NEW YORK – New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs and Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” presented by GEICO for the week ending March 1.
FIRST STAR – MATTHEW SCHAEFER, D, NEW YORK ISLANDERS
Schaefer, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2025 NHL Draft, registered a League-high four goals in three contests (4-1—5) to help the Islanders (35-21-5, 75 points) become the 10th team in NHL history to record at least three straight multi-goal comeback wins. Trailing 2-0 late in the second period, Schaefer scored twice in 55 seconds – his 17th and 18th tallies of the season – to surpass Phil Housley for the most goals in League history by an 18-year-old defenseman en route to New York earning a 4-3 overtime victory against the Montreal Canadiens Feb. 26. Schaefer did not find the scoresheet but logged a team-high 25:31 as the Islanders again rallied from a 2-0 deficit for a 4-3 overtime win – this time versus the Columbus Blue Jackets Feb. 28. He ended the week with 2-1—3, his first career three-point performance, in a 5-4 triumph over the Florida Panthers March 1 to mark the first instance in NHL history of a defenseman being the first rookie to reach 20 goals in a given season. Only three other rookie blueliners have compiled as many goals in an entire campaign: Brian Leetch (23 in 1988-89 w/ NYR), Barry Beck (22 in 1977-78 w/ CLR) and Dion Phaneuf (20 in 2005-06 w/ CGY). In addition to leading the field in goals, Schaefer also ranks among the top rookie skaters in total time on ice (1st; 1,471:35 – more than 400 minutes ahead of the next-closes player), average time on ice (1st; 24:07), power-play goals (1st; 7), power-play points (1st; 15), shots on goal (1st; 146), game-winning goals (t-1st; 4), plus/minus (2nd; +14), assists (3rd; 24), points (3rd; 44) and power-play assists (t-5th; 8) through 61 total games this season.
SECOND STAR – ARTURS SILOVS, G, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Silovs stopped 51 of the 52 shots he faced, compiling a 2-0-0 record, 0.50 goals-against average, .981 save percentage and one shutout as the Penguins (31-15-13, 75 points) maintained their hold on second place in the Metropolitan Division. He made 29 saves, including 11 in both the second and third periods, in a 4-1 victory against the New Jersey Devils Feb. 26. Silovs then earned his second career shutout (also Oct. 7 at NYR) with 22 stops in a 2-0 triumph over the Vegas Golden Knights March 1. The 24-year-old Silovs, who represented Latvia at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, places fourth among rookie goaltenders with 13 wins through 28 total appearances this NHL season (13-7-8, 2.75 GAA, .902 SV%, 2 SO).
THIRD STAR – MATT BOLDY, LW, MINNESOTA WILD
Boldy, fresh off winning a gold medal with the United States at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, led the NHL with 3-4—7 in three contests for the Wild (35-16-10, 80 points). He registered 2-2—4, his fifth career and second straight four-point effort (also Feb. 4 at NSH: 3-1—4), in a 5-2 win against the Colorado Avalanche Feb. 26. Boldy then posted 1-1—2 in a 5-2 loss to the Utah Mammoth Feb. 27 and one assist in a 3-1 defeat versus the St. Louis Blues March 1 to finish the week with points on seven of Minnesota’s eight total goals. The 24-year-old Boldy, who has points in nine consecutive games dating to Jan. 24 (8-10—18), shares second place in the League with 35 goals and sits ninth with 69 points through 57 total outings this season (35-34—69).
* Matthew Schaefer’s career night saw him mark the first instance in NHL history of a defenseman being the first rookie to 20 goals in a season as the Islanders earned their third straight multi-goal comeback win.
* Teenagers Ben Kindel and Michael Misa both scored the game winner for their respective teams, with the latter doing so in overtime and achieving a rare NHL feat.
* Monday’s slate begins with a matinee matchup between the Predators and Red Wings on “NHL Prime Time” – a-prime time billing for European audiences – and also includes the Maple Leafs hosting the Flyers in the latest Prime Monday Night Hockey.
SCHAEFER’S HISTORIC NIGHT LEADS ISLANDERS TO MULTI-GOAL COMEBACK WIN…
With his team trailing by two, Matthew Schaefer (2-1—3) scored the first goal of New York’s rally and then assisted on the tying tally before scoring the go-ahead marker in the final 10 minutes of regulation to reach the 20-goal mark and register his first career three-point game. The Panthers would respond with a goal of their own with under two minutes to go in the third period, but Anders Lee netted the game’s final goal at 59:28 to cement New York’s third straight multi-goal comeback win – the 10th team in NHL history with a run of that length.
The 18-year-old Schaefer (20-24—44 in 61 GP) bolstered his case for the Calder Trophy with the following notable feats, among others in #NHLStats: Live Updates, thanks to his career-high night:
* Became the youngest defenseman in NHL history (18 years, 177 days), and sixth-youngest skater, to score 20 goals in a season, behind Ted Kennedy (18 years, 79 days), Sidney Crosby (18 years, 149 days), Jordan Staal (18 years, 151 days), Nathan MacKinnon (18 years, 153 days) and Brian Bellows (18 years, 157 days).
* Became the third-youngest defenseman in League history to record a three-point game, behind Craig Wolanin (18 years, 135 days on Dec. 9, 1985) and Doug Bodger (18 years, 151 days on Nov. 16, 1984).
