Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT)
Venue: Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Missouri
Broadcast: ESPN+ (national/streaming), FanDuel Sports Network Midwest / KHN/Prime / KONG (Blues regional), 101 ESPN radio

Game Context

Seattle sits in the second Western Conference wild-card spot (63 points) after slipping from third in the Pacific with Wednesday’s loss in Dallas. The Kraken remain very much alive in the playoff hunt with ~25 games left. St. Louis is buried in eighth in the Central Division (49 points) and has been mathematically eliminated from realistic playoff contention for weeks, turning the stretch run into a showcase/audition period ahead of the trade deadline.

Recent Form

• Kraken: 1-1-0 in their two post-Olympic games so far (lost 4-1 at Dallas on Feb. 25). They are 13-12-4 on the road this season and play the second half of a back-to-back tonight after traveling from Texas.
• Blues: Entered the Olympic break on a three-game losing streak and are 0-3-0 in their last three overall. This is their first game back after the three-week break; rust, re-integration of Olympians (Binnington and Parayko earned silver with Canada), and a depleted center corps are major factors. St. Louis is 13-11-6 at home.

Injury Report

Seattle Kraken:

• Matt Murray (G) – Lower body (out)
• Ben Meyers (LW) – Lower body (out)
• Ryan Lindgren (D) – Upper body (questionable; left Wednesday’s game early)

Positive notes: No other major absences. The Kraken did not hold a morning skate after the Dallas loss.

St. Louis Blues (significant absences):

• Robert Thomas (C) – Lower body / personal reasons (out tonight; expected back Friday)
• Oskar Sundqvist (upper body) – Out

Positive notes / returns:

• Dylan Holloway (LW) – Activated off IR (high ankle sprain; missed 23 of last 24 games) and expected back
• Jack Finley (C) – Making Blues debut (claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay on Feb. 7)
• Colton Parayko (D) and Jordan Binnington (G) – Back after Olympics (silver with Canada)
• Brayden Schenn (C) – Missed Wednesday practice with illness but skated today and is expected to play

Projected Lineups & Goalies

Kraken (Coach Dan Bylsma / Lane Lambert)
F: Jared McCann – Matty Beniers – Jordan Eberle
F: Berkly Catton – Chandler Stephenson – Eeli Tolvanen
F: Jaden Schwartz – Shane Wright – Frederick Gaudreau
F: Ryan Winterton – Jacob Melanson – (depth adjustment for Meyers)
D: Vince Dunn – Adam Larsson
D: Jamie Oleksiak – Brandon Montour
D: Ryker Evans – Ryan Lindgren (or replacement if out)
G: Philipp Grubauer (expected; strong candidate after Daccord started Wednesday) / Joey Daccord
Scratches: Kappo Kaako, Josh Mahura, Cale Fleury
Injured: Murray, Meyers

Blues (Coach Jim Montgomery)
F: Jake Neighbours – Pavel Buchnevich – Jordan Kyrou
F: Brayden Schenn – Dalibor Dvorsky – Jimmy Snuggerud
F: Dylan Holloway – Pius Suter – Jonatan Berggren
F: Alexey Toropchenko – Jack Finley – Nathan Walker
D: Philip Broberg – Colton Parayko
D: Tyler Tucker – Justin Faulk
D: Cam Fowler – Logan Mailloux
G: Joel Hofer (confirmed starter) / Jordan Binnington
Scratches: Robby Fabbri, Mathieu Joseph, Matthew Kessel
Injured: Thomas, Sundqvist

Key Player Matchups

• Jared McCann / Matty Beniers vs. Blues top pairing (Parayko / Broberg): McCann leads Seattle in scoring; Parayko’s Olympic-fresh legs and size will be tested immediately.
• Jordan Kyrou / Pavel Buchnevich line vs. Kraken’s shutdown D (Dunn-Larsson): Kyrou’s speed is a home-run threat, but Seattle’s top pair has been excellent at limiting high-danger chances.
• Dylan Holloway’s return + Jack Finley debut: Fresh legs and a hometown story for Finley add energy to a depleted Blues bottom six.
• Goaltending edge: Hofer has been solid for St. Louis; Grubauer gives Seattle a proven veteran (better career numbers vs. Blues). Binnington (Olympic silver) is available in relief.

Series History (2025-26 Season)

Seattle leads the season series 1-0 after a 4-3 OT win on Nov. 8.
Historically, the Blues have owned this matchup (9-2-2 since Seattle joined the league in 2021-22) and have earned points in four straight home games vs. the Kraken (3-0-1 record at Enterprise Center; 5-1-1 overall in St. Louis).

