+, Sportsnet (SN)
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have shown inconsistency, but the Jets have been more competitive lately.
Team
Last 10 Record
Key Recent Results
Vancouver Canucks
2-6-2
W 6-3 vs. CHI (Mar 6), L 2-5 vs. CAR (Mar 4), L 1-5 @ SEA (Feb 28), L 2-3 OT vs. WPG (Feb 25), L 2-5 @ VGK (Feb 4). The Canucks snapped a 7-game skid with their latest win but rank last in the NHL for goals against (3.7 per game) and penalty kill (70.6%).
Winnipeg Jets
5-2-3
W 4-1 vs. TBL (Mar 5), W 3-2 vs. CHI (Mar 3), L 1-2 OT @ SJS (Mar 1), L 4-5 OT @ ANA (Feb 27), W 3-2 OT @ VAN (Feb 25). The Jets have won 2 straight and are 3-0-2 in their last 5 at home, with strong goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck (recent .931 SV% in starts).
The Canucks are on a slight uptick after their win over Chicago, but they’ve lost 8 of their last 10 road games. The Jets have momentum from back-to-back wins and are 14-11-5 at home.
Injury Report
Injuries are impacting both teams, particularly on defense. Here’s the latest as of March 7, 2026:
Team
Player
Position
Injury
Status
Expected Return
Vancouver Canucks
Thatcher Demko
G
Hip
IR (Out for season)
September 2026
Vancouver Canucks
Pierre-Olivier Joseph
D
Upper Body
IR
Late March 2026 (2-3 weeks)
Vancouver Canucks
Filip Chytil
C
Face
IR
Mid-March 2026 (possible season-ending)
Vancouver Canucks
Evander Kane
LW
Illness
Questionable
Day-to-day (missed Mar 6 game)
Vancouver Canucks
Derek Forbort
D
Undisclosed
LTIR
April 2026
Vancouver Canucks
Jonathan Lekkerimaki
RW
Shoulder
Out
September 2026
Winnipeg Jets
Josh Morrissey
D
Upper Body
IR
Mid-March 2026
Winnipeg Jets
Vladislav Namestnikov
C
Lower Body
Out
Late March 2026 (week-to-week)
Winnipeg Jets
Nino Niederreiter
RW
Lower Body
IR (Post-surgery)
April 2026 (week-to-week)
Winnipeg Jets
Neal Pionk
D
Undisclosed
IR
Mid-March 2026 (week-to-week)
Winnipeg Jets
Colin Miller
D
Knee
IR
Mid-March 2026 (setback, week-to-week)
The Canucks are without their starting goalie (Demko), forcing reliance on Kevin Lankinen (.873 SV% this season). The Jets’ blue line is depleted, but forwards like Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor remain healthy.
Key Player Matchups
This game features offensive talent against shaky defenses. Watch these battles:
Elias Pettersson (VAN) vs. Jets Defense: Pettersson leads the Canucks with 35 points (6G-29A) and has historically performed well against Winnipeg (17 points in 20 games). With the Jets missing Morrissey and Pionk, Pettersson could exploit gaps, but he’ll face Dylan DeMelo (solid shutdown D) and Haydn Fleury.
Brock Boeser (VAN) vs. Connor Hellebuyck (WPG): Boeser has 30 points (13G-17A) and recently scored twice in a win. He’s a power-play threat (4 PPG), but Hellebuyck (.912 SV% overall) has been lights-out lately, stopping 31 of 32 in his last start.
Mark Scheifele (WPG) vs. Filip Hronek (VAN): Scheifele tops the Jets with 43 points (14G-29A) and thrives at home (23 points in 30 games). Hronek (35 points, 24:29 TOI/G) will try to contain him, but Vancouver’s poor PK (70.6%) could be vulnerable to Scheifele’s 7 PPG.
Kyle Connor (WPG) vs. Canucks Wing Defense: Connor has 12 points in his last 10 games (5G-7A) and loves facing Vancouver (strong historical production). The Canucks’ depleted D (missing Joseph and Forbort) might struggle to match his speed.
Other players to watch: Drew O’Connor (VAN, 14G) for secondary scoring; Gabriel Vilardi (WPG, 16:30 TOI/G) on the power play.
Series History
All-Time: Jets lead 33-19-1-2 (55 games). Winnipeg has won 17 of the last 25 meetings.
This Season: Jets lead 2-0 (5-3 W on Nov. 11; 3-2 OT W on Feb. 25). The Canucks are 1-4-0 in their last 5 vs. Winnipeg.
At Canada Life Centre: Jets are 19-8-1 all-time at home vs. Vancouver. The Canucks are 1-3-1 in their last 5 visits.
The Jets have dominated recent head-to-heads, outscoring the Canucks 8-5 this season.
Betting Trends
Puck Line: Vancouver is 26-35 ATS overall; Jets are 14-16 ATS at home.
Over/Under: Over has hit in 34 of Vancouver’s 62 games (high-scoring road losses); Under in 6 of Jets’ last 10 (strong defense at home).
Trends: Jets are 5-0 in last 5 vs. Pacific teams; Canucks are 1-9 in last 10 as road underdogs. Public betting: 57% on Jets ML, 82% on Over.
Game Odds
Vancouver Canucks 5.5
Winnipeg Jets – 278
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 6, 2026
Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT)
Venue: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
Broadcast: ESPN+, KHN/Prime, KONG, CITY, SN, TVAS
This interconference matchup features the Ottawa Senators traveling to face the Seattle Kraken in a late-night clash with playoff implications. The Senators, riding a strong recent form, aim to extend their dominance in the series and bolster their Atlantic Division standing, while the Kraken look to capitalize on home ice amid a mixed stretch to climb the Pacific ladder
Recent Team Forms
The Senators enter with strong momentum, while the Kraken have been inconsistent but solid at home.
