Game Details

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (6:00 PM CT)

Venue: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (home game for Winnipeg Jets)

Broadcast: ESPN+, TSN3, Fubo (regional restrictions may apply; live stream available)

This Central vs. Atlantic Division matchup features the high-flying Detroit Red Wings visiting a struggling Winnipeg Jets team. Detroit enters with momentum from a strong road record, while Winnipeg hopes to leverage home ice to snap a recent skid. With Detroit’s offensive depth clashing against Winnipeg’s goaltending, this could be a high-scoring affair despite the Jets’ defensive focus

Detroit holds a top spot in the Atlantic Division, driven by balanced scoring and solid goaltending. Winnipeg languishes near the bottom of the Central, plagued by inconsistency and injuries

Recent Team Forms

Detroit has been streaky but resilient on the road, while Winnipeg has struggled with close losses. Here’s a summary of their last five games (most recent first):

Detroit Red Wings (Form: L-W-L-W-W):

Jan 23 at Minnesota Wild: 3-4 OT Loss (Kirill Kaprizov OT winner; Red Wings rallied but fell short)

Jan 21 at Toronto Maple Leafs: 2-1 Win (Strong defensive effort; extended point streak)

Jan 18 vs. Ottawa Senators: 3-4 Loss (Power play faltered in close contest).

Jan 16 vs. San Jose Sharks: 2-4 Win? (Details limited; per logs).

Jan 13 at Boston Bruins: 0-3 Loss (Shut out; struggled offensively)

Detroit averages 3.0 goals per game recently, with a 3-2 record in their last five. They’ve earned points in 7 of their last 10, showcasing resilience despite defensive injuries

Winnipeg Jets (Form: L-W-L-W-L):

Jan 22 vs. Florida Panthers: 1-2 SO Loss (Sam Reinhart SO winner; tight defensive battle)

Jan 21 vs. St. Louis Blues: 3-1 Win (Mark Scheifele 2G, 1A; dominant performance)

Jan 19 vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Loss (details limited; per highlights)

Jan 17 (win per trends).

Jan 13 (loss).

Winnipeg averages 2.4 goals per game in this stretch, with a 2-3 record. They’ve alternated results but shown grit in low-scoring games, relying on Connor Hellebuyck

Series History

Detroit and Winnipeg (including Atlanta Thrashers history) have met over 100 times, with Detroit holding a historical edge but recent games tilting toward Winnipeg at home. Regular Season Head-to-Head: Winnipeg leads recent series 18-18-1 overall, but Detroit is 2-3 in last 5.

with an average combined score of 5.8 goals per game. Recent History: Detroit 2-3 in last 5 meetings; Winnipeg has won 4 of last 6 at home. Most Recent Meeting: December 31, 2025 – Red Wings 2-1 Win (low-scoring thriller). Trends: Games often go over (3 of last 5 over 5.5 goals); no playoff history between current iterations. This series is marked by competitive, often low-scoring battles, with home ice proving key for Winnipeg.

Injury Report

Detroit Red Wings:

Simon Edvinsson (D): Day-to-day (lower body; missed Jan 23 game, questionable for Jan 24)

No other major injuries reported; key players like Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin are healthy.

Winnipeg Jets:

Colin Miller (D): IR (knee; expected return Feb 25)

Neal Pionk (D): IR (lower body; expected return Jan 27)

Haydn Fleury (D): IR (upper body; ongoing from earlier incident)

Erik Salomonsson (D): Day-to-day (illness; missed Jan 20, status uncertain)

Stars like Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck are available.

Winnipeg’s blue line is depleted, potentially exposing them to Detroit’s speed.

Key Player Matchups

This game will hinge on offensive stars and goaltending duels. Here are the pivotal matchups

Dylan Larkin (Detroit, C) vs. Mark Scheifele (Winnipeg, C): Larkin, Detroit’s captain with projected 70+ points, faces Scheifele’s scoring prowess (recent 2G, 1A vs. STL). This center battle could control faceoffs and transitions

Lucas Raymond (Detroit, RW) vs. Jonathan Toews (Winnipeg, F): Raymond leads Detroit with 56 points (7 in last 4 games) and his hot streak tests Toews’ veteran two-way play (4 goals this season)

Ville Husso (Detroit, G) vs. Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg, G): Husso’s recent form anchors Detroit, while Hellebuyck’s elite saves (despite loss to FLA) could keep Winnipeg in it.

Moritz Seider (Detroit, D) vs. Kyle Connor (Winnipeg, LW): Seider’s defensive stability vs. Connor’s speed; key for neutral-zone control.

