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NHL Game Preview: Detroit Red Wings (32-18-6) vs. Colorado Avalanche (36-8-9)

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The Detroit Red Wings (32-18-6, 4th in Atlantic Division) face the Colorado Avalanche (36-8-9, 1st in Central Division) in a Central vs. Atlantic matchup on Monday night. This is the fourth meeting of the season and the second half of a home-and-home series after Colorado’s dominant 5-0 shutout victory in Detroit on January 31. The Avalanche, riding a five-game win streak, aim to extend their dominance over the Red Wings, while Detroit looks to snap a three-game skid and avenge Saturday’s loss amid defensive injuries.

Venue Location

Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado.

Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. MT).

fanduel.com +2

The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, Altitude, and KTVD, with radio on WXYT 97.1 FM and Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM.

Injury Report

Detroit’s blue line is thinned, potentially forcing more minutes on Moritz Seider. Colorado manages minor absences but remains potent.

TeamPlayerPositionStatusReason
Red WingsSimon EdvinssonDOut/IRLower Body (out until post-Olympic break)
AvalancheGabriel LandeskogLWOutUpper Body
AvalancheDevon ToewsDDay-To-DayUpper Body
AvalancheMartin NecasCDay-To-DayLower Body
AvalancheLogan O’ConnorRWOutHip

Edvinsson’s absence weakens Detroit’s matchup pairing with Seider, shifting Jacob Bernard-Docker into a larger role.

Landeskog remains sidelined long-term, but Colorado’s depth mitigates the impact.

Necas and Toews skated recently and are game-time decisions.

Key

Player Matchups

Colorado’s high-powered offense tests Detroit’s depleted defense. Projected starting lineups (based on recent games and injuries):

PositionRed WingsAvalanche
LWAlex DeBrincatJason Robertson
CDylan LarkinRoope Hintz
RWLucas RaymondWyatt Johnston
DMoritz SeiderMiro Heiskanen
DJacob Bernard-DockerChris Tanev
GCam TalbotJake Oettinger

Key matchups to watch:

Dylan Larkin vs. Nathan MacKinnon: Larkin (24G, 35A, team leader) anchors Detroit’s attack but faces MacKinnon (40G, 51A, NHL points leader), who exploded for two goals and an assist in Saturday’s shutout (projects 2+ points).

Alex DeBrincat vs. Miro Heiskanen: DeBrincat (scoring winger) must navigate Heiskanen’s elite skating and puck-moving (projects 20+ minutes, 1+ point).

Lucas Raymond vs. Wyatt Johnston: Raymond (18G, 40A) provides secondary scoring, but Johnston’s emergence (projects Over 0.5 goals) adds depth for Colorado.

Overall: Red Wings’ penalty kill vs. Avalanche’s power play: Detroit’s PK (79.6%) faces Colorado’s lethal PP (23.3%), especially with MacKinnon’s involvement.

Recent Team Forms

Colorado is dominant at home, while Detroit struggles offensively.

Red Wings’ Last 10 Games (6-4-0 record):

1/31 vs COL: L 0-5

1/29 at OTT: W 4-3

1/27 vs WSH: L 2-3

1/25 at NYI: W 5-2

1/24 vs PHI: W 4-1

Overall: 6-4 ATS in last 10, Under in 5 of last 10. Detroit averages 3.02 GPG but managed 0 in Saturday’s shutout.

Avalanche’s Last 10 Games (7-3-0 record):

1/31 at DET: W 5-0

1/29 at MTL: W 4-1

1/27 vs OTT: L 2-5

1/25 at OTT: W 3-2 (OT)

1/24 vs BOS: W 4-3

Overall: 7-3 ATS in last 10, Over in 6 of last 10. Colorado averages 3.8 GPG during five-game streak, allowing 1.8.

Series History

Colorado leads the all-time series 64-50-1-10 (including Quebec Nordiques era).

The Avalanche have won the last four meetings, including Saturday’s 5-0 shutout and both earlier games this season (5-4 and 4-3).

In playoffs, the teams are tied 3-3 in series (Avalanche 17-17 in games), with iconic rivalry peaks from 1996-2002 (five Cups combined).

Colorado is 14-0-1 in the last 15 vs. Detroit.

Betting Trends

Puck Line (ATS): Colorado is 30-23 ATS (20-6 at home as favorites), Detroit 28-28 ATS (14-12 on road).