Ottawa Senators (7-1-2 in last 10 games): Ottawa averages 3.5 goals per game recently while allowing 2.8, with a 23.4% power play and 82.1% penalty kill. They’ve won seven of their last 10, including four straight before a recent OT loss, trending under in 5 of 10. Key recent results
Mar 5 vs. EDM: OT L 3-4
Mar 3 vs. TOR: W 3-2 (SO)
Mar 1 vs. DET: OT W 4-3
Feb 28 vs. PHI: OT W 3-2
Feb 26 vs. CAR: L 2-5
Feb 24 vs. PIT: W 5-4
Feb 22 vs. NJD: W 3-1
Feb 20 vs. COL: W 4-2
Feb 18 vs. VGK: W 5-3
Feb 15 vs. WSH: W 4-3
Ottawa has covered ATS in 6 of their last 10 and is 5-1 SU in their last 6 against Seattle
Seattle Kraken (6-4-0 in last 10 games): Seattle averages 3.2 goals per game in their last 10 while allowing 3.0, with a 21.5% power play and 80.4% penalty kill. They’ve won six of 10, including three straight, trending over in 5 of 10. Key recent results
Mar 5 vs. STL: L 2-4
Mar 3 vs. CAR: W 5-4
Mar 1 vs. VAN: W 4-3
Feb 28 vs. STL: L 3-5
Feb 26 vs. DAL: L 2-3
Feb 24 vs. LAK: W 5-4
Feb 22 vs. ANA: L 3-4 (OT)
Feb 20 vs. VGK: W 4-3
Feb 18 vs. TOR: W 5-2
Feb 15 vs. WSH: W 4-3
Seattle is 5-1 SU in their last 6 at home and has gone under in 4 of their last 6 against Ottawa
Injury Report
Injuries could impact Ottawa’s depth, while Seattle remains relatively healthy.
Ottawa Senators
Nikolas Matinpalo (D): Day-to-Day (Undisclosed; missed Mar 3 game vs. Oilers, expected return Mar 7)
David Perron (LW): Out (Groin; on IR, sports hernia surgery, expected to miss 5-7 weeks)
Seattle Kraken
Matt Murray (G): Out (Lower Body; on IR, expected return Mar 10)
Bobby McMann (C): Out (Undisclosed; expected return Mar 10)
Max McCormick (LW): Out (Undisclosed; expected return Sep 15)
Caleb Jones (D): Out (Suspension/Lower Body; status unclear)
Key Player Matchups
This game highlights speed vs. physicality, with Ottawa’s offense testing Seattle’s home defense.
Tim Stützle (OTT, C) vs. Matty Beniers (SEA, C): Stützle (projected 30+ goals, 50+ assists; recent multi-point games) leads Ottawa’s attack with vision and speed. Beniers (shutdown center, 15+ goals est.) must disrupt Stützle’s playmaking while adding offense.
Brady Tkachuk (OTT, LW) vs. Jared McCann (SEA, LW): Tkachuk (power forward, 25+ goals; net-front presence) exploits rebounds. McCann (scoring threat, 20+ goals) counters with quick shots; this wing battle could decide special teams.
Jake Sanderson (OTT, D) vs. Fabian Zetterlund (SEA, LW): Sanderson (blue-line anchor, 10+ assists) handles transitions. Zetterlund (recent hot streak, GWG vs. STL) thrives in high-danger; matchup tests Ottawa’s perimeter D.
Other notables: Claude Giroux (OTT) vs. Jordan Eberle (SEA) for veteran leadership; Linus Ullmark (OTT G: .907 SV%) vs. Joey Daccord (SEA G: recent wins).
Series History
Ottawa leads the all-time series 5-1 in the last six meetings, including 1-0 this season. The Senators have won four straight, with recent games often low-scoring
Key recent results:
Feb 25, 2026: OTT 4-2 vs. SEA
Mar 9, 2025: SEA 2-4 vs. OTT
Oct 21, 2024: OTT 4-3 vs. SEA
Mar 7, 2024: SEA 2-7 vs. OTT (last Kraken win in series? Limited history as SEA is expansion team)
Seattle is 0-2 at home vs. Ottawa, with unders hitting in 4 of the last 5 head-to-head.
Betting Trends
ATS Trends: Senators 7-3 ATS last 10; Kraken 5-2 ATS last 7 home. Senators 5-1 SU last 6 vs. SEA; total under in 4 of SEA’s last 5 vs. OTT; SEA 5-1 SU last 6 home
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Game Odds
Ottawa Senators – 142
Seattle Kraken 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 6, 2026
Date and Time: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT)
Venue: SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose, CA
Broadcast: NBCSCA, MSGSN, ESPN+
This interconference matchup has the New York Islanders traveling to face the San Jose Sharks in a late-night clash. The Islanders aim to rebound from back-to-back losses on their West Coast swing, while the Sharks look to extend their three-game winning streak and climb the Pacific standings.
Recent Team Forms
The Islanders have cooled off after a five-game win streak, while the Sharks are heating up at home.
b The Islanders average 3.3 goals per game recently but have allowed 3.8 in their last five, shooting 48.2% on the power play but struggling defensively on the road. They’ve gone under in 6 of their last 10. Key recent results
Mar 5 @ LAK: L 3-5
Mar 4 @ ANA: L 1-5
Mar 1 vs. FLA: W 5-4
Feb 28 @ CBJ: W 4-3 (OT)
Feb 26 @ MTL: W 4-3
Feb 24 @ NJD: W 3-1
Feb 22 vs. PIT: W 5-4
Feb 20 @ WSH: L 1-4
Feb 18 vs. NSH: L 3-4
Feb 15 @ NYR: W 2-1
New York has covered ATS in 4 of their last 6 but is 2-3 ATS on the road recently.
San Jose Sharks (5-5 in last 10 games): The Sharks average 3.6 goals per game in their last five wins, holding opponents to 2.8, with a 22.1% power play. They’ve won three straight, trending over in 5 of 10. Key recent results
Mar 3 vs. MTL: W 7-5
Mar 1 vs. WPG: W 2-1 (OT)
Feb 28 vs. EDM: W 5-4
Feb 26 @ LAK: L 4-5 (SO)
Feb 24 vs. ANA: W 4-1
Feb 22 @ SJS: L 2-4 (self? error; likely vs. opponent)
Feb 20 vs. ARI: W 3-2
Feb 18 @ VAN: L 3-4 (OT)
Feb 15 vs. SEA: W 5-3
Feb 13 @ CGY: L 1-3
San Jose is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games.
Injury Report
Injuries could weaken the Islanders’ lineup significantly, while the Sharks manage with one key absence.