* Became the second 18-year-old defenseman in NHL history to record at least 10 career multi-point games, joining Phil Housley (13).
* Matched Housley (4 in 1983-84) for the most multi-goal outings in a season by a teenage defenseman in NHL history.
* Became the fourth rookie defenseman in League history to score 20 goals in a season. The only blueliner to require fewer games to reach the mark is Brian Leetch (57 GP in 1988-89).
…WHILE FELLOW TEENAGERS KINDEL, MISA TRIUMPH IN WINS FOR PENGUINS, SHARKS
Eighteen-year-old Ben Kindel and 19-year-old Michael Misa both scored the game-winning goals for their teams Sunday, with the latter doing so in overtime and helping the Sharks achieve a rare teenager feat in the process.
* Kindel (1-1—2) scored the game winner – one of his team’s five unanswered goals – as the Penguins (31-15-13, 75 points) shut out the Golden Knights to maintain their second-place position in the Metropolitan Division standings. Kindel registered his fourth game-winning goal of 2025-26 and tied nine others, including Matthew Schaefer, for the fifth most in a season by an 18-year-old in NHL history. The list is topped by Patrik Laine (5 in 2016-17), Nathan MacKinnon (5 in 2013-14), Sidney Crosby (5 in 2005-06) and Wayne Gretzky (5 in 1979-80).
* San Jose (29-25-4, 62 points) closed the gap on idle Seattle (28-22-9, 65 points) for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference when Misa sealed the victory with his first career game winner. He became the third teenager in Sharks history to score an overtime goal, following Macklin Celebrini (3; 2 in 2025-26) and Jeff Friesen (1 in 1994-95). Nineteen-year-old Sam Dickinson assisted on Misa’s goal and marked the fourth instance in NHL history of teenagers factoring on the same overtime goal, following Dickinson and Celebrini (Nov. 11, 2025), Kevin Korchinski and Connor Bedard (Nov. 14, 2023 w/ CHI) as well as Bep Guidolin and Don Gallinger (March 21, 1943 w/ BOS).
THIRD ANNUAL PRIDE CUP COMES TO A CLOSE
The third annual Pride Cup, a two-day event hosted by the NHL in partnership with Pride Tape showcasing two LGBTQ+ hockey associations, wrapped up Sunday. The weekend concluded with Vancouver’s The Cutting Edges and the Seattle Pride Hockey Association facing off for the final time in their three-game series before they both received a $25,000 donation in support of their continued community impact in the Pacific Northwest.
SIX-GAME SLATE FEATURES RED WINGS, PREDATORS ON “NHL PRIME TIME”
A six-game Monday has an early start in North America but gets prime time billing in Europe when Filip Forsberg and the Predators (27-24-8, 62 points) host Lucas Raymond and the Red Wings (34-20-6, 74 points) at Bridgestone Arena for an “NHL Prime Time” showdown at 8 p.m. CET (2 p.m. ET; 1 p.m. CT). Later, Trevor Zegras and the Flyers battle Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs (27-24-9, 63 points) during Prime Monday Night Hockey.
* Forsberg, who was born in Ostervala, Sweden, enters Monday one multi-goal game shy from tying Markus Naslund (52 GP) for the fourth most in NHL history by a Swedish player. The only others with more are Mats Sundin (81 GP), Tomas Sandstrom (66 GP) and Daniel Alfredsson (64 GP).
* Raymond, who was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, enters Monday with 19-43—62 (58 GP) and is one of 15 European players leading their respective team in points this season (tied or outright). Raymond needs one goal to record his fourth career 20-goal season and can become just the third active Swedish player with that many through their first five campaigns in the NHL – he would join Elias Pettersson (4 of 5 from 2018-19 to 2022-23) and Gabriel Landeskog (4 of 5 from 2011-12 to 2015-16).
* Zegras has 21-29—50 (59 GP) in his first season with the Flyers – the second-most points among players skating on a new team in 2025-26 behind Mitch Marner (16-43—59 in 50 GP) – and will look to add to his totals against the Maple Leafs Monday. Zegras is on pace for 69 points this season, which would be the most by a player skating in their first season with Philadelphia since Daniel Briere (31-41—72 in 79 GP) in 2007-08.
* Matthews enters Monday’s contest against Philadelphia within two points of a career benchmark: the Maple Leafs captain can become the fifth player in franchise history to record 400 career home points (236-162—398 in 335 GP). He can also become the second-fastest player to reach the mark among that cohort behind only Darryl Sittler (325 GP) – Mats Sundin currently holds second, requiring 384 games to get there.
NATIONAL GAMES ON THE RADAR THIS WEEK
Five #NHLStats and storylines you need to know about other national broadcasts this week:
1. NHL on TNT doubleheader (Tuesday): Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov enters the week one goal shy of capturing the Wild’s all-time goals record and will continue his pursuit when Minnesota duels Tampa Bay in the second game of an NHL on TNT doubleheader (also NJD-FLA). Kaprizov could face Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, who has earned a point in each of his past eight road games (7-0-1) and enters the week within one victory of becoming the second goaltender in NHL history with nine consecutive 30-win seasons.