Betting Trends

• The total has gone OVER in the last three head-to-head meetings (all 4-3 or higher, two in OT).
  • Blues are just 1-6 as moneyline favorites of -135 or shorter this season and have failed to cover the puck line in their last 15 games as favorites.
  • Kraken are 5-2 SU in their last 7 overall and have covered the +1.5 in 10 of their last 11 road games against teams on a losing streak.
  • Seattle is on the second half of a back-to-back (travel + fatigue) while St. Louis is well-rested but rusty post-Olympic break.
  • Blues games have hit the Over 5.5 in 30 of 57 contests this season.

Game Odds

Seattle Kraken                  5.5

St. Louis Blues                   – 142

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
Broadcast: ESPN (national), additional regional feeds (MSG for Rangers, NBC Sports Philadelphia for Flyers)

Game Context

Metropolitan Division rivalry clash with playoff implications on both sides. Philadelphia sits 6th in the Metro with 61 points, holding a wild-card spot in the East but on shaky ground after recent struggles. New York is 8th in the division with 50 points, well outside the playoff picture and in desperate need of a spark to salvage the season. The Rangers are coming off the Olympic break with major reinforcements returning; the Flyers play the second half of a back-to-back after a 3-1 loss in Washington on Feb. 25.

Recent Form

• Flyers: 1-5-1 in their last 7 games (including the 3-1 loss at Washington where Noah Cates scored their lone goal). Offense has been inconsistent (2.86 GF/GP, mid-pack), and they’ve struggled defensively on the road (3.16 GA/GP overall). Back-to-back fatigue is a factor tonight.
• Rangers: Entered the break on a four-game losing streak and have been inconsistent all season (bottom-half offense and defense at ~3.16 GF/GA per game). This is their first game post-Olympic break, but the return of key players provides a massive boost in confidence and talent.

Injury Report

Philadelphia Flyers:

• Tyson Foerster (RW) – Arm surgery (IR)
• Rodrigo Abols (C) – Fractured ankle (IR, out at least until late March)
• Other minor notes: No major new absences; lineup expected to remain stable after last night’s game.

New York Rangers (significant returns):

• Igor Shesterkin (G) – Lower body (out since Jan. 5; returning tonight)
• Adam Fox (D) – Lower body/undisclosed (out since Jan. 5; returning tonight)
• Conor Sheary (LW) – Lower body (out since Dec. 31; returning tonight)
• Matt Rempe (F) – IR (out until mid-March)
• Adam Edstrom (F) – LTIR (out)
• Mika Zibanejad (C) – Day-to-day (skated with Team Sweden at Olympics; status uncertain but likely available or monitored)

Positive notes: J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck return fresh off Olympic gold with Team USA; coach Mike Sullivan and assistant David Quinn also back.

Projected Lineups & Goalies

Flyers (Coach Rick Tocchet)
F: Trevor Zegras – Christian Dvorak – Travis Konecny
F: Matvei Michkov – Noah Cates – Bobby Brink
F: Denver Barkey – Sean Couturier – Owen Tippett
F: Nikita Grebenkin – Carl Grundstrom – Garnet Hathaway
D: Travis Sanheim – Rasmus Ristolainen
D: Cam York – Jamie Drysdale
D: Nick Seeler – Noah Juulsen
G: Samuel Ersson (expected starter after limited action pre-break) / Dan Vladar
Scratches: Likely depth pieces; no major changes post-back-to-back.

Rangers (Coach Mike Sullivan)
F: J.T. Miller – Mika Zibanejad – Gabe Perreault
F: Will Cuylle – Vincent Trocheck – Alexis Lafreniere
F: Conor Sheary – Noah Laba – Brendan Brisson
F: Brennan Othmann – Sam Carrick – Taylor Raddysh
D: Vladislav Gavrikov – Adam Fox
D: Braden Schneider – Will Borgen
D: Matthew Robertson – Vincent Iorio
G: Igor Shesterkin (expected starter; massive upgrade) / Jonathan Quick
Scratched: Likely corresponding moves for returns (e.g., three roster adjustments noted).

Key Player Matchups

• Travis Konecny / Matvei Michkov vs. Adam Fox / Rangers top pairing: Konecny is Philly’s engine; Fox’s return bolsters NYR’s shutdown and transition game.
• J.T. Miller / Vincent Trocheck lines vs. Flyers checking: Olympic momentum for Miller/Trocheck could dominate puck possession.
• Igor Shesterkin vs. Flyers offense: Shesterkin’s return is the biggest storyline — elite goaltending could stifle Philly’s attack.
• Special teams: Flyers PP (16%) vs. Rangers PK; Rangers have struggled but get Fox back for QB duties.