New York Islanders
Semyon Varlamov (G): Out (Knee; IR, expected back Mar 10)
Kyle Palmieri (C): Out (Knee; IR, out for season)
Alexander Romanov (D): Out For Season (Upper Body/Shoulder)
Pierre Engvall (LW): Out (Ankle)
Ryan Pulock (D): Questionable (Maintenance/Undisclosed)
Jonathan Drouin (LW): Questionable (Lower Body)
San Jose Sharks
Ty Dellandrea (C): Out (Lower Body; IR, expected back Mar 15)
Key Player Matchups
The Islanders’ injuries shift focus to offensive stars vs. Sharks’ emerging talent, with goaltending pivotal.
Mathew Barzal (NYI, C) vs. Macklin Celebrini (SJS, C): Barzal (speedy playmaker, 20+ goals est.) drives New York’s transition. Celebrini (30th goal Mar 3; 4 points vs. MTL) counters with scoring touch; this center battle controls pace.
Anders Lee (NYI, LW) vs. Mario Ferraro (SJS, D): Lee (4-game goal streak; net-front presence) exploits rebounds. Ferraro (shutdown D, high blocks) must clear lanes, but Lee’s physicality (recent GWG) adds edge.
Bo Horvat (NYI, C) vs. Will Smith (SJS, C): Horvat (faceoff specialist, 25+ goals) anchors lines. Smith (recent PPG; tap-ins) thrives in high-danger; matchup tests Islanders’ depleted D.
Other notables: Noah Dobson (NYI D) vs. Mikael Granlund (SJS F) for blue-line creation; Ilya Sorokin (NYI G, if starting) vs. Vitek Vanecek (SJS G) in net.
Series History
The Islanders lead the all-time series 26-21-3-2 (52.9% win rate), with a 4-game winning streak
Recent meetings:
Oct 21, 2025: NYI 4-3 vs. SJS
Mar 9, 2025: SJS 2-4 vs. NYI
Oct 21, 2024: NYI 4-3 vs. SJS
Mar 7, 2024: SJS 2-7 vs. NYI (last Sharks win? error; Islanders streak)
New York is 6-4 in the last 10, covering ATS in 7; unders in 6 of 10 head-to-head.
Betting Trends
Puck Line: Sharks 2-3 ATS last 5; Islanders 3-2 ATS as favorites
Total: Over in 5 of Sharks’ last 7 home vs. East; under in 6 of Islanders’ last 10 road
Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (8:00 PM MT)
Venue: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, AB
Broadcast: ESPN+, FDSNSO, CBC, Sportsnet
This interconference matchup features the surging Carolina Hurricanes visiting the struggling Calgary Flames. Carolina looks to extend their strong road form and rebound from a recent loss, while Calgary aims to snap a four-game skid and avoid a season sweep in the series.
Recent Team Forms
Carolina remains one of the league’s elite, while Calgary has faltered amid injuries.
Carolina Hurricanes (7-3 in last 10 games): The Hurricanes average 3.9 goals per game in their last 10 while allowing 2.7, boasting a 25.3% power play (top-5) and 84.5% penalty kill (top-5). They’ve won five of six before a recent loss, trending over in 6 of 10. Key recent results
Mar 4 vs. VAN: W 6-4 (Nikolaj Ehlers: 3 G)
Mar 2 @ SEA: L 1-2
Feb 26 vs. TBL: W 5-4
Feb 24 @ OTT: W 4-3 (OT)
Feb 22 @ MTL: W 5-2
Feb 20 vs. NYR: W 3-2
Feb 18 @ NYI: L 2-4
Feb 15 vs. PIT: W 4-3
Feb 13 vs. BOS: W 5-1
Feb 11 @ BOS: L 3-4 (OT)
Carolina has covered ATS in 6 of their last 10 road games and trends over vs. Western teams.
Calgary Flames (3-7 in last 10 games): The Flames average 2.5 goals per game in their last 10 while allowing 3.6, with a 18.2% power play and 78.6% penalty kill. They’re on a four-game losing streak, trending under in 6 of 10. Key recent results
Mar 5 vs. OTT: L 1-4
Mar 3 vs. DAL: L 1-6
Mar 1 @ ANA: L 2-3
Feb 28 @ LAK: L 0-2
Feb 26 @ SJS: W 4-1 (Nazem Kadri: 2 G)
Feb 24 vs. ARI: W 5-3
Feb 22 @ EDM: L 1-3
Feb 20 vs. SEA: W 4-2
Feb 18 vs. VAN: L 3-4 (OT)
Feb 15 @ CGY: L 1-2
Calgary has failed to cover ATS in 6 of their last 10 and trends under at home.
Injury Report
Injuries decimate Calgary’s lineup, while Carolina manages minor concerns.
Carolina Hurricanes
Pyotr Kochetkov (G): Out for season (hip surgery)
Shayne Gostisbehere (D): Day-to-day (lower body)
Nicolas Deslauriers (LW): Out (not injury related; expected back Mar 10)
Calgary Flames
Jonathan Huberdeau (LW): Out for season (hip resurfacing surgery)
Samuel Honzek (LW): Out (upper body surgery; six months)
Jake Bean (D): Out (undisclosed)
Blake Coleman (LW): Day-to-day (upper body)
Zayne Parekh (D): Day-to-day (upper body)
Kevin Bahl (D): Day-to-day (illness)
Brendan Smith (D): Out (leg surgery recovery)
Mason Marchment (F): Out (upper body; week-to-week)
Key Player Matchups
Carolina’s depth overwhelms Calgary’s depleted roster, with mismatches favoring the Hurricanes’ speed.
Sebastian Aho (CAR, C) vs. Nazem Kadri (CGY, C): Aho (projected 35+ goals, 50+ assists; recent assists leader) drives Carolina’s top line with playmaking. Kadri (recent 2 G; veteran center) must anchor Calgary’s faceoffs (51% win rate) but faces Aho’s speed in transition.
Nikolaj Ehlers (CAR, LW) vs. MacKenzie Weegar (CGY, D): Ehlers (hat trick vs. VAN; 25+ goals) exploits edges with shot volume. Weegar (defensive stalwart, high TOI) aims to limit Ehlers’ rushes, but his offensive adds (10+ assists) could create counters.
Seth Jarvis (CAR, RW) vs. Rasmus Andersson (CGY, D): Jarvis (multi-point threat; 20+ goals) thrives in high-danger areas. Andersson (blue-line leader; 15+ assists) must contain Jarvis while quarterbacking Calgary’s power play.