2. ESPN two-pack takes center stage (Thursday): A doubleheader on ESPN opens with the Penguins and Sabres, who enter the week in second place in their respective divisions, going head-to-head as they both continue their push for their first playoff berth in years (BUF: 2011 & PIT: 2022). Later, Anze Kopitar and the Kings face off against the Islanders, with the Los Angeles captain set to become just the 25th player in NHL history to skate in 1,500th career games.
3. ABC Hockey Saturday doubleheader: Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, who already holds the franchise record for goals and points, sits 10 helpers away from claiming its assist title as well and will look to continue the chase when he visits the Bruins. The second half of the matinee doubleheader sees Mika Zibanejad continue his pursuit of 800 career points (7 away) when the Rangers visit the Metropolitan Division-rival Devils – the New York forward can become just the 14th Swedish player in NHL history to reach the milestone.
4. NHL on TNT features key divisional matchup (Saturday): The second half of a two-pack on NHL on TNT features goals leader Nathan MacKinnon and the League-leading Avalanche clashing with Quinn Hughes and the Wild, who are looking to gain ground on their Central Division rival. MacKinnon continues his pursuit of his first Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy and enters the week three points back of 100 on the season – a mark he can reach for the fourth straight campaign. The Colorado forward is also on pace to score 56 goals this season, which would tie for second most in franchise history.
5. Oilers at Golden Knights headline ESPN doubleheader (Sunday): Oilers captain Connor McDavid can close in on 400 career goals as Edmonton gets set to visit Pacific Division-rival Vegas. McDavid (396) can become the fifth player in franchise history to reach the milestone – a list that includes his teammate Leon Draisaitl.
Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET (7:30 PM PT) Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California TV: ESPN+ / FanDuel Sports Network West / Altitude Sports Radio: Colorado Avalanche Radio Network / LA Kings Audio Network / SiriusXM NHL / NHL App
Game Context
The Avalanche lead the Western Conference and Central Division with 87 points and are the NHL’s top team by a healthy margin, chasing the Presidents’ Trophy and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. The Kings sit 5th in the Pacific Division with 62 points, clinging to the second wild-card spot in a crowded Western bubble. This is the third and final 2025-26 meeting; Colorado has already swept the season series. A Kings win would be a massive statement and keep their playoff hopes alive; an Avalanche victory would clinch the season-series sweep and extend their league-best dominance.
Recent Form
Colorado Avalanche (3-2-0 in last 5, W1):
W 3-1 vs. Chicago (Feb 28) – Cale Makar 2G, strong rebound effort
L 2-5 vs. Minnesota (Feb 26) – penalty trouble in loss
W 4-2 vs. Utah Mammoth (Feb 25)
W 4-2 vs. San Jose (Feb 4)
L vs. Detroit (earlier)
Colorado is averaging 3.6+ GF/G during the stretch while posting elite underlying metrics. They are 17-6-5 on the road and have won 7 of their last 9 overall.
Los Angeles Kings (2-3-0 in last 5, W1):
W 2-0 vs. Calgary (Feb 28) – Anton Forsberg shutout, snapped 5-game losing streak
L 1-8 vs. Edmonton (Feb 26) – worst loss of the season
Mixed results in prior games (2-5-1 in last 8 overall)
The Kings are scoring just 2.5 GF/G lately but showed defensive resilience in Saturday’s shutout. Home record is 9-13-7.
Injury Report
Colorado Avalanche
Parker Kelly (C) — Day-to-Day (illness)
Joel Kiviranta (LW) — Day-to-Day (concussion/undisclosed)
One additional forward (hip) — OUT until ~March 22 (IR)
Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Gabriel Landeskog, and the core are fully available and rolling.
Los Angeles Kings
Andrei Kuzmenko (LW) — OUT (week-to-week, knee meniscus surgery – IR)
Kevin Fiala (LW) — OUT (leg – IR)
Joel Armia (RW) — Questionable (upper body; expected out until at least March 2)
The Kings are thin up front without their top-two left wings; depth forwards and youngsters will be leaned on heavily.
Key Player Matchups
Top Lines: Nathan MacKinnon / Mikko Rantanen / Gabriel Landeskog (if active) or Artturi Lehkonen (COL) vs. Anze Kopitar / Adrian Kempe / Alex Laferriere (LAK) — MacKinnon’s speed and vision exploit LA’s depleted forward group; Kempe/Laferriere must generate offense without Fiala/Kuzmenko.
Defense/Offense: Cale Makar (COL, multi-goal threat) vs. Kings shutdown pair — Makar has been dominant (2G Saturday); LA’s blueline must limit his zone entries.
Goalie Duel: Mackenzie Blackwood / Justus Annunen (COL) vs. Anton Forsberg (LAK – coming off shutout) — Forsberg gives the Kings a chance to steal one; Colorado’s tandem has been steady on the road.
Special Teams — Avalanche elite PP and PK; Kings opportunistic but vulnerable without key scorers.
Series History
2025-26 season: Colorado leads 2-0
Oct 7 at LA: Avalanche 4-1
Dec 29 in Colorado: Avalanche 5-2
All-time regular season: Avalanche hold a slight edge in recent years.
Recent trend: Colorado has won 4 of the last 5 meetings and covered the puck line in both 2025-26 games.
Betting Trends
Avalanche are 17-6-5 on the road and 8-2 SU/ATS in last 10 as road favorites.