Series History (2025-26 Season)

New York leads the season series 2-0-0:

• Dec. 20, 2025: NYR 5-4 win (at home)
• Jan. 17, 2026: NYR 6-3 win (at PHI)

Rangers have dominated the matchups this year with high-scoring outputs. Historically, the rivalry is intense, but NYR has the edge in recent head-to-head (7-3-0 in last 10 overall).

Betting Trends

• Rangers are slight home favorites despite poor record — driven by key returns.
  • Flyers have been Over specialists on the road in recent games; combined games trend toward 5.5+ goals.
  • Rangers have lost 4 straight entering break; Flyers 1-5-2 in last 7 but competitive in Metro matchups.
  • Home teams in Metro divisional games often cover +1.5 for visitors.

Game Odds

Philadelphia Flyers         6.5

New York Rangers           -142

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, North Carolina
Broadcast: ESPN+ (national/streaming), FanDuel Sports Network South / The Spot (Carolina regional), additional regional feeds

Game Context

A marquee Eastern Conference showdown between the top two teams in the league standings. Tampa Bay leads the Atlantic Division and sits atop the Eastern Conference with 80 points. Carolina is 1st in the Metropolitan Division and just two points back overall (78 points). Both clubs are elite defensive teams with high-end scoring talent, making this one of the highest-quality regular-season matchups of the year. Every point is critical as the playoff positioning tightens.

Recent Form

• Lightning: Outstanding 9-1-0 in their last 10 games (including a 6-game win streak entering the break). They opened the post-Olympic schedule with a 4-2 road win over Toronto on Feb. 25. Tampa Bay ranks 2nd in the NHL in both goals scored per game (3.55) and goals allowed per game (2.50).
• Hurricanes: 8-0-2 in their last 10 games pre-break (10-game point streak). Their final pre-break game was a 2-0 home win over the Rangers on Feb. 5. Carolina has been one of the hottest teams in the league and plays with elite structure and speed at home.

Injury Report

Tampa Bay Lightning:

• Anthony Cirelli (C) – Upper body (out; expected to miss at least the next 1-2 games)
• Nick Paul (LW) – Lower body/undisclosed (IR)
• Max Crozier (D) – Core/abdomen (IR, out ~10 weeks)

Positive notes: Brayden Point and Victor Hedman (Olympic participants) are expected back and in the lineup. Erik Cernak also available after Olympic duty.

Carolina Hurricanes:

• Pyotr Kochetkov (G) – Hip (likely out for the season)
• Eric Robinson (LW) – Upper body (returning after missing 7 games)

Positive notes: Sebastian Aho (felt “run down” post-Olympics) is expected to play. Frederik Andersen and Brandon Bussi (hot lately) anchor the net.

Projected Lineups & Goalies

Lightning (Coach Jon Cooper)
F: Gage Goncalves – Brayden Point – Nikita Kucherov
F: Jake Guentzel – Dominic James – Brandon Hagel
F: Zemgus Girgensons – Yanni Gourde – Pontus Holmberg
F: Oliver Bjorkstrand – Scott Sabourin (or similar depth)
D: J.J. Moser – Darren Raddysh
D: Ryan McDonagh – Erik Cernak
D: Charle-Edouard D’Astous – Emil Lilleberg / Victor Hedman rotation
G: Jonas Johansson (likely) / Andrei Vasilevskiy
Scratched: Curtis Douglas, Declan Carlile
Injured: Cirelli, Paul, Crozier

Hurricanes (Coach Rod Brind’Amour)
F: Andrei Svechnikov – Sebastian Aho – Seth Jarvis
F: Taylor Hall – Logan Stankoven – Jackson Blake
F: Nikolaj Ehlers – Jordan Staal – Jordan Martinook
F: William Carrier – Jesperi Kotkaniemi – Eric Robinson
D: Jaccob Slavin – Jalen Chatfield
D: K’Andre Miller – Sean Walker
D: Shayne Gostisbehere – Alexander Nikishin
G: Brandon Bussi (hot streak) / Frederik Andersen
Scratched: Mark Jankowski, Mike Reilly
Injured: Kochetkov

Key Player Matchups

• Nikita Kucherov / Brayden Point vs. Carolina’s top pairing (Slavin/Chatfield or Miller): Kucherov leads the league in points (near 94 in 52 GP); Carolina’s shutdown defense will be tested.
• Sebastian Aho / Seth Jarvis vs. Tampa’s checking lines: Aho’s two-way game and speed are pivotal against Tampa’s speed.
• Goaltending battle: Vasilevskiy (elite .921 SV%, 2.11 GAA among starters) or Johansson vs. Bussi (winner of last 7 starts, recent shutout) or Andersen. Both teams boast top-tier netminding.
• Special teams: Lightning PP (21.9%, 12th) vs. Carolina PK (80.6%, 11th); Carolina PP (21.6%) vs. Lightning PK (83.5%, 5th).