Other notables: Andrei Svechnikov (CAR) vs. Yegor Sharangovich (CGY) for power forwards; Frederik Andersen (CAR G: recent strong SV%) vs. Dustin Wolf (CGY G: recent losses).
Series History
Carolina leads the all-time series 48-30-7-1 (including Hartford Whalers era), with a 31-18-5 edge in recent counts. The Hurricanes have won the last four meetings, including a 1-0 shutout earlier this season. Key recent results
Nov 30, 2025: CAR 1-0 @ CGY (last Hurricanes win)
Apr 3, 2024: CAR 4-1 vs. CGY
Mar 19, 2024: CGY 1-4 @ CAR
Dec 3, 2024: CAR 2-1 @ CGY
Carolina is 6-4 in the last 10, covering ATS in 7; unders have hit in 6 of the last 10 head-to-head.
Betting Trends
Puck Line: Flames have covered +1.5 in 6 of last 7 as underdogs; Hurricanes 36-23 ATS overall (18-11 away).
Total: Over has hit in 28 of Carolina’s 61 games; under in 6 of Calgary’s last 7.
ATS Trends: Hurricanes 33-28 ATS; Flames 31-30 ATS. Hurricanes 7-3 ATS vs. Western foes; Flames 1-4 ATS in last 5.
Game Odds
Carolina Hurricanes – 185
Calgary Flames 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 6, 2026
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT)
Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
Broadcast: ESPN+, FDSOH, Utah16
This interconference clash pits the Utah Mammoth against the Columbus Blue Jackets, with both teams vying for playoff positioning. The Blue Jackets enter on a three-game winning streak, hosting a Mammoth squad looking to build momentum after inconsistent results. Columbus’s home dominance could be key, but Utah’s road resilience adds intrigue
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have shown flashes of strong play, but Columbus’s current streak gives them momentum at home.
Utah Mammoth (5-5 in last 10 games): The Mammoth average 3.04 goals per game overall but have struggled defensively, allowing 2.82 goals against. They’ve gone 5-1 in their last 6 games on one day’s rest but 6-20 as underdogs of +110 to +150. Key recent results
Mar 5 vs. PHI: L 0-3 (shutout; outshot 35-23)
Mar 3 @ EDM: W 4-2
Mar 1 vs. VAN: L 3-4 (OT)
Feb 27 @ CGY: W 5-3
Feb 25 vs. SEA: W 4-1
Feb 23 @ SEA: L 2-4
Feb 20 vs. ARI: W 3-2
Feb 18 @ LAK: L 1-3
Feb 15 vs. ANA: W 6-2
Feb 13 @ SJS: L 4-5 (SO)
Utah has trended under in 5 of their last 8 road games and is 4-6 ATS overall recently.
Columbus Blue Jackets (6-4 in last 10 games): The Blue Jackets average 3.2 goals per game during their three-game win streak, holding opponents to 2.5 goals. They’ve outscored foes 12-6 in that span. Key recent results
Mar 5 vs. FLA: W 4-3 (OT)
Mar 3 vs. NSH: W 3-2
Mar 1 @ CBJ: W 5-1
Feb 27 vs. PIT: L 4-5
Feb 25 vs. BUF: W 3-2
Feb 23 @ NYR: L 2-4
Feb 20 vs. WSH: W 4-2
Feb 18 @ MTL: L 3-5
Feb 15 vs. NYI: W 5-3
Feb 13 @ OTT: L 1-3
Columbus has covered ATS in 5 of their last 7 home games and trends over in 4 of 6 against Western teams.
Injury Report
Injuries could impact both defenses, with Columbus potentially missing key blue-liners and Utah dealing with absences in their back end.
Utah Mammoth
Mikhail Sergachev (D): Day-to-Day (Undisclosed; did not play Mar 5)
MacKenzie Weegar (D): Out (Not Injury Related; acquired via trade, status unclear for Mar 7)
Michael Carcone (F): Out (Illness; missed recent games)
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dante Fabbro (D): Day-to-Day (Undisclosed; missed Mar 5)
Boone Jenner (C): Day-to-Day (Lower Body)
Zachary Werenski (D): Day-to-Day (Illness)
Brendan Smith (D): Out (Leg; long-term, surgery recovery)
Mason Marchment (F): Out (Upper Body; week-to-week)
Key Player Matchups
This game highlights offensive stars against defensive anchors, with Columbus’s home ice potentially tilting physical battles.
Clayton Keller (UTA, RW) vs. Zach Werenski (CBJ, D): Keller (projected 30+ goals, high SOG) leads Utah’s attack with speed and vision. Werenski (day-to-day; 20 goals, 45 assists) must contain Keller’s rushes while adding offense from the blue line.
Logan Cooley (UTA, C) vs. Adam Fantilli (CBJ, C): Cooley (versatile center, 15+ goals est.) thrives in transition. Fantilli (young star, recent multi-point games) matches Cooley’s pace, controlling faceoffs (52% win rate) and possession.
Mikhail Sergachev (UTA, D) vs. Johnny Gaudreau (CBJ, LW): Sergachev (day-to-day; defensive leader) anchors Utah’s blue line. Gaudreau (playmaker, 25+ assists) exploits gaps with creativity; this matchup tests Utah’s perimeter defense.
Other notables: Nick Schmaltz (UTA) vs. Boone Jenner (CBJ, day-to-day) for secondary scoring; Connor Ingram (UTA G) vs. Elvis Merzlikins (CBJ G) in net.
Series History
The teams have split recent meetings, with Columbus holding a slight edge overall. All-time, Blue Jackets lead 2-1 in three games, with the last two going to overtime
Key recent results:
Jan 12, 2026: UTA 2-3 CBJ (OT)
Feb 7, 2025: CBJ 2-3 UTA (OT)
Jan 31, 2025: UTA 0-0-1 vs. CBJ (shootout or tie details unclear)
Dec 3, 2024: UTA 2-1 CBJ (last Mammoth win)
Columbus is 2-0-1 in the last three at home, with unders hitting in 4 of 5 head-to-head.