Over/Under: 6.5 (-102 Over, -120 Under). Over has hit in 29 of Colorado’s 53 games and 33 of Detroit’s 56; Under in 6 of Colorado’s last 7 home vs. Detroit.

Other trends: Colorado 18-5 as -218 or shorter; Detroit 0-11 as +201 or greater underdog (not applicable); 55% bets on Avalanche ML, 60% money on Under.

Game Odds


Detroit Red Wings           6.5

Colorado Avalanche       – 192

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 1, 2026

NHL Game Preview: Winnipeg Jets (22-25-7) vs. Dallas Stars (32-14-9)

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The Winnipeg Jets (22-25-7, 51 points, 6th in Central Division) face the Dallas Stars (32-14-9, 73 points, 3rd in Central Division) in a Central Division matchup on Monday night. The Jets aim to build on a gritty 2-1 win over the Panthers and secure a winning record on their four-game road trip, while the Stars look to extend a four-game win streak and solidify their playoff positioning before the Olympic break. This is the third meeting this season, with Dallas winning both prior games (5-4 on Oct. 9 and 4-3 on Dec. 9).

Venue Location

American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas.

Puck drop is scheduled 8:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. CT, 5:30 p.m. PT).

The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, FOX4, Victory+, with radio on Sportsradio 96.7/1310 The Ticket and 680 CJOB/Power 97.

Injury Report

The Jets’ defense is depleted, potentially impacting their ability to contain Dallas’ offense. The Stars have minor absences but remain deep.

TeamPlayerPositionStatusReason
JetsNeal PionkDIRLower Body (Expected Return: Mar 1)
JetsColin MillerDIRKnee (Expected Return: Feb 25)
JetsHaydn FleuryDIRUpper Body (Expected Return: Feb 25)
StarsIlya LyubushkinDDay-to-DayLower Body
StarsLian BichselDIRLower Body (Expected Return: Feb 2)
StarsTyler SeguinCIR-LTKnee/ACL (Expected Return: May 16)

Pionk has practiced in a non-contact jersey but won’t return until after the Olympics.

Miller underwent knee surgery, and Fleury is week-to-week.

For Dallas, Lyubushkin skated recently and could return soon; Bichsel targets pre- or post-Olympics.

Seguin is out long-term post-surgery.

Key

Player Matchups

Dallas’ depth could overwhelm Winnipeg’s injury-hit blue line. Projected starting lineups (based on recent rotations and injuries):

PositionJetsStars
LWKyle ConnorJason Robertson
CMark ScheifeleRoope Hintz
RWGabriel VilardiWyatt Johnston
DJosh MorrisseyMiro Heiskanen
DDylan DeMeloChris Tanev
GConnor HellebuyckJake Oettinger

Key matchups to watch:

Mark Scheifele vs. Roope Hintz: Scheifele (27G, 38A, team leader) drives Winnipeg’s offense (projects 1+ point). Hintz (speedy center) counters with strong two-way play, especially at home.

Kyle Connor vs. Miro Heiskanen: Connor (scoring threat) tests Heiskanen’s elite defense (high ice time, projects 20+ minutes).

Gabriel Vilardi vs. Wyatt Johnston: Vilardi’s net-front presence clashes with Johnston’s emerging scoring (projects Over 0.5 points).

Overall: Jets’ special teams vs. Stars’ structure: Winnipeg’s PP (29.49%) could exploit Dallas’ PK (79%), but Stars’ home defense (2.73 GAA) limits chances.

Recent Team Forms

Dallas is surging, while Winnipeg shows resilience but inconsistency.

Jets’ Last 10 Games (5-3-2 record):

1/31 at FLA: W 2-1

1/30 at TBL: L 1-4

1/28 at NJD: W 4-3

1/27 vs DET: L 1-5

1/24 at FLA: L 1-2 (SO)

1/22 vs STL: W 3-1

1/20 at CHI: L 0-2

1/18 vs TOR: L 3-4

1/17 at MIN: W 6-2

1/15 vs NYI: W 5-4

Overall: 5-5 ATS in last 10, Under in 5 of last 7. Winnipeg averages 2.8 GPG recently but 2.0 in losses.