Series History (2025-26 Season)

Tampa Bay leads the season series 1-0 after a wild 6-4 win on Dec. 20 (Carolina led 3-0 after the first period but collapsed). Historically, these teams play tight, high-event games, but Tampa has the slight edge in recent head-to-head outcomes.

Betting Trends

• The total has gone UNDER in recent high-quality Eastern matchups for both clubs.
  • Carolina is 35-17 as a moneyline favorite this season and dominant at home.
  • Tampa Bay is red-hot (9-1-0 last 10) but playing the second half of a back-to-back (after winning in Toronto on Feb. 25).
  • Both teams rank top-6 in goals allowed; combined scoring average suggests a lower-scoring affair than the season norm.
  • Hurricanes have earned points in 10 straight; Lightning have won 6 straight.

Game Odds

Tampa Bay Lightning      6.5        

Carolina Hurricanes        – 148    

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Broadcast: ESPN+ (national/streaming), SN-PIT (Penguins regional), MSG (Devils regional), SNW/SNE (Canada)

Game Context

The Metropolitan Division features a stark contrast. Pittsburgh sits comfortably in 2nd place with 70 points and is firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture (5th-6th overall in the East). New Jersey is 7th in the division with 58 points, 15th in the Eastern Conference, and fighting just to stay mathematically alive in the wild-card race. The Penguins are playing for positioning and momentum; the Devils are desperate for points to avoid falling further out of contention.

Recent Form

• Devils: 4-6-0 in their last 10 games. They opened the post-Olympic schedule with a 2-1 home loss to Buffalo on Feb. 25 and have dropped four straight overall. Offense has been a major issue (averaging just 2.48 goals per game this season, one of the lowest marks in the NHL).
• Penguins: 7-1-2 in their last 10 games before the Olympic break (strong 14-3-3 record since Dec. 25). This is Pittsburgh’s first game back after the three-week break. They enter with excellent underlying metrics and home dominance (points in 9 of last 11 home games overall; 6-2-2 in last 10 home contests).

Injury Report

Pittsburgh Penguins (major blow without captain):

• Sidney Crosby (C) – Lower body (placed on IR; minimum 4 weeks; injured in Olympic quarterfinal)
• Jack St. Ivany (D) – Hand (out after surgery)
• Filip Hallander (C) – Leg (out)
• Yegor Chinakhov (RW) – Personal (day-to-day; status uncertain for tonight)

Positive notes: Kris Letang activated off IR and expected back. Samuel Girard (newly acquired from Colorado) is available.

New Jersey Devils:

• Luke Hughes (D) – Shoulder (LTIR; out until at least Feb. 28)
• Stefan Noesen (RW) – Knee (IR)
• Zack MacEwen (RW) – ACL (out for season)

Positive notes: Jack Hughes (groin) is back in the lineup after missing time before the break. No other major absences reported.

Projected Lineups & Goalies

Devils (Coach Sheldon Keefe)
F: Timo Meier – Nico Hischier – Dawson Mercer
F: Jesper Bratt – Jack Hughes – Connor Brown
F: Arseny Gritsyuk – Cody Glass – Lenni Hameenaho
F: Paul Cotter – Nick Bjugstad – Maxim Tsyplakov
D: Brett Pesce – Johnathan Kovacevic
D: Jonas Siegenthaler – Dougie Hamilton
D: Brenden Dillon – Simon Nemec
G: Jacob Markstrom (expected) / Jake Allen
Scratched: Colton White, Luke Glendening, Evgenii Dadonov
Injured: Hughes, MacEwen, Noesen

Penguins (Coach Dan Muse)
F: Avery Hayes – Rickard Rakell – Bryan Rust
F: Egor Chinakhov (or replacement) – Tommy Novak – Evgeni Malkin
F: Anthony Mantha – Ben Kindel – Justin Brazeau
F: Connor Dewar – Blake Lizotte – Noel Acciari
D: Parker Wotherspoon – Erik Karlsson
D: Samuel Girard – Kris Letang
D: Ryan Shea – Connor Clifton
G: Arturs Silovs (expected) / Stuart Skinner
Scratched: Kevin Hayes, Ilya Solovyov, Ryan Graves
Injured: Crosby, St. Ivany, Hallander (Chinakhov DTD)