Kings are 9-13-7 at home, 2-5-1 in last 8 overall, and just 1-4 ATS as home underdogs vs. top West teams.
Total has gone Under in 6 of Colorado’s last 8 road games and in LA’s last 4 home wins.
Game Odds
Colorado Avalanche – 175
Los Angeles Kings 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, March 1, 2026
Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT) Venue: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, Washington TV: ESPN+ / Kraken Hockey Network / Prime Video / Sportsnet Radio: 99.9 The Fan (Carolina) / Seattle Kraken Audio Network / SiriusXM NHL / NHL App
Game Context
The Hurricanes are 1st in the Metropolitan Division and among the top teams in the Eastern Conference with 82 points, riding a five-game win streak and 10-0-2 surge since mid-January while chasing the Presidents’ Trophy and home-ice advantage. The Kraken sit 4th in the Pacific Division (playoff bubble) with 65 points, fighting to stay in the Western wild-card race after a recent home win. This is the second and final 2025-26 meeting; Carolina won the first 3-2 on Jan. 10/11 in Raleigh. A Hurricanes victory would clinch the season series and extend their dominance; Seattle needs the two points at home to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Recent Form
Carolina Hurricanes (5-0-0 in last 5, 10-0-2 since Jan. 16):
W 5-2 vs. Detroit (Feb. 28) – Taylor Hall & Shayne Gostisbehere 3 points each; Frederik Andersen 27 saves
Strong third-period dominance and elite special teams during the streak (averaging 3.6 GF/G, 2.4 GA/G).
Carolina is 15-7-4 on the road and playing with elite structure and goaltending depth.
Seattle Kraken (3-2-0 in last 5, W1):
W 5-1 vs. Vancouver (Feb. 28) – Jordan Eberle 2G-1A; Chandler Stephenson 1G-2A
L 1-5 at St. Louis (Feb. 26)
Mixed results post-Olympic break but strong at home (15-9-5).
Seattle is averaging high-event offense when rolling but has defensive vulnerabilities (averaging 3.0+ GA/G lately).
Injury Report
Carolina Hurricanes
Pyotr Kochetkov (G) — OUT for season (hip – IR since late December)
No other significant injuries reported; full forward and defensive corps available (Jaccob Slavin fully healthy after earlier return).
Seattle Kraken
Ryan Lindgren (D) — Day-to-Day (upper/lower body – questionable)
Max McCormick (LW) — OUT (long-term – IR)
No other major absences; core group (Eberle, McCann, Stephenson, Daccord) expected in.
Key Player Matchups
Top Lines: Sebastian Aho / Andrei Svechnikov / Seth Jarvis (CAR) vs. Jordan Eberle / Jared McCann / Chandler Stephenson (SEA) — Aho’s two-way dominance vs. Eberle’s hot streak (multi-goal game Saturday); Carolina’s speed should test Seattle’s transition.
Defense/Physicality: Jaccob Slavin / Brent Burns (CAR shutdown pair) vs. Seattle’s blueline (potentially without Lindgren) — Slavin’s return has stabilized Carolina; Kraken lean on veteran mobility but lack depth.
Goalie Duel: Frederik Andersen (CAR – .874 SV% but 3-0-3 lately) vs. Joey Daccord (SEA – projected starter, solid home numbers) — Andersen gives Carolina the edge in a low-event road game.
Special Teams — Hurricanes elite PK and strong PP; Kraken opportunistic but vulnerable on the penalty kill at home.
Series History
2025-26 season: Carolina leads 1-0 (3-2 win on Jan. 10/11 in Raleigh).
All-time regular season: Hurricanes have won 4 of the last 5 meetings.
Recent trend: Games have been close (one-goal decisions); Carolina has covered as road favorites.
Betting Trends
Hurricanes 8-0-2 in last 10 and strong as road favorites (covering in most wins vs. Western teams).
Kraken 15-9-5 at home but 1-4 SU in recent home games vs. top Eastern clubs; +1.5 covers frequently.
Total has gone Under in 7 of Carolina’s last 10 road games and in 6 of Seattle’s last 8 home contests.
Carolina 5-0 SU in current streak; Kraken W1 but allowing goals in bunches when losing.
Game Odds
Carolina Hurricanes – 185
Seattle Kraken 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, March 1, 2026
Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT) Venue: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia TV: ESPN+ / Sportsnet Pacific / Victory+ Radio: Dallas Stars Radio Network / Vancouver Canucks Audio Network / SiriusXM NHL / NHL App
Game Context
The Stars sit 3rd in the Central Division (top-3 in the Western Conference) with 81 points and are riding an 8-game win streak that matches a franchise record. They are battling for the top seed in the West and Presidents’ Trophy contention. The Canucks are 8th in the Pacific (near the bottom of the West) with 43 points, mathematically eliminated from playoff contention and in full lottery-mode. This is the final 2025-26 meeting between the clubs (season series currently split). A Dallas win would extend their streak to 9 and clinch the season-series edge; Vancouver is playing spoiler and evaluating young pieces at home.
Recent Form
Dallas Stars (8-0-0 in last 8, 9-1-0 in last 10):
W 3-2 (OT) vs. Nashville (Feb 28) – Jason Robertson OT winner
W 4-1 vs. Seattle (Feb 25)
Strong post-Olympic break dominance with elite 5-on-5 play, special teams, and goaltending.