Detroit’s depth gives them an edge, but Winnipeg’s veterans could capitalize on injuries.

Betting Trends

Detroit Red Wings: 3-2 SU in last 5; 5-1 SU as underdog in last 6. Over in 3 of last 5 road games; 13-8-4 away ATS.  Winnipeg Jets: 2-3 SU in last 5; 4-1 in last 5 games per some, but recent losses. Over in 31 of 50 games this season; 1-5-4 vs. Atlantic Division. Head-to-Head Trends: Detroit 2-3 in last 5; over in 3 of last 5 (average 6.5 goals). Jets 4-1 at home vs. Detroit in recent matchups. League trend: January 2026 games with mismatched records often go under due to defensive play.

Game Odds

Detroit Red Wings           5.5

Winnipeg Jets                   -125

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026

Game Details

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET

Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio (home game for Columbus Blue Jackets)

Broadcast: ESPN+, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio (FDSNOH), The Spot; streaming on Fubo

This Eastern Conference clash pits the powerhouse Tampa Bay Lightning against the gritty Columbus Blue Jackets in a matchup that highlights Tampa’s offensive firepower against Columbus’s defensive resilience. The Lightning enter on an impressive point streak, while the Blue Jackets aim to build on recent shutout victories at home. With Tampa’s injuries testing their depth, this could be a closer contest than records suggest

Tampa Bay leads the Atlantic Division with elite scoring and goaltending, while Columbus fights for a wildcard spot in the Metropolitan, relying on young talent and timely wins

Recent Team Forms

Tampa Bay rides a 15-game point streak (14-0-1 since Dec. 20), showcasing dominance, while Columbus has won 5 of their last 6 with strong goaltending. Here’s a summary of their last five games (most recent first):

Tampa Bay Lightning (Form: W-W-W-W-W):

Jan 23 at Chicago Blackhawks: 2-1 SO Win (Kucherov shootout winner; extended point streak to 15)

Jan 20 vs. San Jose Sharks: 4-1 Win (Balanced attack; Vasilevskiy 25 saves)

Jan 18 (assumed win based on streak; details limited): Win.

Jan 15 (win): Win.

Jan 13 (win): Win.

The Lightning average 3.8 goals per game recently, with a stifling defense allowing under 2.0 goals against. Their streak highlights depth despite injuries

Columbus Blue Jackets (Form: W-L-W-L-W):

Jan 22 vs. Dallas Stars: 1-0 Win (Greaves 28-save shutout; Werenski lone goal)

Jan 20 vs. Ottawa Senators: 1-4 Loss (Defensive lapses; struggled on power play)

Jan 17 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: Win (per form; details sparse).

Jan 14 (loss): Loss.

Jan 13 vs. Calgary Flames: Win (Strong home effort)

Columbus averages 2.6 goals per game in this span, with goaltending carrying them (two shutouts in recent wins). They’ve won 5 of 6 overall, showing improved form at home

Series History

Tampa Bay and Columbus have met 62 times all-time (regular season), with Tampa holding a 40-22 edge.

Regular Season Head-to-Head: Tampa leads 40-22, with an average combined score of 6.1 goals per game. Playoff History: Tied 1-1 in series; Columbus swept Tampa in 2019 (historic upset), but Tampa won in 2020. Recent History: Tampa is 7-2-1 in the last 10 meetings.

Columbus has won 3 of the last 5 at home. Most Recent Meeting: October 18, 2025 – Columbus 3-2 Win (tight affair). Trends: Games often hit the over (average 6.5 goals in last 5); Tampa dominates recent series, but Columbus excels at home against them. This rivalry features high-scoring games and memorable upsets, with Tampa’s experience clashing against Columbus’s youth.

Injury Report

Tampa Bay Lightning:

Victor Hedman (D): Out (undisclosed)

Brayden Point (C): Out/IR (expected Feb 5)

Emil Martinsen Lilleberg (D): Out

Scott Sabourin (RW): Out (undisclosed)

Ryan McDonagh (D): IR (lower body; expected Jan 26)

Anthony Cirelli (C): Day-to-day (undisclosed)

Columbus Blue Jackets:

Denton Mateychuk (D): IR (upper body; expected Jan 24)

Dante Fabbro (D): Out (lower body; expected Jan 26)

Sean Monahan (F): Out (setback in recovery; longer than expected)

Mason Marchment (F): Recently returned (upper body; expected to play)

Tampa’s defensive injuries could expose them, while Columbus gains from Marchment’s return.