Key Player Matchups

• Jack Hughes / Jesper Bratt vs. Pittsburgh’s top defense (Letang/Girard or Karlsson): Hughes returns healthy and remains New Jersey’s biggest offensive threat. Pittsburgh’s blue line (bolstered by Girard) must contain the speed.
• Evgeni Malkin line vs. Devils’ bottom-six: Malkin has been on fire at home (9 points in last 8) and will shoulder extra responsibility without Crosby. Expect heavy minutes for Malkin, Rakell, and Rust.
• Nico Hischier / Dawson Mercer checking line: Critical for shutting down Pittsburgh’s secondary scoring.
• Goaltending: Markstrom has been steady for New Jersey; Silovs or Skinner gives Pittsburgh a reliable option at home.

Series History (2025-26 Season)Tied 1-1-0:

• Nov. 8, 2025: Devils 2-1 SO win (at Prudential Center)
• Jan. 8, 2026: Penguins 4-1 win (at PPG Paints Arena)

Historically, Pittsburgh has points in 16 of the last 24 meetings (12-8-4) and in 8 of the last 13 home games vs. New Jersey (6-5-2). The Penguins have owned the rivalry in recent years when healthy.

Betting Trends

• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey’s last 5 games and in 6 of their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference opponents.
  • Penguins are 13-12 as favorites this season but much stronger at home.
  • New Jersey is 1-6 straight-up in its last 7 games and averaging just 2.48 goals per game overall.
  • Pittsburgh has points in 17 of its last 20 games since Dec. 25 and ranks among league leaders in several categories during that stretch.
  • Devils rank near the bottom of the league in goals scored; Penguins allow only 2.89 goals per game.

Game Odds

New Jersey Devils                            5.5

Pittsburgh Penguins                       – 162

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, Florida
Broadcast: ESPN+ (U.S. national/streaming), SCRIPPS (Panthers regional TV), TSN4 & TVAS (Canada)

Game Context

Both Atlantic Division clubs sit outside the playoffs with 25 games remaining and are desperate for points. Toronto holds 63 points and sits two points ahead of Florida in the division (6th vs. 8th). The Panthers trail the second Eastern Conference wild-card spot by eight points. Every game carries massive weight in this tight Eastern bubble.

Recent Form

• Maple Leafs: 3-6-1 in their last 10 games (entering this contest). They opened the post-Olympic schedule with a 4-2 road loss to Tampa Bay on Feb. 25. Offensively capable but defensively vulnerable (allowing 3.40 goals per game, 27th in the NHL).
• Panthers: 4-6-0 in their last 10 games before the Olympic break, capped by a ugly 6-1 road loss at Tampa Bay on Feb. 5. This is Florida’s first game back after the three-week break; rust and re-integration of Olympians are factors. The Panthers have been outscored in recent play and rank 19th in goals scored per game (2.98).

Injury Report

Florida Panthers (significant absences):

• Aleksander Barkov (C) – Knee (out for the season)
• Seth Jones (D) – Upper body/collarbone (LTIR, close but out)
• Tomas Nosek (LW) – Knee (IR)
• Jonah Gadjovich (LW) – Upper body (IR)
• Dmitry Kulikov (D) – Shoulder/upper body (IR, skating but out tonight)
• Tobias Bjornfot (D) – Undisclosed (scratched)

Positive notes: Brad Marchand, Evan Rodrigues, and Aaron Ekblad return after missing the final pre-break game. Tomas Nosek, Kulikov, and Gadjovich skated in regular jerseys but remain sidelined.

Toronto Maple Leafs:

• Chris Tanev (D) – Groin (IR)
• Dakota Mermis (D) – Knee (injured reserve)

Positive notes: Dakota Joshua (lacerated kidney, missed 20 games) activated off LTIR and expected to draw in tonight. Auston Matthews (fresh off captaining Team USA to Olympic gold) and the rest of the Olympic contingent are available.