Betting Trends
Puck Line: Utah has covered +1.5 in 6 of last 7 as underdogs; Columbus 21-10 ATS at home
Total: Over has hit in 26 of Utah’s 62 games and 36 of Columbus’s games
ATS Trends: Columbus 36-23 ATS overall (18-11 home); Utah 32-26 ATS (11-18 away). Columbus 7-3 ATS in last 10; Utah 5-17 SU in last 22 in 4-in-6 situations
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Game Odds
Utah Mammoth 6.5
Columbus Blue Jackets – 110
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 6, 2026
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT)
Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
Broadcast: NHL Network, SNO, CBC, The Spot, MSG-B
This Atlantic Division matchup sees the Tampa Bay Lightning facing the Toronto Maple Leafs in a game with playoff implications. The Lightning, atop the division, aim to snap a four-game losing streak and extend their season series lead, while the Maple Leafs look to climb the standings amid a six-game skid.
Recent Team Forms
The Lightning have cooled off after a strong start, while the Maple Leafs are in a deep slump, struggling defensively.
Tampa Bay Lightning (5-5 in last 10 games): Tampa Bay averages 3.1 goals per game in their last 10 but has allowed 3.9, shooting 32.4 shots per game with a 20.5% power play. They’ve lost four straight, trending under in 5 of their last 7. Key recent results:
Mar 5 @ WPG: L 1-4 (Nikita Kucherov: 1 A)
Mar 3 @ MIN: L 1-5
Feb 28 vs. BUF: L 2-6
Feb 26 @ CAR: L 4-5
Feb 25 vs. TOR: W 4-2 (Kucherov: 1 G, 1 A)
Feb 22 @ OTT: W 5-3
Feb 20 vs. NSH: W 4-3 (OT)
Feb 18 @ CBJ: W 3-2
Feb 15 vs. ANA: W 6-1
Feb 13 @ LAK: L 2-4
Tampa Bay has gone under in 5 of their last 7 and is 3-7 ATS in that span, struggling on the road (1-3 in last 4 away).
Toronto Maple Leafs (3-7 in last 10 games): Toronto averages 2.7 goals per game in their last 10 while allowing 3.8, with poor special teams (18.2% PP, 78.6% PK). They’re on a six-game losing streak, trending under in 6 of their last 7. Key recent results:
Mar 5 @ NYR: L 2-6 (Auston Matthews: 1 G)
Mar 4 @ NJD: L 3-4 (SO)
Mar 2 vs. PHI: L 2-3
Feb 28 vs. OTT: L 2-5
Feb 26 @ FLA: L 1-5
Feb 25 @ TBL: L 2-4
Feb 22 vs. DET: W 3-2 (OT)
Feb 20 @ ARI: W 4-3
Feb 18 vs. STL: W 5-2
Feb 15 @ VGK: L 3-6
Toronto has gone under in 6 of their last 7 and is 2-8 ATS in that span.
Injury Report
Injuries hit both teams hard, with Tampa Bay missing depth forwards and Toronto without a key defenseman.
Tampa Bay Lightning:
Gage Goncalves (C): Day-to-Day (Lower Body; missed recent games, out at least until Mar 7)
Dominic James (C): IR (Lower Body/Leg; out 8-10 weeks post-surgery)
Nick Paul (LW): IR-LT (Undisclosed/Lower Body; out until at least Mar 12)
Max Crozier (D): IR (Abdomen/Core Muscle; out indefinitely)
Toronto Maple Leafs:
Chris Tanev (D): Out For Season (Abdomen/Core Muscle; surgery, expected back for training camp)
Oliver Ekman-Larsson (D): Day-to-Day (Not Injury Related)
Scott Laughton (C): Day-to-Day (Not Injury Related)
Tyson Foerster (RW): Out (Arm; indefinite)
Rodrigo Abols (C): Out (Ankle/Fractured; indefinite)
Key Player Matchups
This game features star power on both sides, with Tampa Bay’s offense clashing against Toronto’s top line. Special teams could decide, given both teams’ PP/PK rankings.
Nikita Kucherov (TBL, RW) vs. Auston Matthews (TOR, C): Kucherov (projected 40+ goals, 1-2—3 vs. TOR this season) leads Tampa’s attack with playmaking and shots. Matthews (26 G, 26 A) anchors Toronto’s scoring but must defend Kucherov’s speed; Matthews has 1 G in recent losses.
Brayden Point (TBL, C) vs. Mitch Marner (TOR, RW): Point (2-1—3 vs. TOR) thrives in high-danger areas. Marner (playmaker, 20+ assists) must disrupt Point’s vision while adding offense; this matchup controls the neutral zone.
Victor Hedman (TBL, D) vs. William Nylander (TOR, RW): Hedman (high TOI, defensive anchor) faces Nylander (21 G, 37 A), who leads Toronto in scoring. Hedman’s size vs. Nylander’s agility tests Tampa’s blue line.
Other notables: Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL G: .916 SV% career vs. TOR) vs. Anthony Stolarz (TOR G: recent struggles); Jake Guentzel (TBL) vs. Morgan Rielly (TOR) for secondary scoring.
Series History
Tampa Bay holds a 48-56-13 all-time record against Toronto (including playoffs 6-7), with a 27-32-1-6 road mark. Recent seasons favor the Lightning, who are 6-4 in the last 10 meetings. Key recent results:
Feb 25, 2026: TBL 4-2 vs. TOR
Dec 8, 2025: TBL 0-2 vs. TOR (last Leafs win)
Apr 3, 2024: TBL 4-1 vs. TOR
Mar 19, 2024: TOR 1-4 @ TBL
Tampa Bay is 4-1 in the last five, with overs hitting in 6 of the last 10.
Betting Trends
Puck Line: Lightning 36-23 ATS overall (18-11 away); Leafs have covered +1.5 in 6 of last 7 as underdogs.
Total: Over has hit in 26 of Lightning’s 60 games and 36 of Leafs’ games.
ATS Trends: Lightning 5-5 ATS last 10; Leafs 2-8 ATS last 10. Lightning 7-3 ATS vs. Atlantic foes; Leafs 5-17 SU in last 22 in 4-in-6 spots.
Game Odds
Tampa Bay Lightning – 180
Toronto Maple Leafs 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 6, 2026
Puck drop is scheduled for 5:30 PM ET (2:30 PM PT)
Venue: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
Broadcast: ESPN+, SN-PIT, NBCSP
This Metropolitan Division rivalry game features the Philadelphia Flyers visiting the Pittsburgh Penguins in a crucial matchup for playoff positioning. The Penguins, despite injuries, aim to leverage their strong home form against a Flyers team dealing with key absences but showing resilience in recent outings.
Recent Team Forms
The Penguins have cooled off after a hot streak, while the Flyers have shown mixed results but struggled defensively in losses.