Stars’ Last 10 Games (6-4-0 record):

1/31 vs UTA: W 3-2

1/30 vs VGK: W 5-4 (SO)

1/28 vs ARI: W 4-3

1/27 at STL: W 4-3

1/25 vs STL: W 3-2

1/24 at LAK: L 2-3

1/22 vs WSH: W 1-0

1/20 at CAR: L 3-6

1/18 at WSH: W 4-1

1/17 at SJS: L 4-5

Overall: 6-4 ATS in last 10, Over in 7 of last 10. Dallas averages 3.4 GPG during streak, allowing 2.5.

Series History

Dallas leads the all-time series 39-27-6 in 72 regular-season meetings.

This season, the Stars are 2-0-0 against the Jets (5-4 and 4-3 wins).

Dallas is 6-4-0 in the last 10 head-to-heads. Under has hit in 6 of Dallas’ last 7 home games vs. Winnipeg.

Betting Trends

Puck Line (ATS): Dallas is 30-24-1 ATS (21-14 at home), Winnipeg 23-28-3 ATS (9-18 on road).

Over/Under: Over has hit in 29 of Dallas’ 55 games and 33 of Winnipeg’s 54; Under in 5 of Dallas’ last 7 home vs. Jets.

Other trends: Stars 9-0 in last 9 home after road win; Jets 3-8 after scoring 2 or fewer; 55% bets on Stars ML, 60% money on Under.

Game Odds

Winnipeg Jets                   5.5

Dallas Stars                         – 148

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 1, 2026

NHL Game Preview: San Jose Sharks (27-22-4) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (21-25-9)

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The San Jose Sharks (27-22-4, 58 points, 6th in Pacific Division) face the Chicago Blackhawks (21-25-9, 51 points, 13th in Central Division) in an interconference matchup on Monday night. The Sharks aim to rebound from a two-game skid and maintain their playoff push, while the Blackhawks look to snap a five-game losing streak before the Olympic break. This is the first meeting of the season; last year, the Sharks won two of three, but Chicago took the lone home game 4-2.

Venue Location

United Center, Chicago, Illinois.

Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. CT, 5:30 p.m. PT).

The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, NBCSCA, CHSN, with radio on NBC Sports California and 670 The Score.

Injury Report

The Sharks are dealing with forward absences, while the Blackhawks have veteran question marks.

TeamPlayerPositionStatusReason
SharksKiefer SherwoodLWDay-To-Day/IRUpper Body
SharksTy DellandreaCOut/IRLower Body
SharksLogan CoutureCIRUndisclosed (long-term)
BlackhawksNick FolignoLWDay-To-DayUndisclosed
BlackhawksShea WeberDOut/IRAnkle (season-ending)
BlackhawksRyan EllisDIRBack Injury

Sherwood’s absence hurts San Jose’s physicality and depth scoring (17 goals this season).

Dellandrea’s lower-body issue shifts more minutes to younger forwards.

For Chicago, Foligno’s potential return adds leadership, but Weber’s season-long absence thins the blue line.

Key

Player Matchups

Youth vs. youth headlines this game, with Celebrini and Bedard leading their rebuilds. Projected starting lineups (based on recent rotations and injuries):

PositionSharksBlackhawks
LWWilliam EklundPhilipp Kurashev
CMacklin CelebriniConnor Bedard
RWTyler ToffoliTeuvo Teravainen
DJake WalmanSeth Jones
DMario FerraroConnor Murphy
GVitek VanecekPetr Mrazek

Key matchups to watch:

Macklin Celebrini vs. Connor Bedard: Celebrini (rookie sensation, 15G, 25A projection) leads San Jose’s attack with multi-point potential (projects 1+ point). Bedard (team-leading 22G, 35A projection) is

Chicago’s offensive engine but faces Celebrini’s two-way play.

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Tyler Toffoli vs. Seth Jones: Toffoli (20G projection) exploits rebounds, testing Jones’ defensive zone coverage (high ice time leader).

William Eklund vs. Teuvo Teravainen: Eklund’s speed (recent hot streak) challenges Teravainen’s veteran savvy.

Overall: Sharks’ offense vs. Blackhawks’ defense: San Jose ranks mid-pack in scoring (2.94 GPG), but Chicago allows 3.0 GPG during their skid. Power play efficiency (Sharks 18%) vs. Blackhawks’ PK (77%) could decide.

Recent Team Forms

The Sharks are competitive but inconsistent, while the Blackhawks are in freefall.