Projected Lineups & Goalies

Maple Leafs (Coach Craig Berube)
F: McMann – Matthews – Domi
F: Maccelli – Tavares – Nylander
F: Knies – Roy – Robertson
F: Lorentz – Laughton – Joshua
D: Rielly – Carlo
D: McCabe – Ekman-Larsson
D: Benoit – Stecher
G: Joseph Woll (expected starter; 13-7-4, 2.92 GAA, .910 SV%, 2 SO)
Backup: Anthony Stolarz
Scratches: Cowan, Myers, Jarnkrok

Panthers (Coach Paul Maurice)
F: Verhaeghe – Rodrigues – Reinhart
F: Samoskevich – Bennett – Tkachuk
F: Luostarinen – Lundell – Marchand
F: Greer – Schwindt – Vilmanis
D: Forsling – Ekblad
D: Mikkola – Balinskis
D: Sebrango – Petry
G: Sergei Bobrovsky (expected starter; 21-17-1, 3.13 GAA, .871 SV%, 3 SO)
Backup: Daniil Tarasov
Scratches: Kunin, Boqvist, Bjornfot

Key Player Matchups

• Auston Matthews / William Nylander vs. Florida’s top pairing (Forsling-Ekblad): Matthews (26G, 49P in 52 GP) and Nylander (18G-36A-54P in 41 GP) give Toronto elite skill. Florida’s structure without Barkov and Jones will be tested.
• John Tavares (48P) line vs. Sam Bennett / Matthew Tkachuk: Tavares is riding a three-game point streak and has historically feasted on Florida’s bottom-six matchups.
• Dakota Joshua’s return: Adds physicality and energy to Toronto’s fourth line in his first action since December.
• Goaltending edge: Woll has owned the Panthers this season (strong 4-1 win on Jan. 6 with 31/32 saves). Bobrovsky is 16-11-1 lifetime vs. Toronto but has been inconsistent (.871 SV% this year).

Series History

Toronto leads the 2025-26 season series 2-0-0 and has outscored Florida 8-2.

• Dec. 2, 2025: TOR 4-1 @ FLA
• Jan. 6, 2026: TOR 4-1 vs. FLA (Woll 31/32 saves)

The Panthers have yet to solve Toronto’s speed and goaltending this year.

Betting Trends

• The Over is 66-45-4 in combined games involving these clubs this season.
  • Florida is just 17-23 as a moneyline favorite overall and 1-4 in its last 5 games.
  • Toronto has cleared the 2.5 team-total goal line in both head-to-head matchups and in 4 of its last 6 overall.
  • Panthers are 3-6-1 in their last 10 home games; Maple Leafs are 11-12-3 on the road.
  • Post-Olympic break games often trend lower-scoring due to rust, but Toronto’s leaky defense (27th in GA/GP) and Florida’s home urgency push expectations toward 6+ goals.

Game Odds

Toronto Maple Leafs      6.5

Florida Panthers               – 162

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET
Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario
TV: ESPN+ (national) | FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (FDSNDET) / Sportsnet Ottawa (regional)

Game Context

The Red Wings hold a strong 33-19-6 record (72 points), placing them 2nd in the Atlantic Division and firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. They boast a balanced attack (172 GF, 18th in NHL) and solid defense (172 GA, 12th), with excellent road play contributing to their positioning. The Senators are 28-22-7 (63 points), sitting 6th in the Atlantic Division and battling for a wild-card spot. They have a slight positive goal differential (+4, 188 GF / 184 GA) but rely heavily on home performance to climb the standings in a competitive division. This Atlantic Division clash is a key four-point game with direct implications for playoff seeding in the East.

Recent Team Forms

Red Wings: Mixed in recent outings before the break, with a 1-1-0 mark in early February games (W 2-0 @ COL on Feb 2; L 1-4 @ UTA on Feb 4). They have been resilient overall but showed vulnerability in their last loss, allowing 4 goals on limited shots. Detroit enters post-Olympic break with strong underlying metrics and motivation to solidify their top-tier standing.

Senators: Coming off a gritty 2-1 OT win over Philadelphia (Feb 5), extending a solid stretch. Ottawa has been competitive at home and opportunistic offensively (Tim Stützle clutch in OT). Their recent form shows defensive improvements in low-scoring affairs, though offense can be streaky without full depth. Both teams return from the Olympic break with fresh legs but potential rust — expect an up-tempo, physical battle early.

Injury Report

Detroit Red Wings

• Simon Edvinsson (D) – Out (lower body; expected to miss this game, indefinite return timeline post-injury)

Ottawa Senators

• David Perron (LW) – Out (groin/hernia; est. return mid-March; 10G/15A in 49 GP)
• Nikolas Matinpalo (D) – Out (undisclosed; day-to-day but ruled out for this matchup)

No major goalie concerns reported; Linus Ullmark (OTT) expected healthy post-break.

Projected Starters & Key Player Matchups

Red Wings (Projected): G (Cam Talbot / John Gibson rotation), D (defensive core minus Edvinsson), forwards Dylan Larkin (captain, playmaking hub), Lucas Raymond (scoring threat), Alex DeBrincat (speed/finishing).