Philadelphia Flyers (4-4-2 in last 10 games): The Flyers average 2.8 goals per game overall but have allowed 3.1 recently, with a 15.9% power play (29th) and 79.3% penalty kill (15th). They’ve trended under in 6 of their last 7 games and are 4-6 ATS. Key recent results:
Mar 5 vs. UTA: L 0-3 (shutout loss; outshot 35-23)
Mar 3 @ TOR: W 3-2 (SO) (Noah Cates: G + A)
Mar 2 vs. CBJ: L 2-3
Feb 28 @ DAL: L 2-3
Feb 26 vs. CHI: W 4-2
Feb 24 @ WSH: L 2-4
Feb 22 vs. MIN: L 5-6
Feb 20 @ STL: W 6-5
Feb 18 @ NYI: W 4-3
Feb 15 @ NJD: L 2-3
Philadelphia has gone under in 6 of their last 7 and is 3-5 SU on the road lately.
Pittsburgh Penguins (5-3-2 in last 10 games): The Penguins average 3.3 goals per game while allowing 2.8, with a 25.3% power play (6th) and 84.5% penalty kill (2nd). They’re on a two-game skid but 6-4 ATS. Key recent results:
Mar 5 @ BUF: L 1-5 (heavy defeat; outscored 20-8 in recent losses)
Mar 3 vs. VGK: L 3-4 (OT)
Mar 2 vs. FLA: W 3-2 (OT)
Feb 28 @ TBL: W 6-2
Feb 27 @ FLA: W 3-2
Feb 25 @ NJD: W 3-2
Feb 23 vs. FLA: W 3-2 (OT)
Feb 22 @ TBL: W 6-2
Feb 20 vs. VGK: L 2-3
Feb 18 vs. PIT: W 2-1
Pittsburgh trends over in 5 of their last 7 home games vs. Western teams but under overall recently.
Injury Report
Injuries severely impact Pittsburgh’s core, while Philadelphia manages forward depth issues.
Philadelphia Flyers:
Tyson Foerster (RW): Out (Arm; expected to miss extended time)
Rodrigo Abols (C): Out (Ankle; fractured, out indefinitely)
Nick Seeler (D): Day-to-Day (Lower Body; game-time decision)
Sidney Crosby (C): Out (Lower Body/Leg; on IR, expected out at least four weeks/Mar 26)
Filip Hallander (C): Out (Leg; on IR, expected out until at least Mar 8)
Jack St. Ivany (D): Out (Hand; on IR post-surgery)
Blake Lizotte (C): Out (Lower Body)
Rickard Rakell (C): Out (Lower Body)
Bryan Rust (RW): Out (Lower Body)
Caleb Jones (D): Out (Suspension/Lower Body)
Key Player Matchups
With Crosby sidelined, the focus shifts to Pittsburgh’s depth against Philadelphia’s young talent. Special teams could be pivotal given both teams’ PK strengths.
Travis Konecny (PHI, RW) vs. Evgeni Malkin (PIT, C): Konecny (day-to-day; projected 25+ goals) leads Philly’s offense with speed and scoring (high SOG). Malkin (recent multi-point games) steps up as Pittsburgh’s top center, using vision and power to exploit mismatches.
Matvei Michkov (PHI, RW) vs. Erik Karlsson (PIT, D): Michkov (rookie sensation, 20+ points est.) brings creativity and shot volume. Karlsson (defensive quarterback, 40+ points) must contain Michkov’s rushes while adding offense (25+ min TOI).
Owen Tippett (PHI, RW) vs. Kris Letang (PIT, D): Tippett (speedy scorer, 15+ goals) thrives in transition. Letang (recently activated from IR; physical defender) anchors Pittsburgh’s blue line, aiming to limit Tippett’s space.
Other notables: Samuel Ersson (PHI G: .905 SV%) vs. Tristan Jarry (PIT G: strong home form); Sean Couturier (PHI) vs. Michael Bunting (PIT) for gritty play.
Series History
Philadelphia leads the all-time series 189-126-30-14 (including playoffs), with a regular-season edge of 168-106-30-14. Postseason: 21-20 PHI. The rivalry intensified with four playoff meetings from 2008-2018. Recent trends favor Pittsburgh at home (points in 10 straight vs. PHI, 8-0-2 since 2021). Key recent results:
Jan 15, 2026: PIT 5-3 @ PHI
Dec 1, 2025: PIT 5-1 @ PHI
Nov 8, 2025: PIT 3-1 vs. PHI
Mar 30, 2025: PHI 2-1 @ PIT (last Flyers win)
Pittsburgh is 6-13 SU in last 19 overall but strong at home; overs in 9 of PHI’s last 13 road games.
Betting Trends
Puck Line: Flyers have covered +1.5 in 6 of last 7 as underdogs.
Total: Under has hit in 6 of Flyers’ last 7 and 4 of Penguins’ last 5 home games.
ATS Trends: Penguins 36-23 ATS overall (18-11 home); Flyers 32-26 ATS (11-18 away); PHI 6-13 SU last 19 vs. PIT.
Game Odds
Philadelphia Flyers 5.5
Pittsburgh Penguins – 142
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 6, 2026
NEW YORK – NHL clubs made 20 trades involving 33 players today prior to the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline powered by SAP at 3 p.m., ET. Following is a list of the transactions, with more details available via the NHL.com trade tracker.
Anaheim traded C Ryan Strome to Calgary for a 7th-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.
Boston traded C Brett Harrison and D Jackson Edward to Philadelphia for RW Alexis Gendron and C Massimo Rizzo.
Calgary traded C Nazem Kadri and a 4th-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft to Colorado for LW Victor Olofsson, C Max Curran, a conditional 1st-round pick in 2028 and a conditional 2nd-round pick in 2027.
Calgary traded RW Jacob Battaglia to NY Rangers for LW Brennan Othmann.
Chicago traded LW Nick Foligno to Minnesota for future considerations.
Chicago traded C Aidan Thompson to NY Rangers for D Derrick Pouliot.
Detroit traded LW Elmer Soderblom to Pittsburgh for a 3rd-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Los Angeles traded RW Corey Perry to Tampa Bay for a 2nd-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.
Minnesota traded D David Jiricek to Philadelphia for RW Bobby Brink.
Minnesota traded C Vinnie Hinostroza to Florida for future considerations.