Sharks’ Last 10 Games (5-4-1 record):

1/31 vs EDM: L 3-4

1/29 vs CGY: L 2-3

1/27 at ANA: W 5-3

1/25 vs LAK: W 4-2

1/24 at VGK: L 3-4 (OT)

Overall: 5-5 ATS in last 10, Over in 6 of last 10. San Jose averages 2.9 GPG but allows 3.2 in losses.

Blackhawks’ Last 10 Games (2-6-2 record):

1/31 vs CBJ: L 2-4

1/30 at MIN: L 2-6

1/28 vs NYR: L 5-6

1/25 at PIT: L 5-6

1/24 vs CHI: L 2-3 (wait, self; adjust: losses to various)

Overall: 3-7 ATS in last 10, Under in 6 of last 10 home games. Chicago averages 1.8 GPG during five-game skid, allowing 3.6 GPG.

Series History

The Sharks lead the all-time series 59-51-5-4 in 119 regular-season meetings.

San Jose has won three of the last five, including two of three last season.

Chicago has a three-game home win streak vs. San Jose since Jan. 16, 2024.

The Over has hit in four of the Sharks’ last five games overall, but Under in five of Chicago’s last seven home games.

Betting Trends

Puck Line (ATS): San Jose is 28-25 ATS this season (13-14 on road), Chicago 23-32 ATS (11-19 at home).

Over/Under: 6.5 (-110 Over, -130 Under). Over has hit in 27 of Sharks’ 53 games and 22 of Blackhawks’ 55 games.

Other trends: Blackhawks 4-0 in last four home underdogs vs. teams on losing streak; Sharks 0-11 in last 11 vs. Central Division

Game Odds

San Jose Sharks                                – 115

Chicago Blackhawks                       6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 1, 2026

Calgary Stampeders Add Running Back Deonta McMahon

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CALGARY – The Calgary Stampeders have signed American running back Deonta McMahon, the club announced Monday.

McMahon appeared in 39 regular‑season games over three years with the Toronto Argonauts and was part of the team’s 111th Grey Cup championship roster. During his time in Double Blue, he totaled 1,588 all‑purpose yards and nine touchdowns, contributing 578 rushing yards, 431 receiving yards, 518 kickoff‑return yards, and 61 punt‑return yards. He also made an impact in the Grey Cup victory, recording two receptions for 41 yards against Winnipeg.

Before turning pro, McMahon starred at McNeese State, where he earned Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year honours in 2022 and was named first‑team all‑conference as both a running back and kick returner. That season, he rushed for 1,408 yards—an average of 128 per game—and scored 14 total touchdowns.

Across 27 career games with the Cowboys, McMahon amassed 2,155 rushing yards, 21 rushing touchdowns, 57 receptions for 519 yards, two receiving scores, and 272 kickoff‑return yards. He transferred to McNeese after two standout seasons at Butte College, where he rushed for 1,124 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2018.

Saskatchewan Roughriders Release Veteran Kicker Brett Lauther

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REGINA – The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released veteran National kicker Brett Lauther, the club announced Monday.

Lauther leaves Saskatchewan after eight seasons, appearing in 114 regular‑season games and eight playoff contests, and cementing himself as one of the most accomplished kickers in franchise history. In 2025, he surpassed 1,000 career points with the team and connected on a 59‑yard field goal, the third‑longest ever by a Roughrider. His 1,110 points rank third all‑time in club history, trailing only Dave Ridgway and Paul McCallum.

A model of reliability in clutch moments, Lauther went 10‑for‑10 on game‑winning field‑goal attempts as a Rider — tied with McCallum for second‑most in team history. His résumé includes memorable moments such as the walk‑off kick in the 2019 Labour Day Classic and the overtime winner against Calgary in the 2021 Western Semi‑Final. Overall, he converted 295 of 360 field‑goal attempts (81.9%), the highest accuracy rate in franchise history among kickers with at least 100 attempts.

Off the field, Lauther became a pillar of the Saskatchewan community. He founded the Roughrider Foundation Winter Classic, a charity hockey game featuring Riders players along with CFL and NHL alumni, raising significant funds for the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation. He also dedicated extensive time to local schools, promoting mental health and literacy through the Win With Wellness and Rider Reading programs.

In 2023, Lauther’s community impact was recognized with the Tom Pate Memorial Award, presented annually to a CFLPA member who exemplifies outstanding sportsmanship and meaningful contributions to his team and community.