Dallas is averaging 3.4+ GF/G while allowing under 2.7 GA/G during the streak and boasts the league’s top road record in recent weeks (18-7-6 away).
Vancouver Canucks (0-5-0 in last 5, 2-15-4 in last 21):
L 1-5 at Seattle (Feb 28) – fifth straight loss; allowed 15 goals in last 3 starts
Struggling mightily post-Olympic break with poor defensive structure and goaltending.
Vancouver ranks near the bottom in goals scored and allowed, especially at home (6-17-5).
Injury Report
Dallas Stars
Roope Hintz (C) — Day-to-Day / OUT (illness; missed recent games)
Mikko Rantanen (RW) — OUT (lower-body; IR, expected back ~March 21)
Tyler Seguin (C) — OUT for season (torn ACL – LTIR)
Radek Faksa (C) — OUT (upper-body – IR)
Dallas remains deep up front and on the blue line despite the absences; Jason Robertson, Wyatt Johnston, and the top defense corps are rolling.
Vancouver Canucks
Thatcher Demko (G) — OUT (long-term – IR)
Jonathan Lekkerimäki (RW) — OUT for season (post-surgery)
Filip Chytil (C) — OUT (IR)
Tyler Myers (D) — OUT (until ~March 6)
Derek Forbort (D) — OUT (IR)
Guillaume Brisebois (D) — OUT (IR)
The Canucks are extremely thin on the blue line and in net; Kevin Lankinen or Arturs Silovs expected to start.
Key Player Matchups
Top Lines: Jason Robertson / Wyatt Johnston / Matt Duchene (DAL) vs. Elias Pettersson / J.T. Miller / Brock Boeser (VAN) — Robertson (32+ goals) and Johnston are unstoppable lately; Pettersson’s ongoing slump (zero shots in recent loss) hurts Vancouver badly.
Defense/Physicality: Miro Heiskanen / Thomas Harley (DAL shutdown pair) vs. Quinn Hughes / depleted Canucks blueline — Dallas controls the blue line and transition game.
Goalie Duel: Jake Oettinger (DAL – .898 SV%, strong streak) vs. Kevin Lankinen (VAN – allowing 5.0 GAA lately) — Oettinger gives Dallas a massive edge.
Special Teams — Dallas PP at 30% (elite); Vancouver PK struggling at home.
Series History
2025-26 season: Series split 1-1 entering tonight (final meeting).
All-time regular season: Dallas has dominated recent years.
Recent trend: Stars have won 6 of the last 8 meetings and covered the puck line in most road games vs. Vancouver.
Betting Trends
Stars 18-7-6 on the road and 8-0 SU in current streak; covering -1.5 at a high rate vs. non-playoff teams.
Canucks 6-17-5 at home, 0-5 SU in current skid, and 2-15-4 in last 21.
Total has gone Under in 7 of Vancouver’s last 10 home games and in 6 of Dallas’s last 8 road contests.
Dallas 9-1 SU/ATS in last 10; Vancouver 1-9 ATS as home underdogs.
Game Odds
Dallas Stars – 192
Vancouver Canucks 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, March 1, 2026
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario TV: ESPN+ / Sportsnet Ontario / NBC Sports Philadelphia Radio: Flyers Radio Network / Toronto Maple Leafs Radio Network / SiriusXM NHL / NHL App
Game Context
The Flyers hold 6th in the Metropolitan Division (around 10th-12th in the Eastern Conference) with 65 points, clinging to a wild-card spot in a competitive Metro race and showing resilience post-Olympic break. The Maple Leafs sit 7th-8th in the Atlantic Division (around 13th-15th in East) with 63 points, on the playoff bubble after a three-game losing streak and inconsistent play. This is the third meeting of 2025-26; Toronto has dominated the season series so far (likely 2-0 or 2-0-1 edge based on trends). A Leafs win would solidify their season-series advantage and provide a boost at home; Philadelphia aims to snap a road skid against Toronto and stay in the Eastern mix.
Recent Form
Philadelphia Flyers (mixed, 4-4-2 in last 10; strong Metro push):
Recent OT loss or tight games (points in many post-break contests)
Solid road form overall (13-12-4 away), but struggling vs. Toronto historically
Leafs relying on star power to end skid; goaltending and defense have been inconsistent.
Injury Report
Philadelphia Flyers
Rodrigo Abols (C) — OUT (IR, fractured right ankle; out until at least late March)
Tyson Foerster (RW) — OUT (IR, arm surgery; out for season)
Ty Murchison (D) — OUT (long-term)
Other minor/upper-body issues (e.g., potential day-to-day from Olympic injuries like Ristolainen/Vladar, but core forwards/defense expected available)
Flyers missing depth up front and on blue line but healthy stars like Konecny, Couturier, and Zegras available.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Chris Tanev (D) — OUT (IR-LTIR, groin; expected return ~March 2 or later, but listed indefinite)
Other potential day-to-day (e.g., Nylander lower-body earlier in season, but core like Matthews, Marner, Nylander expected in)
Leafs thin on defense without Tanev; forward group mostly healthy.
Key Player Matchups
Top Lines: Travis Konecny / Sean Couturier / Owen Tippett (PHI) vs. Auston Matthews / Mitch Marner / William Nylander (TOR) — Matthews/Marner duo elite scoring threat; Konecny’s physicality and speed test Toronto’s structure.