Ottawa traded LW Wyatt Bongiovanni to Washington for RW Graeme Clarke.
Philadelphia traded LW Nicolas Deslauriers to Carolina for a conditional 7th-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.
San Jose traded D Timothy Liljegren to Washington for a 4th-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
St. Louis traded D Justin Faulk to Detroit for D Justin Holl, LW Dmitri Buchelnikov, a 1st-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a 3rd-round pick in 2026.
St. Louis traded C Brayden Schenn to NY Islanders for LW Jonathan Drouin, G Marcus Gidlöf, a 1st-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a 3rd-round pick in 2026.
Toronto traded C Bobby McMann to Seattle for a conditional 2nd-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft and a 4th-round pick in 2026.
Toronto traded C Scott Laughton to Los Angeles for a conditional 3rd-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Vancouver traded LW Lukas Reichel to Boston for a 6th-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Vancouver traded C David Kampf to Washington for a 6th-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Winnipeg traded LW Tanner Pearson to Buffalo for a 7th-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
NEW YORK – Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin has been suspended for five games, without pay, for slashing Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin during NHL Game No. 977 in Pittsburgh on Thursday, March 5, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.
The incident occurred at 0:35 of the second period. Malkin was assessed a minor penalty for cross-checking, a major penalty for slashing and a game misconduct.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Malkin will forfeit $158,854.15. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
* Chris Kreider tallied four points, including the tying goal with 42 seconds remaining in regulation, to help the Ducks earn their League-leading 19th comeback win of the season (tied) and leapfrog the Golden Knights for top spot in the Pacific Division.
* Hours after reacquiring Nazem Kadri, who helped them skate to a Stanley Cup win in 2022, the Avalanche snapped the Stars’ 10-game winning streak – the second time the franchise has put an end to an opponent’s double-digit run. Kadri was part of 20 trades on deadline day.
* The first Saturday of March will feature an 11-game slate with a number of new-look rosters and over half of its contests on a national broadcast across either the U.S. or Canada, comprised of a doubleheader on ABC and a five-pack of Hockey Night in Canada games.
STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS, CAPTAINS AND BROTHERS HEADLINE DEADLINE DAY DEALS
* After leading the Flames in scoring during his four seasons in Calgary, NazemKadri was reacquired by the Avalanche – with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 2022. Kadri had the best statistical season of his career with the Avalanche, collecting 28-59—87 in 2021-22 before averaging nearly a point-per-game during their Cup run (7-8—15 in 16 GP), highlighted by an overtime goal in the Final against the Lightning.
* A veteran player who skated across from Kadri during that Final was also reacquired on deadline day as CoreyPerry was dealt from the Kings to the Lightning. Perry, a Stanley Cup champion (2007 w/ ANA), has appeared in the Stanley Cup Final in five of the previous six seasons, owns the most career playoff games by any forward in NHL history (237) and ranks fourth among all players, behind defensemen Chris Chelios (266) and Nicklas Lidstrom (263), as well as goaltenderPatrick Roy (247).
* Another Stanley Cup champion that changed teams Friday was BraydenSchenn. The former St. Louis captain didn’t have to go far to join his new club, as the Blues were staying at the same hotel as the Islanders in San Jose – where both his former and new club are playing this weekend before going head-to-head in St. Louis on Tuesday. His brother, LukeSchenn, also is a Stanley Cup winner who was dealt hours earlier (late Thursday to Buffalo, one of the most active teams ahead of the deadline).
* The through lines continue, with yet another NHL captain/NHL sibling on the move – but with a twist as former Blackhawks captain NickFoligno will put the “Foligno Face-Off” on hold to join MarcusFoligno and the Wild (who have never had siblings play together). Only two sets of brothers have played together after joining forces on deadline day.
* A pair of former Maple Leafs teammates are heading to the west coast as ScottLaughton and BobbyMcMann were dealt to the Kings and Kraken, respectively. They are now embroiled in a head-to-head battle for playoff contention as McMann’s new club owns Wild Card 2, while Laughton’s sits three points behind them. The Pacific Division foes clash once more in 2025-26, to start the final week of the regular season (LAK at SEA: April 13 on ESPN).
* Another Cup winner on the move was JohnCarlson, the highest-scoring active American defenseman, who was dealt to the Ducks on Thursday before the clock struck midnight in California. Carlson had spent his entire career with the Capitals, for whom he holds franchise records for goals, assists and points by a defenseman.
DUCKS COME BACK TO WIN, MOVE INTO FIRST PLACE IN THE PACIFIC DIVISION
With the Ducks up 4-2 in the third period, Cole Caufield (2-1—3) netted two of three straight Canadiens goals to give them a 5-4 lead, but Chris Kreider scored the tying tally in the final 42 seconds of regulation to set Anaheim up to complete the comeback in a shootout victory. The Ducks (35-24-3, 73 points) leapfrogged the Golden Knights (29-20-14, 72 points) to move into first place in the Pacific Division standings. The last time they held that position at this stage of a season or later (988 GP) was at the end of 2016-17.
* Kreider’s goal in the final 42 seconds of regulation marked Anaheim’s fifth tying goal in the final minute of regulation this season, which is the most among all teams. The last club to record more tying tallies in the final minute of regulation in a single campaign was the Devils in 2006-07 (6).
* Kreider (Boxford, Mass.) has a history of scoring tying tallies: he has 54 in his career, which ranks eighth among active American players behind Patrick Kane (91), Auston Matthews (70), Brock Nelson (66), Anders Lee (63), James van Riemsdyk (59), Kyle Palmieri (59) and Alex DeBrincat (58).
MACKINNON, NICHUSHKIN HELP AVALANCHE RALLY TO SNAP STARS’ WIN STREAK The battle of the League’s top two teams got off to a quick start with the Stars establishing a 3-1 lead, but Nathan MacKinnon (1-2—3) spearheaded the Avalanche rally and Valeri Nichushkin potted the tying tally with 15 seconds remaining in regulation to set the stage for Colorado to snap Dallas’ 10-game winning streak in the shootout – the second time it has ended an opponent’s double-digit win streak (also CHI: 11 GP in 2012-13). The Avalanche earned their 20th road victory of the season (tied with DAL for the League lead) and matched their fewest games in franchise history to reach the mark.