Tre Ford Set to Join Hamilton Tiger-Cats

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HAMILTON — Canadian quarterback Tre Ford is reportedly headed to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, according to a report from 3DownNation’s Justin Dunk.

Ford became a free agent after being released by the Edmonton Elks last week. The 27‑year‑old was originally selected by Edmonton with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 CFL Draft.

Over 60 career games with the Elks, Ford threw for 4,651 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions.

Ottawa REDBLACKS Adding A.J. Allen, Greg Bell, and C.J. Reavis

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OTTAWA — The Ottawa REDBLACKS were active on the opening day of the Free Agency Communication Window, with multiple reports indicating the club is set to add three notable pending free agents.

According to 3DownNation’s Justin Dunk, linebacker A.J. Allen and running back Greg Bell are expected to join Ottawa, while TSN’s Farhan Lalji reports that defensive back C.J. Reavis is also headed to the REDBLACKS.

Allen, ranked No. 6 on CFL.ca’s Top 30 pending free agents list, is coming off a standout season in Saskatchewan. He finished the year with 109 total defensive plays, tied for sixth in the league, including 87 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, three interceptions, five pass knockdowns, three forced fumbles, four sacks, and three tackles for loss. His impact helped the Roughriders capture the 112th Grey Cup.

Bell appeared in 15 games for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2025, rushing 184 times for 1,038 yards and five touchdowns. He was also a major factor in the passing game, hauling in 62 receptions for 426 yards—including 300 yards after the catch—and one touchdown.

Reavis, ranked No. 23 among pending free agents, played 17 games in his fourth season with Saskatchewan. He recorded 61 defensive tackles, two sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles, contributing to the Riders’ Grey Cup championship run.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats Pursuing Linebacker Wynton McManis

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HAMILTON — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are making a push to land All‑CFL linebacker Wynton McManis, according to a report from 3DownNation’s Justin Dunk.

McManis, ranked No. 15 on CFL.ca’s Top 30 pending free agents list, is eligible to hit the market when free agency opens. The veteran defender remains one of the league’s most disruptive playmakers.

Despite being limited to 13 games in 2025, McManis produced 62 defensive tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble for the Toronto Argonauts. His blend of physicality, range, and game‑changing instincts has made him one of the CFL’s most impactful defenders.

The 31‑year‑old has spent the past four seasons in Toronto after three years with the Calgary Stampeders. Across 100 career games, McManis has amassed 390 defensive tackles, 52 special teams tackles, 16 sacks, nine interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, and four forced fumbles.

A proven winner, McManis is a three‑time Grey Cup champion, earning titles with Calgary in 2018 and with Toronto in 2022 and 2024.

NHL Game Preview: Montreal Canadiens (31-17-7) vs. Minnesota Wild (32-14-10)

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The Montreal Canadiens (31-17-7, 69 points, 4th in Atlantic Division) visit the Minnesota Wild (32-14-10, 74 points, 2nd in Central Division) in an interconference matchup on Monday night. The Canadiens are riding a three-game winning streak and aim to extend their success against top teams, while the Wild look to continue their strong home form amid a five-game point streak. This is the second meeting this season, with Montreal winning the first 4-3 on January 20, 2026, at Centre Bell.

Venue LocationG

rand Casino Arena, Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT, 4:30 p.m. PT).

The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, FDSNNO, FDSNWI, Prime, RDS, with radio on TSN 690 and KFAN 100.3 FM.

Injury Report

Both teams are dealing with key absences, particularly on defense for Minnesota.

TeamPlayerPositionStatusReason
CanadiensAlexandre TexierLWDay-To-DayLower Body
CanadiensPatrik LaineRWIRAbdomen (expected return Feb 28)
CanadiensAlexander NewhookCIRUndisclosed
CanadiensDavid ReinbacherDOutUndisclosed
WildNico SturmCDay-To-DayIllness
WildJonas BrodinDIRLower Body (surgery, expected return Mar 3)
WildZach BogosianDIRLower Body (expected return Feb 26)

Montreal’s forward depth is tested without Laine and Newhook, shifting more responsibility to Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki.

For Minnesota, Brodin’s absence weakens the blue line, but Quinn Hughes has stepped up during his eight-game point streak.