Senators (Projected): G (Linus Ullmark / Anton Forsberg), D (Jake Sanderson, Thomas Chabot), forwards Brady Tkachuk (physical leader), Tim Stützle (dynamic scorer, recent OT hero), Drake Batherson.

Key Matchups

• Dylan Larkin / Lucas Raymond vs. Senators top line (Stützle / Tkachuk): Elite center play and wing speed — whoever controls the middle dictates pace.
• Red Wings power play vs. Senators penalty kill: Detroit’s man-advantage can exploit Ottawa’s occasional discipline issues.
• Brady Tkachuk physicality vs. Detroit defense: Tkachuk’s forecheck and net-front presence tests Detroit’s blue line without Edvinsson.
• Goaltending duel: Both sides have capable starters; low-scoring games hinge on timely saves in tight Atlantic battles.

Series History (2025-26 Season)

The teams have met twice this season, with Detroit leading 2-0:

• Jan. 5, 2026 (@ OTT): Red Wings 5-3
• Jan. 18, 2026 (@ DET): Red Wings 4-3 (OT)

Detroit has dominated recent meetings, winning both by multi-goal margins in regulation/OT. Ottawa seeks revenge at home in this third clash.

Betting Trends

• Senators: Strong as home favorites (-143 range); 4-2 SU in last 6 home games; total has gone OVER in 8 of Ottawa’s last 10 home vs. Detroit.
• Red Wings: Solid as road underdogs (+120); covered +1.5 reliably in recent losses; games trend toward manageable totals post-break.
• Head-to-head: Detroit 2-0 this season; overs hit in prior meetings.
• Post-Olympic break: Often elevated scoring early due to rust, but both teams play structured styles.

Game Odds

Detroit Red Wings           5.5

Ottawa Senators              – 155

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Puck drop is scheduled 7:00 PM ET
Bell Centre, Montréal, Quebec
TV: ESPN+ (national) | MSGSN (Islanders) / RDS, TSN2 (Canadiens regional)

Game Context

The Islanders are 16-11-3 on the road. They are right on the playoff bubble and desperately need points in this four-point swing game against a divisional rival from the other side of the conference. The Canadiens are 16-11-1 at home. They hold a comfortable playoff spot but know every home win is vital to separate from the pack in a ridiculously tight East. Both teams are coming off the Olympic break with fresh legs — and some rust — making this the perfect early test of their post-break form in a massive Eastern Conference showdown.

Recent Team Forms (Last 10 Games)

Islanders: 6-4-0
Averaging 2.8 goals scored and allowing 2.5 goals against. They enter with a W2 streak (including wins over New Jersey and Pittsburgh in OT) but have shown defensive solidity (top-5 GA/GP league-wide).

Canadiens: 6-3-1
Averaging a scorching 4.0 goals scored while allowing 3.1. They closed the pre-break schedule on a strong 4-0-1 run, highlighted by a 5-1 road win over Winnipeg. Montreal’s offense has been elite (3rd in NHL in GF/GP at 3.46), though their defense remains middle-of-the-pack.

Injury Report

New York Islanders

• Kyle Palmieri (C) – Out (knee)
• Semyon Varlamov (G) – Out (knee)
• Pierre Engvall (LW) – Out (ankle, LTIR)
• Alexander Romanov (D) – Out for season (upper body)

Olympians Bo Horvat and Ondrej Palat are back and expected to play.

Montreal Canadiens

• Patrik Laine (RW) – Day-to-Day (lower body)
• Alex Newhook (F) – Expected to return (first game since November – fractured ankle)

Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky (both Olympians) are healthy and expected to play after rest days.

Projected Starters & Key Player Matchups

Islanders (projected): G Ilya Sorokin (20-13-2, 2.44 GAA, .916 SV%, 6 SO), forwards Mathew Barzal (51 points), Bo Horvat (40 points in 44 GP), defense led by Mike Schaefer.

Canadiens (projected): G Sam Montembeault or Jakub Dobes (TBD), forwards Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson (dynamic D), with Alex Newhook returning to the mix.

Key Matchups

• Mathew Barzal / Bo Horvat vs. Nick Suzuki / Juraj Slafkovsky line: Two of the East’s best playmaking centers go head-to-head.
• Lane Hutson’s offensive dynamism vs. Islanders’ structured defense: Hutson has been a revelation; New York must contain his transition game.
• Ilya Sorokin vs. Montreal’s high-octane attack: Sorokin is the Islanders’ best weapon — if he’s on, this stays low-scoring.
• Power Play battle: Canadiens rank 7th on the PP (23.9%); Islanders are 30th (15.7%) but own a top-10 PK. Discipline will be huge.