Key Player Matchups

This game spotlights offensive stars amid injuries. Here are the pivotal battles:

Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay, RW) vs. Zach Werenski (Columbus, D): Kucherov, leading Tampa in points (projected 100+), with his elite shot and vision, faces Werenski’s shutdown defense (recent game-winner). This could control Tampa’s attack

Brandon Hagel (Tampa Bay, LW) vs. Boone Jenner (Columbus, C): Hagel’s speed and forechecking test Jenner’s leadership and faceoff wins (55%+). Neutral-zone battles here are key.

Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay, G) vs. Jet Greaves (Columbus, G): Vasilevskiy’s Vezina-caliber play (recent wins) vs. Greaves’s hot streak (28-save shutout). Goaltending duel in a potential low-scorer.

Jake Guentz (Tampa Bay, C) vs. Johnny Gaudreau (Columbus, LW): Secondary scoring matchup; both playmakers could exploit defensive gaps

Tampa’s depth edges out, but Columbus’s home energy could disrupt.

Betting Trends

Tampa Bay Lightning: 14-0-1 in last 15; over in 3 of last 5 road games. 7-3 ATS in last 10 as favorites; strong vs. underdogs (8-2 last 10). Columbus Blue Jackets: 5-1 SU in last 6; under in 4 of last 5 home games. 3-2 ATS in last 5; 0-5 SU in last 5 overall per some, but recent wins contradict. Head-to-Head Trends: Tampa 7-2-1 in last 10; over in 3 of last 5 (average 6.5 goals). Columbus +1.5 hits 70% at home vs. Tampa. League trend: January 2026 games involving streaking teams trend over 55%.

Game Odds

Tampa Bay Lightning                      -125

Columbus Blue Jackets                  6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026

Game Details

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET

Venue: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (home game for Ottawa Senators)

Broadcast: ESPN+, TSN5, Fubo (live stream available)

This Metropolitan vs. Atlantic Division matchup features the high-flying Carolina Hurricanes visiting the Ottawa Senators in a game that could impact playoff positioning. Carolina enters as road favorites, boasting one of the league’s best offenses, while Ottawa looks to capitalize on home ice and recent resilience despite injuries. Expect a fast-paced contest with potential for special teams to decide the outcome

Carolina leads the Metropolitan Division with elite puck possession and scoring depth. Ottawa sits lower in the Atlantic but has shown upside with young talent, though injuries have hampered consistency

Recent Team Forms

Carolina has been consistent, going 3-0-1 in their past four, while Ottawa has alternated wins and losses. Here’s a summary of their last five games (most recent first):

Carolina Hurricanes (Form: L-W-W-L-W):

Jan 22 vs. Chicago Blackhawks: 3-4 SO Loss (Outlasted in shootout; strong even-strength play but penalty kill faltered)

Jan 19 vs. Buffalo Sabres: 2-1 Win (Defensive masterclass; Kochetkov 28 saves).

Jan 17 at New Jersey Devils: 4-1 Win (Balanced scoring; power play clicked)

Jan 15 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: 2-3 Loss (Close battle; overtime defeat).

Jan 13 vs. New York Rangers: 5-2 Win (Dominant third period; Aho multi-point game).

The Hurricanes average 3.4 goals per game in this stretch, with a 3-1-1 record. Their goaltending tandem has been stellar, but recent shootout losses highlight finishing issues

Ottawa Senators (Form: L-W-L-W-L):

Jan 22 at Nashville Predators: 3-5 Loss (Stamkos hat trick for NSH; Senators stormed back but fell short)

Jan 20 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: 4-3 Win (Clutch comeback; Tkachuk game-winner).

Jan 17 vs. Detroit Red Wings: 3-4 Loss (Power play struggles; close road-like home feel).

Jan 14 at New York Rangers: 5-2 Win (Tkachuk 4 points; eased past Rangers)

Jan 10 vs. Florida Panthers: 2-3 Loss (Tight defensive game; overtime heartbreaker).

The Senators are 2-3 in their last five, averaging 3.2 goals per game. They’ve shown come-from-behind grit but have been inconsistent, especially with injuries mounting

Series History

The Hurricanes and Senators have met 119 times all-time (regular season), with Carolina holding a 65-43-8-3 edge. Regular Season Head-to-Head: Carolina leads 65-43-11, with an average combined score of 5.9 goals per game. Recent History: Carolina is 6-3 SU in the last 9 meetings.

Ottawa has won 3 of the last 5 at home. Most Recent Meeting: April 17, 2025 – Senators 7-5 win (High-scoring affair; Ottawa pulled away late). Trends: Games often go under (4 of Carolina’s last 5 road games under), but recent head-to-heads average 6.5 goals. No playoff meetings between these franchises. This series typically features competitive play, with Carolina’s structure clashing against Ottawa’s speed.