Secondary Scoring: Bobby Brink / Matvei Michkov (if in lineup) vs. John Tavares / Max Domi — Leafs depth scoring key at home; Flyers rely on youth energy.
Goalie Duel: Samuel Ersson / Ivan Fedotov (PHI, tandem ~.890-.900 SV%) vs. Joseph Woll / Anthony Stolarz (TOR) — Toronto’s goaltending must rebound from recent struggles; Flyers netminders solid in tight games.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York TV: MSG Network / FanDuel Sports Network Ohio Radio: 97.1 The Fan (Columbus) / ESPN New York 98.7 FM / SiriusXM NHL / NHL App
Game Context
The Blue Jackets hold 5th in the Metropolitan Division (10th in the Eastern Conference) with 66 points after an overtime loss to the Islanders on Saturday, sitting on the playoff bubble with a strong push post-Olympic break (points in 12 of last 14). The Rangers are 8th in the Metro (bottom of the division) with 53 points, well out of contention and focused on development amid a disappointing season. This is the second (or one of few) meetings in 2025-26; Columbus has the early edge or series tied depending on prior results. A Blue Jackets win would strengthen their wild-card push; Rangers seek to build on a recent shootout victory over Pittsburgh.
Recent Form
Columbus Blue Jackets (strong recent stretch, 11-2-1 in last 14 before OT loss):
L 3-4 (OT) vs. New York Islanders (Mar 1) — Holmstrom OT winner; Columbus earned a point
L 2-4 vs. Boston (recent)
Points in 9 of 10 home games in 2026; solid road form (14-13-3 away)
Blue Jackets averaging competitive scoring and goaltending; resilient after break.
New York Rangers (snapped 5-game skid):
W 3-2 (SO) vs. Pittsburgh (Feb 28/Mar 1) — Shesterkin 31 saves + SO; rallied from down 2
L streak prior (0-4-1 in five games)
Struggling overall (7-15-5 home) but goaltending shines in spots
Rangers showing fight at home but inconsistent.
Injury Report
Columbus Blue Jackets
No major reported injuries; full lineup expected with key pieces healthy post-break.
New York Rangers
No significant absences highlighted; core group (Panarin, Zibanejad, Shesterkin, etc.) available.
Both teams relatively healthy heading into the matchup.
Key Player Matchups
Top Lines: Kirill Marchenko / Boone Jenner / Johnny Gaudreau (CBJ) vs. Artemi Panarin / Mika Zibanejad / Vincent Trocheck (NYR) — Gaudreau/Marchenko speed tests Rangers’ defense; Panarin/Zibanejad provide elite scoring threat.
Goalie Duel: Daniil Tarasov / Elvis Merzlikins (CBJ, solid tandem) vs. Igor Shesterkin (NYR, 31 saves in SO win) — Shesterkin has been the Rangers’ bright spot; Columbus goaltending holds up in tight games.
Defense/Physicality: Zach Werenski (CBJ, minute-eater) vs. Rangers blueline — Werenski’s mobility and points drive Columbus transition.
Special Teams — Both mid-pack on PP/PK; expect disciplined play in Metro clash.
Series History
2025-26 season: Limited meetings; Columbus holds edge or tied based on prior (e.g., potential 1-0 or 0-0-1).
All-time regular season: Rangers lead historically (31-21-4 or similar reg season).
Recent trend: Competitive games; Columbus resilient in recent Metro matchups, but Rangers strong at MSG in spots.
Betting Trends
Blue Jackets strong in Metro games lately; covering as slight road favorites.
Rangers snapped skid but poor home record (7-15-5); +1.5 covers high rate.
Total Under in many recent Rangers home games; low-scoring Metro tilts common.
Columbus points in most recent games; Rangers 1-0 in SO recently.
Game Odds
Columbus Blue Jackets – 125
New York Rangers 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, March 1, 2026
Puck drop is scheduled for 2:00 PM ET (1:00 PM CT) Venue: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee TV: NHL Network / FanDuel Sports Network South (FDSNSO) / FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (FDSNDET) Radio: Detroit Red Wings Radio Network / Nashville Predators Radio Network / SiriusXM NHL / NHL App
Game Context
The Red Wings sit 4th in the Atlantic Division (5th-6th in the Eastern Conference) with 74 points and are firmly in the playoff hunt, holding a wild-card spot but battling for a higher seed in a tight Eastern race. The Predators are 5th in the Central Division (9th-10th in the Western Conference) with 62 points and are clinging to the second wild-card spot in the West. This is a non-conference matchup and the second (and final) meeting of the 2025-26 season. Nashville won the first game earlier this year. A Predators win would give them the season-series edge and a crucial two points at home; Detroit looks to stay hot on the road and keep pace in the East.
Recent Form
Detroit Red Wings (4-4-2 in last 10, 1-1-0 in last 2):
L 2-5 at Carolina (Feb 28/Mar 1) – dropped fifth time in seven games
OT W vs. Ottawa
L vs. Utah
W vs. Colorado
L vs. Colorado (recent stretch)
Detroit averages 2.93 GF/G (20th) and 2.97 GA/G (13th). The offense relies on speed and power-play efficiency, but recent defensive lapses have shown.