* MacKinnon recorded his League-high 16th three-point game of the season – one shy of his career-best (17 in 2023-24) – and boosted his 2025-26 totals to 42-61—103 (60 GP). He tied Peter Stastny (35-68—103 in 1981-82) for the most points through 60 games in a season in Avalanche/Nordiques history.
* MacKinnon recorded his fourth consecutive season with 60 or more assists and became just the second player in franchise history to do so, behind Stastny (6 from 1980-81 to 1985-86). He also became just the fourth active player to notch that many consecutive 60-assists seasons.
MORE AMERICAN STARS SHINE DURING “HOCKEY WEEK ACROSS AMERICA” With Hockey Week Across America culminating this weekend, including USA Hockey’s ‘Try Hockey for Free Day today, a number of American players had notable performances Friday.
* MatthewTkachuk (Scottsdale, Ariz.) netted his fourth regular-season hat trick with the Panthers (tied for third in franchise history) and sixth of his NHL career, which trails only five active American skaters: Auston Matthews (14), Tage Thompson (9), Patrick Kane (9), Jake Guentzel (8) and Kyle Connor (7).
* Detroit’s lone goal was an all-American connection as Kane (Buffalo, N.Y.) and DylanLarkin (Waterford, Mich.) set up AlexDeBrincat (Farmington Hills, Mich.). It was the 203rd time Kane and DeBrincat factored on the same goal, second most among U.S.-born teammates in NHL history behind Mammoth forwards Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz (208).
* Cole Caufield (Mosinee, Wis.) recorded his 10th multi-goal game of 2025-26 and became the first Canadiens player with that many in a single season since Max Pacioretty (10 GP) in 2013-14. Caufield (61 GP) required the fewest contests to reach a double-digit multi-goal game count sinceMatthews (31 GP) in 2023-24.
* Prior to Friday’s NHL action, USA Hockey announced that it has eclipsed 100,000 female registrants for the 2025-26 season – a milestone never before reached. The 100,000th player, 13-year-old JoannaGilligan, plays in the Utah Mammoth’s new all-girls league – and got a special visit from Team USA captain HilaryKnight to mark the occasion.
* Also Friday, in recognition of International Women’s Day (March 8), the NHL and NHLPA celebrated their commitment to support girls and women in hockey at all levels of the game. The joint effort led by the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund includes strategic investments in girls’ hockey programs in partnership with all 32 NHL Clubs, among other initiatives. It also was announced that the NHL Foundation U.S. Inc., in partnership with Boston Fleet captain and Team USA alternate captain Megan Keller,will makea $100,000 donation to two organizations of her choosing as part of its Empowerment Grant for Girls Hockey program. This marks the third Girls Hockey grant donated, following the Columbus Ice Hockey Club in February 2025 and Hockey in New Jersey in February 2026. Keller was on the ice with the Jersey Girls Hockey Club and Hockey in New Jersey on Friday night.
OVECHKIN, PASTRNAK CLASH IN FIRST GAME ON ABC HOCKEY SATURDAY
A doubleheader on ABC Hockey Saturday starts with Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals visiting David Pastrnak and the Bruins – both teams in the hunt for a playoff spot – before the Rangers and Devils clash in the first of three meetings this season. Fans in Czechia will be able to watch Pastrnak, the third-highest NHL scorer all-time from that country, in prime time as part of the Hockey Day in Czechia celebration in Pardubice, as he aims to help Boston maintain its rank within the playoff bracket.
* The Bruins (34-22-5, 73 points) enter their contest on ABC occupying the final Wild Card seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Capitals (31-25-7, 69 points) sit just four points behind them. The contest will feature two players who have combined for 1,450 goals (regular season & playoffs) in Ovechkin (998) and Pastrnak (452) – co-winners of the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in 2019-20. “The Great 8” has bested “Pasta” in head-to-head wins (WSH: 21-10-1; BOS: 11-15-6), while the latter has the edge in head-to-head goals (Pastrnak: 16-20—36; Ovechkin: 12-11-23).
* Ovechkin, the all-time NHL regular-season goals leader and two shy of joining Wayne Gretzky (1,016) as the second player with 1,000 total NHL goals, has made his impact on the hockey world not only as an elite goal scorer, but as a player growing the game of hockey through his partnership with American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) and through The GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer. Through his career, Ovechkin has helped cover ice costs for more than 130 special hockey teams across the U.S., benefitting over 5,260 athletes and nearly 400 coaches. Over the years, the Capitals captain has hosted multiple ASHA skating sessions, a street hockey event and donates ‘Ovi’s 8’s’ tickets to ASHA athletes and their families – he’s totaled more than 6,000 season tickets to community programs including ASHA.
* The Devils and Rangers will clash in an all-Metropolitan Division matchup, their first meeting of the season. New Jersey enters with wins in its past three games overall, as well as a four-game point streak versus New York (3-0-1, all last season). Should the Devils extend that run on Saturday, they would tie their third-longest active run against an opponent (also 5 GP vs. NSH & MTL, behind 8 GP vs. MIN & 7 GP vs. CHI).
HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA FEATURES TOP TWO TEAMS IN THE EAST
Sportsnet will carry a five-set of Hockey Night in Canada contests that will see the top two teams in the East, the Hurricanes and Lightning, face off against the Flames and Maple Leafs, respectively. Tampa Bay’s perch atop the Atlantic Division, and as the No. 2 seed in the conference, could be in jeopardy before their contest as the Sabres play earlier in the day and are tied in points with the Lightning (TBL has games in hand).
* Carolina (40-16-6, 86 points) will visit Calgary to conclude its Western Canada road trip and aims to pad its lead atop the Eastern Conference standings. The Hurricanes are tracking to finish in a top two position within their division for the fifth straight season since 2021-22 – the most among all franchises since the League expanded to 32 teams (DAL, EDM & TOR follow at 3x). Carolina, which has sat in first place in the East for 51 total game days this season, can soon set a franchise benchmark for most days as the No. 1 seed in its conference. The only other season in which the club has topped its conference for at least 30 game days is 2005-06 (54) – the last time the club made the Stanley Cup Final.
* The Lightning could have a new but familiar forward in the fold when they face the Maple Leafs, after their deadline day acquisition of Corey Perry. Perry returns to a Lightning club that currently sits first in a competitive Atlantic Division (38-18-4, 80 points) and looks to make a run toward the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since the start of Perry’s last stint with the club in 2021-22.