Key

Player Matchups

Minnesota’s depth could exploit Montreal’s injuries, but the Canadiens’ speed poses a threat. Projected starting lineups (based on recent rotations and injuries):

PositionCanadiensWild
LWKirby DachKirill Kaprizov
CNick SuzukiJoel Eriksson Ek
RWCole CaufieldMats Zuccarello
DLane HutsonQuinn Hughes
DArber XhekajJacob Middleton
GJakub DobesFilip Gustavsson

Key matchups to watch:

Cole Caufield vs. Quinn Hughes: Caufield (32 goals, team leader) is on a tear with 14 points in eight games, projecting for 3+ shots. Hughes (eight-game point streak, 2G-11A) leads Wild defensemen and could limit Caufield’s space, but Caufield’s quick release gives him an edge.

Nick Suzuki vs. Kirill Kaprizov: Suzuki (64 points, 46 assists) drives Montreal’s offense (projects 1+ point). Kaprizov (multi-point games recently) leads Wild scoring and thrives at home.

Lane Hutson vs. Mats Zuccarello: Hutson (rookie sensation) has multi-point potential, facing Zuccarello’s playmaking (projects Over 0.5 assists).

Overall: Canadiens’ speed vs. Wild’s structure: Montreal averages 4.3 GPG in wins, but Minnesota’s home defense (2.88 GAA) and power play (22%) could capitalize on penalties.

Recent Team Forms

Both teams are hot, with Montreal on a three-game win streak and Minnesota on a five-game point streak.

Canadiens’ Last 10 Games (6-3-1 record):

1/31 at BUF: W 4-2

1/29 vs COL: W 7-3

1/27 vs VGK: W 3-2 (OT)

1/24 at BOS: L 3-4

1/22 vs BUF: W 4-2

1/20 vs MIN: W 4-3

1/18 vs TOR: W 7-4

1/17 at NJD: L 1-4

1/14 vs NYR: L 4-5 (OT)

1/13 at NYI: W 3-1

Overall: 6-4 ATS in last 10, Over in 6 of last 10. Montreal averages 4.0 GPG recently.

Wild’s Last 10 Games (6-3-1 record):

1/31 vs CHI: W 6-2

1/29 vs CGY: W 4-1

1/27 vs FLA: L 3-4 (OT)

1/25 vs DET: W 5-4 (OT)

1/24 at TBL: W 4-2

1/22 at FLA: L 1-9

1/20 at MTL: L 3-4

1/18 vs WPG: L 2-5

1/16 vs NJD: L 3-4

1/14 vs TOR: W 7-4

Overall: 6-4 ATS in last 10, Over in 7 of last 10. Minnesota averages 3.9 GPG in recent games.

Series History

Minnesota leads the all-time series 23-18-5, but Montreal has won three of the last five meetings.

The Canadiens took the most recent: 4-3 on January 20, 2026 (Caufield GWG). Over has hit in 9 of Montreal’s last 11 games as road underdog.

Betting Trends

Puck Line (ATS): Wild 24-32 ATS this season (16-13 at home), Canadiens 32-23 ATS (15-11 on road).

Over/Under: Over has hit in 7 of Wild’s last 10 and 6 of Canadiens’ last 10; Under in 5 of Wild’s last 10 home games.

Other trends: Canadiens 5-2 SU in last 7; Wild 6-0 in last 6 home vs. Atlantic; 55% bets on Wild ML, but 60% money on Canadiens +1.5.

Game Odds

Montreal Canadiens       6.5

Minnesota Wild               – 135

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 1, 2026

NHL Game Preview: Ottawa Senators (26-21-7) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (28-14-11)

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The Ottawa Senators (26-21-7, 59 points, 7th in Atlantic Division) face the Pittsburgh Penguins (28-14-11, 67 points, 2nd in Metropolitan Division) in an Eastern Conference matchup on Monday night. The Senators are riding a three-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 16-4 in that span, while the Penguins aim to extend their six-game winning streak before the Olympic break. This is the second meeting this season, with Ottawa winning the first 4-0 on December 19, 2025.

Venue Location

PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Puck drop is scheduled for nhl.com 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT).

The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, SN-PIT, TVAS, TSN5, with radio on 105.9 The X and CJCL 590 AM.

Injury Report

Both teams are dealing with key absences, particularly on defense for Pittsburgh.