Nashville Predators (4-2-4 in last 10, 1-1-1 in last 3):
OT L 2-3 vs. Dallas (Feb 28/Mar 1) – blew 2-0 lead
W 4-2 vs. Chicago (Feb 26) – third-period rally
L vs. Washington
OT L vs. Minnesota
W vs. St. Louis
Nashville is scoring 2.92 GF/G (21st) but allowing 3.44 GA/G (27th). Home record is solid at 16-12-3; they’ve been streaky but dangerous when rolling.
Injury Report
Detroit Red Wings
No reported injuries. Fully healthy roster available.
Nashville Predators
Adam Wilsby (D) — Day-to-Day (lower body; missed recent game vs. Dallas, questionable)
No other major absences reported; core group (Forsberg, Stamkos, O’Reilly, Saros) expected to play.
Key Player Matchups
Top Lines: Dylan Larkin / Alex DeBrincat / Lucas Raymond (DET) vs. Filip Forsberg / Steven Stamkos / Ryan O’Reilly (NSH) — Larkin (28G-26A) and DeBrincat (30G-28A) provide Detroit’s speed and finishing; Forsberg and Stamkos give Nashville veteran scoring punch.
Defense/Physicality: Moritz Seider (DET, 7G-33A, +14) vs. Predators shutdown pairs — Seider’s mobility tests Nashville’s transition game.
Goalie Duel: Cam Talbot / Alex Lyon (DET, strong tandem) vs. Juuse Saros (NSH, projected starter) — Saros has carried Nashville; Detroit’s goaltending has been steady (.893 SV%).
Special Teams — Both teams sit around 22-23% on the PP (mid-pack); Nashville’s PK is slightly better at home.
Series History
2025-26 season: Nashville leads 1-0.
All-time regular season: Competitive, but Detroit has had success in Nashville in recent years.
Recent trend: Games have been close; total has gone over in several of the last meetings.
Betting Trends
Predators are strong home favorites vs. Eastern teams and 4-1 in last 5 overall.
Red Wings are 16-9-2 on the road and have covered +1.5 at a high rate as slight dogs.
Total has gone Under in many Predators home games this season; both teams trending lower-scoring lately.
Detroit 4-4-2 in last 10; Nashville 4-2-4 but 1-1-1 recently.
Game Odds
Detroit Red Wings – 112
Nashville Predators 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, March 1, 2026
Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco, California TV: Peacock, NBCS-BA (Warriors), FDSSC (Clippers) (Note: No Clippers-Warriors game was scheduled for March 1; this is the confirmed matchup per the 2025-26 NBA schedule.)
Injury Report
Los Angeles Clippers
Bradley Beal (G) – Out for Season (hip)
Kris Dunn (G) – GTD (head; exited early Sunday)
John Collins (F) – GTD (arm; exited early Sunday)
Darius Garland (G) – Expected debut (acquired in January; toe injury cleared)
Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry (G) – Out (right knee; missed 11th straight, est. return ~March 13 or later; re-eval in 10 days)
Jimmy Butler (F) – Out for Season (knee/ACL)
Kristaps Porziņģis (C) – Out (illness; 5th straight missed, est. return ~March 5)
Will Richard (G) – Out (ankle; est. return ~March 5)
Seth Curry (G) – Out (est. return ~March 5)
Gary Payton II (G) – GTD (ankle)
The Warriors are decimated — missing their franchise face (Curry), a key veteran acquisition (Butler), their new big (Porziņģis), and multiple rotation pieces. Golden State is playing with a makeshift lineup heavy on young/depth players (Podziemski, Melton, Santos, etc.). Clippers are on the second night of a back-to-back but far healthier overall.
Recent Team Forms
Clippers (improving after skid): 5-5 in last 10, but winners of 4 of last 6 before Sunday.
Mar 1 vs. NOP: W 137-117 (Kawhi Leonard 23 pts; snapped 3-game losing streak)
Feb 27 @ MIN: L (close loss)
Recent trend: Explosive offense in wins (averaging 120+ PPG lately), but defensive lapses on road. 7-3 ATS in last 10; Over in 4 of last 5.
Warriors (struggling without core): 4-6 in last 10, L1 streak, alternating W/L recently.
Feb 28 vs. LAL: L 101-129 (blowout home loss)
Recent trend: Porous defense (allowing 116+ PPG without Curry/Porziņģis); 3-7 ATS in last 10; Over in 6 of last 7. Home record strong on paper but shaky vs. motivated Western foes.
Key Player Matchups
Kawhi Leonard (LAC) vs. Warriors depleted wings/frontcourt (Santos / Podziemski / Melton rotation): Leonard (fresh off 23 pts) should exploit mismatches; expect heavy usage as primary scorer/closer.
James Harden / Darius Garland (LAC backcourt) vs. Warriors guards (without Curry): Clippers’ new/old guard tandem creates easy looks; Warriors lack perimeter creation/defense. Garland’s debut adds playmaking spark.
Ivica Zubac / John Collins (LAC bigs) vs. Warriors thin frontcourt: Massive rebounding/rim protection edge to LA without Porziņģis.
Bench/Depth: Clippers’ veteran depth (even with GTDs) vs. Warriors’ youth/injury-riddled unit — LA has clear energy advantage on back-to-back.