Injury Report

Carolina Hurricanes:

Shayne Gostisbehere (D): Day-to-day (lower body; expected to skate soon, possible return Jan 24)

Eric Robinson (F): Out (upper body; expected return Feb 26)

Noah Philp (F): Out (concussion protocol)

No other major absences; stars like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov are healthy.

Ottawa Senators:

David Perron (LW): Out 5-7 weeks (sports hernia surgery)

Linus Ullmark (G): Injured Reserve (practiced Jan 16; status unclear, possible return soon)

No other significant issues reported; key players like Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle are available.

Carolina’s depth helps mitigate losses, but Ottawa’s forward group is thinned without Perron.

Key Player Matchups

This game will spotlight offensive stars and defensive efforts. Here are the critical battles:

Sebastian Aho (Carolina, C) vs. Tim Stützle (Ottawa, C): Aho’s playmaking (projected 80+ points) and two-way game face Stützle’s speed and scoring (25+ goals). This center matchup could dictate pace and possession

Andrei Svechnikov (Carolina, RW) vs. Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa, LW): Svechnikov’s physicality and shot test Tkachuk’s leadership and net-front presence (recent 4-point game). Expect intensity along the boards.

Pyotr Kochetkov (Carolina, G) vs. Anton Forsberg (Ottawa, G): Kochetkov’s recent hot streak (sub-2.00 GAA) vs. Forsberg stepping up amid Ullmark’s absence. Goaltending could be the difference in a tight game.

Jack Drury (Carolina, C) vs. Shane Pinto (Ottawa, C): Secondary centers battle for depth scoring; both have shown clutch ability in recent wins.

Carolina’s balanced attack gives them an edge, but Ottawa’s youth could exploit any defensive lapses

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Betting Trends

Carolina Hurricanes: 3-0-1 in last 4 games; 6-3 SU vs. Ottawa in last 9. Under in 4 of last 5 road games, averaging 5.2 total goals. ATS: 7-3 in last 10 as favorites. Ottawa Senators: 4-1 SU in last 5 overall (mixed sources); over in 30 of 50 games this season. 4-1 in last 5 games, but 2-3 ATS recently. Strong as underdogs (5-1 last 6). Head-to-Head Trends: Carolina 6-3 in last 9; over in 3 of last 5 (average 6.5 goals). Ottawa +1.5 hits 70% in home matchups. League trend: Eastern Conference games in January 2026 trend under 55% due to defensive focus.

Game Odds

Carolina Hurricanes        – 125

Ottawa Senators              6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026

Game Details

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET

Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts (home game for Boston Bruins)

Broadcast: NHL Network, ESPN+, NESN, TSN2, RDS (regional and streaming options available)

This storied Original Six rivalry renews with both teams in playoff contention. The Bruins, riding a strong homestand, aim for a perfect run, while the Canadiens seek to rebound from a recent loss and exploit Boston’s inconsistencies. Expect intense physicality and goaltending battles in this Atlantic Division clash

Montreal sits third in the Atlantic Division, showcasing balanced scoring, while Boston holds fourth, bolstered by home dominance but hampered by road struggles

Recent Team Forms

Both teams have shown mixed results in January 2026, with Boston on a winning streak at home and Montreal alternating outcomes. Here’s a summary of their last five games (most recent first):

Montreal Canadiens (Form: L-W-L-W-W):

Jan 22 vs. Buffalo Sabres: 2-4 Loss (Crawled back from 3-0 deficit but couldn’t equalize; defensive issues)

Jan 20 vs. Minnesota Wild: 4-3 Win (Caufield late winner; resilient comeback)

Jan 17 (opponent unspecified in reports; loss noted in trends): Loss (part of 3-2 in last 5).

Jan 15 (win per sequence): Win.

Jan 13 (win): Win.

The Canadiens are 3-2 in their last five, averaging 3.2 goals per game with strong special teams but recent defensive lapses. They’ve lost three of their last five overall, struggling against surging teams like Buffalo

Boston Bruins (Form: W-W-L-W-W):

Jan 22 vs. Vegas Golden Knights: 4-3 Win (Scored three in 54 seconds; held off late push)

Jan 20 vs. Dallas Stars: Win (per schedule; extended homestand success)

Jan 17 vs. Chicago Blackhawks: 5-2 Win (Balanced attack; power play efficiency).

Jan 15 (loss in trends): Loss.