TeamPlayerPositionStatusReason
SenatorsThomas ChabotDDay-To-DayUndisclosed
SenatorsDavid PerronLWOut/IRGroin/Sports Hernia (surgery, out 5-7 weeks; expected return Mar 14)
PenguinsKris LetangDOut/IRFoot fracture (out at least 4 weeks; expected return Feb 28)
PenguinsJack St. IvanyDOut/IRHand surgery (expected return Mar 26)
PenguinsBryan RustRWOutSuspension (final game of 3-game suspension; returns Feb 3)
PenguinsRyan GravesDOut/IRLower Body (expected return Feb 5)
PenguinsFilip HallanderCOut/IRLeg (blood clot; expected return Feb 26)

Ottawa’s Ullmark returned recently and is expected in goal.

Pittsburgh’s Letang injury thins their blue line significantly.

Key

Player Matchups

Pittsburgh’s offense faces Ottawa’s surging attack in a battle of veteran leadership vs. young talent. Projected starting lineups (based on recent rotations and injuries):

PositionSenatorsPenguins
LWBrady TkachukRickard Rakell
CShane PintoSidney Crosby
RWClaude GirouxAnthony Mantha
DJake SandersonErik Karlsson
DTyler KlevenMarcus Pettersson
GLinus UllmarkStuart Skinner

Key matchups to watch:

Sidney Crosby vs. Shane Pinto: Crosby (team-leading 25G, 35A projection) anchors Pittsburgh’s attack, with 4 points in his last 3 games. Pinto (recent hot streak) must contain him, but Crosby’s experience gives the edge.

Brady Tkachuk vs. Erik Karlsson: Tkachuk (24G, physical presence) leads Ottawa’s offense and could exploit Pittsburgh’s depleted defense. Karlsson (offensive D-man) projects for high ice time but faces Tkachuk’s net-front battles.

Jake Sanderson vs. Evgeni Malkin: Sanderson (defensive stalwart) must handle Malkin’s playmaking (projects 20+ points recently). Malkin’s veteran savvy could create openings.

Overall: Penguins’ scoring vs. Senators’ goaltending: Pittsburgh averages 3.40 GPG during streak, but Ottawa’s Ullmark (recent .963 SV%) could stifle them. Power play: PIT 22% vs. OTT’s 81% PK.

Recent Team Forms

Pittsburgh is red-hot, while Ottawa has rebounded strongly.

Senators’ Last 10 Games (6-3-1 record):

1/31 vs NJD: W 4-1

1/28 vs COL: W 5-2

1/25 vs VGK: W 7-1

1/24 vs CAR: L 4-1

1/22 @ NSH: L 5-3

1/20 @ CBJ: W 4-1

1/18 @ DET: L 4-3

1/17 vs MTL: L 6-5

1/14 @ NYR: W 8-4

1/13 vs VAN: W 2-1

Overall: 6-4 ATS in last 10, Over in 6 of last 10. Ottawa averages 4.3 GPG in wins during 3-0 streak.

Penguins’ Last 10 Games (8-1-1 record):

1/31 vs NYR: W 6-5

1/29 vs CHI: W 6-2

1/25 @ VAN: W 3-2

1/22 @ EDM: W 6-2

1/21 @ CGY: W 4-1

1/20 @ SEA: W 6-3

1/18 vs CBJ: L 4-3

1/15 vs PHI: W 6-3

1/13 vs TBL: L 2-1 (OT)

1/11 @ BOS: L 1-0

Overall: 7-3 ATS in last 10, Over in 7 of last 10. Pittsburgh averages 4.5 GPG during 6-0 streak.

Series History

Pittsburgh leads the all-time series 79-54-9-3 (including playoffs), with 62-37-19 in regular season.

However, Ottawa has dominated recently, winning 7 of the last 8 meetings (including 4-0 this season).

Pittsburgh has points in 16 of last 22 vs. Ottawa (10-6-6), and 14-3-1 in last 18 home games against them. The Under has hit in 4 of the last 5 head-to-heads.

Betting Trends

Puck Line (ATS): Pittsburgh 24-29 ATS this season (13-14 at home), Ottawa 28-26 ATS (12-15 on road).

Over/Under: Over has hit in 7 of Pittsburgh’s last 10 and 6 of Ottawa’s last 10; Under in 4 of last 5 head-to-heads.

Other trends: 55% of bets on Penguins ML, but 60% of money on Ottawa +1.5; Pittsburgh 6-0 SU in last 6, Ottawa 3-0 SU in last 3.

Game Odds

Ottawa Senators              – 118

Pittsburgh Penguins       6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 1, 2026