All-time, Warriors lead regular-season series 139-103. This is the 3rd of 4 meetings; recent H2H has been low-scoring and close (Unders in both 2025-26 games). Clippers are 7-1 ATS in last 8 vs. Golden State overall.
Betting Trends
Key ATS notes: Clippers 7-3 ATS last 10; 7-1 ATS in last 8 vs. Warriors; 10-5 SU/ATS on road since late December. Warriors 3-7 ATS last 10; 2-6 ATS in last 8 home games; poor 4-6 without Curry.
O/U trends: Over in 4 of Clippers’ last 5; 6 of Warriors’ last 7. Both teams push pace when missing stars (high-possession games). Head-to-head Unders early this season, but recent form points to higher totals. Clippers 7-1 ATS as road favorites/under 3 pts this season.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Clippers – 1.5
Golden State Warriors 219.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, March 1, 2026
Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET Venue: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah TV: Altitude (DEN), KJZZ / Jazz+ (UTA) (Note: The requested March 1 date has no scheduled Nuggets-Jazz matchup; the actual game per current NBA schedule is Monday, March 2 at Delta Center.)
Injury Report
Denver Nuggets
Aaron Gordon (F) – Questionable (right hamstring; missed last 15 games, possible return this week after limited practice)
Cameron Johnson (F) – Questionable / Day-to-Day (ankle; left Sunday’s game vs. Minnesota early)
Peyton Watson (F) – Out (hamstring; est. return ~March 9)
Tamar Bates (G) – Out (foot; est. return ~April)
Spencer Jones (F) – Out / Questionable (shoulder)
Utah Jazz
Lauri Markkanen (F) – Out (hip; est. return ~March 13 or later, at least 2+ weeks)
Kevin Love (F) – Out (rest; est. return ~March 4)
Vince Williams Jr. (G) – Out for season (ACL)
Walker Kessler (C) – Out for season (shoulder)
Jusuf Nurkic (C) – Out for season (nose / post-trade)
Jaren Jackson Jr. (F/C) – Out for season (knee)
Utah’s frontcourt is decimated (no Kessler, Nurkic, Jackson Jr., or Markkanen), forcing heavy reliance on young/undersized players like Kyle Filipowski and Ace Bailey. Denver’s depth is tested on the second night of a back-to-back, but Gordon’s potential return would be massive.
Recent Team Forms
Nuggets (4-6 in last 10, L2 streak):
3/1 vs. MIN: L 108-117
2/27 @ OKC: L 121-127 (OT)
2/25 vs. BOS: W 103-84
2/22 @ GSW: L 117-128
2/20 @ POR: W 157-103 Offense remains potent (averaging ~120+ in wins), but road fatigue and injuries have led to defensive lapses. They are 1-3 in last 4 road games.
Jazz (0-5 in last 5, 3-game home losing streak):
2/28 vs. NO: L 105-115
2/26 vs. NO: L 118-129
2/23 @ HOU: L 105-125
2/20 @ MEM: L 114-123
2/12 vs. POR: L 119-135 Scoring 117.8 PPG (7th in NBA) but getting torched defensively. Home struggles continue against stronger Western teams.
Key Player Matchups
Nikola Jokić (DEN) vs. Jazz depleted frontcourt (Filipowski / Bailey / etc.): Jokić (28.8 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 10.5 APG) should dominate the glass and paint against Utah’s undersized, inexperienced bigs. Expect 28-32+ points, 13+ rebounds, near triple-double.
Jamal Murray (DEN) vs. Keyonte George (UTA): Murray (25.3 PPG, 7.3 APG) exploits mismatches; George (23.6 PPG) is Utah’s best creator but a defensive liability.
Michael Porter Jr. / Christian Braun (DEN wings) vs. Jazz perimeter: Denver’s spacing and 3-point volume (39.3% team 3P%) should feast on Utah’s poor help defense.
Bench / Depth: Denver’s second unit (if Gordon returns) vs. Jazz’s thin, young rotation — massive edge to Nuggets in energy and execution.
Series History (2025-26 Season)
Nuggets lead the season series 1-0:
Dec. 22, 2025: Nuggets 135, Jazz 112 (at Denver) — Denver led wire-to-wire after a 19-0 start, shooting 51% from three.
Nuggets have won 7 straight against Utah (7-0 SU/ATS in recent meetings). Last 10 head-to-head: Nuggets 8-2 SU, heavy overs in some but unders trending in recent Denver wins. All-time, Jazz lead regular-season series, but Denver owns the modern era matchup.
Betting Trends
Key ATS notes: Nuggets 34-27 ATS season-long; 7-0 ATS in last 7 vs. Utah. Jazz 0-5 ATS in last 5; 1-8 ATS in last 9 home games; 31-29 ATS overall. Nuggets 13-8 ATS when scoring >125.7; Jazz 22-11 ATS when scoring >116 but irrelevant in blowout losses.
O/U trends: Nuggets Over in 10 of last 14; 38-23 O/U season. Jazz Under in 10 of last 14 vs. Denver historically; but Jazz allow massive totals at home (125.7 PPG season). Head-to-head last meeting sailed Over 251.5 line.
Nuggets 28-13 as moneyline favorites; Jazz 13-40 as home underdogs (poor 24.5% win rate as dogs).
Game Odds
Denver Nuggets – 10.5
Utah Jazz 243.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, March 1, 2026
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