Series History

First meeting of the season. The clubs will meet three times total in 2025-26. Montreal has historically owned the all-time series, but this year’s version features two very different, playoff-hungry rosters.

Betting Trends

• Canadiens: Strong home favorites (16-11-1 record); 6-3-1 in last 10; games trend Over more often with their high-scoring offense.
• Islanders: 6-4-0 in last 10 and excellent on the road against spread in tight games; Sorokin tends to keep totals manageable.
• Post-Olympic break games frequently see elevated scoring early due to rust and fresh legs. Both teams rank top-10 in combined goals per game.

Game Odds

New York Islanders                         6.5

Montreal Canadiens                       – 155

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET
TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
TV: ESPN+ (national) | NESN / FanDuel Sports Network Ohio (regional)

Game Context

The Blue Jackets are 14-12-3 on the road. They are surging and just four points behind the Bruins for the final wild-card spot, making this a massive four-point swing game in the tight Eastern playoff race. The Bruins are 21-8-1 at home. They hold the second wild-card position and have been one of the league’s steadiest home teams all season. Both clubs return from the Olympic break with fresh legs but potential rust, turning this into a high-stakes early test of their playoff push.

Recent Team Forms (Last 10 Games)

Blue Jackets: 9-1-0 (W7 streak entering the break). They have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL, scoring 38 goals (3.8 per game) while allowing just 20 (2.0 per game). Dominant defensively and opportunistic offensively, with wins including a 4-0 shutout of Chicago on Feb. 4.

Bruins: 6-1-3 in their last 10 before the break (strong 12-2-3 in their final 17 pre-break games). Averaging 3.4 goals scored and 3.1 allowed. They enter with a nine-game home winning streak intact and excellent underlying metrics at TD Garden.

Injury Report

Columbus Blue Jackets

• Brendan Smith (D) – Out (leg – surgery recovery)

Boston Bruins

• Charlie McAvoy (D) – Game-time decision (returned from Team USA gold medal; late travel, practiced lightly)
• Jeremy Swayman (G) – Game-time decision (returned from Team USA gold; practiced Wednesday but status for start uncertain)
• All other key players (including Olympians David Pastrnak, Elias Lindholm, Hampus Lindholm) are expected available. Pavel Zacha (upper body) is fully cleared and “good to go.”

The status of McAvoy and Swayman is the biggest X-factor — if either/both sit, Boston’s defensive structure and goaltending depth take a noticeable hit.

Projected Starters & Key Player Matchups

Blue Jackets (projected): G (Elvis Merzlikins or Daniil Tarasov), D Zach Werenski (Olympic gold medalist, leads NHL D with 20 goals / 62 points), forwards Kirill Marchenko, Adam Fantilli, Dmitri Voronkov, Charlie Coyle.

Bruins (projected, pending goalie): G (Swayman or backup if rested), D (McAvoy if active + Hampus Lindholm), forwards David Pastrnak (70 points), Morgan Geekie (54 points), Elias Lindholm, Pavel Zacha.

Key Matchups

• Zach Werenski (CBJ – 20G/62P) vs. Bruins top line (Pastrnak / Lindholm): Werenski’s offensive dynamism from the blue line tests Boston’s structure; Pastrnak’s elite finishing could exploit any post-Olympic rust.
• Bruins power play (3rd in NHL at 26.3%) vs. Columbus penalty kill: Boston’s man-advantage has been lethal at home; CBJ must stay disciplined after allowing just 2.0 goals per game lately.
• Goaltending battle: If Swayman starts, it’s a gold-medal showcase; otherwise Columbus’s hot offense faces a potentially thinner Bruins crease.
• Physicality / Transition: Both teams play fast — expect heavy board battles and odd-man rushes as rust shakes out.

Series History (2025-26 Season)

First meeting of the season. Bruins won the most recent matchup on Dec. 28, 2024 (4-0 shutout). Boston has historically dominated the all-time series (roughly 27-12-5 in recent regular-season play), but Columbus enters this one with far more momentum.

Betting Trends

• Bruins: 11-6 as favorites of -111 or shorter; 33 of 57 games went Over 6.5 (57.9%); excellent 21-8-1 home record.
• Blue Jackets: 13-22 as underdogs but 9-1-0 in last 10 overall; 26 of 56 games went Over 6.5 (46.4%); scorching 3.8 GF / 2.0 GA in recent stretch.
• Post-Olympic break games often see elevated scoring due to rust and fresher legs. Both teams rank top-10 in combined goals per game.

Game Odds

Columbus Blue Jackets                  6.5

Boston Bruins                                    – 115

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 25, 2026