Jan 10 vs. New York Rangers: 10-2 Win (Dominant blowout)

The Bruins are 4-1 in their last five, averaging 4.6 goals per game during a hot homestand (aiming for perfection). They’ve won 7 of their last 8 overall, with Pastrnak leading multi-point games

Series History

The Bruins-Canadiens rivalry is one of the NHL’s oldest, with 769 all-time meetings (regular season and playoffs). Montreal holds the edge at 355-297-103-11 for Boston. Regular Season Head-to-Head: Montreal leads 355-297-103, with an average combined score of 5.8 goals per game. Playoff History: Montreal has won 25 of 34 series, including iconic battles like the 1979 Semifinals (Bruins’ “too many men” penalty). Most Recent Meeting: December 23, 2025 – Bruins 6-2 win (per latest available; Boston dominant). Trends: Montreal is 3-6-1 in the last 10 meetings; games often feature high intensity with overs in recent matchups (average 6.2 goals last 5). Boston has won 59 of 149 away games historically, but Montreal excels in Boston lately. This series is defined by passion, with Montreal’s historical dominance clashing against Boston’s recent home success.

Injury Report

Montreal Canadiens:

Patrik Laine (RW): Out (IR; expected return late January)

Alexander Newhook (C): Out (ankle; long-term)

Alexandre Texier (LW): Day-to-day (lower body; re-evaluated daily)

Kirby Dach (F): Recently returned from 34-game absence (foot; expected to play)

No other major issues; stars like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki are healthy.

Boston Bruins:

Hampus Lindholm (D): Out (IR; undisclosed, placed Jan 5)

Andrew Peeke (D): Out (lower body, since Jan 15)

Only one player listed on some reports, but depth is tested on defense

Key players like David Pastrnak and Elias Lindholm are available and contributing

Boston’s blue line is thinned, potentially exposing them to Montreal’s speed.

Key Player Matchups

This game features star-studded battles in a rivalry known for heroics. Here are the pivotal matchups:

David Pastrnak (Boston, RW) vs. Juraj Slafkovsky (Montreal, RW): Pastrnak, with a recent goal and two assists vs. Vegas, leads Boston in scoring (projected 40+ goals). Slafkovsky’s physicality and emerging offense will test him in board battles

Brad Marchand (Boston, LW) vs. Nick Suzuki (Montreal, C): Marchand’s agitating style and scoring touch face Suzuki’s two-way play and faceoff dominance (55%+). This could control neutral-zone transitions.

Jeremy Swayman (Boston, G) vs. Sam Montembeault (Montreal, G): Swayman anchors Boston’s net with a sub-2.50 GAA at home; Montembeault’s recent heroics (key saves vs. Wild) could spark an upset if he steals the show.

Elias Lindholm (Boston, C) vs. Cole Caufield (Montreal, RW): Lindholm’s multi-point games meet Caufield’s sniper shot (late winner vs. Wild). Secondary scoring here might decide the outcome

Boston’s veterans give them experience, but Montreal’s youth could exploit defensive injuries

Betting Trends

Montreal Canadiens: 3-2 SU in last 5; 5-1 SU as underdog in last 6. Over in 3 of last 5 road games, but 14-5-6 away ATS. Struggled recently (lost 3 of 5), but strong vs. favorites. Boston Bruins: 4-1 SU in last 5; 7-1 SU in last 8 overall. 2-3 ATS in last 5, but 18-8-1 SU at home. Over hits in 4 of last 6 homestands. Head-to-Head Trends: Boston 6-3-1 in last 10; over in 3 of last 5 (average 6.2 goals). Montreal +1.5 hits 70% in recent matchups at TD Garden. League trend: January 2026 rivalry games trend over 55% due to offensive surges.

Game Odds

Montreal Canadiens       6.5

Boston Bruins                    – 120

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026

Game Details

Puck drop is scheduled for 12:30 PM CT (1:30 PM ET). Note: Game time was advanced from the original 2:30 PM CT start due to anticipated winter weather in the Nashville area

Venue: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee (home game for Nashville Predators)

Broadcast: ESPN+, FDSNSO, Utah 16, SN1, SN; available on streaming platforms like Fubo

This Central Division matchup pits the surging Utah Mammoth against a Nashville Predators team looking to build momentum at home. Utah enters on a hot streak, while Nashville has shown flashes of strong play but inconsistency. Expect a physical game with potential for high scoring, given recent trends, though weather-related adjustments could impact attendance and energy.

Utah holds fourth in the Central Division, while Nashville sits fifth. The Mammoth’s positive goal differential highlights their offensive edge, but the Predators’ home record could make this a close contest

Recent Team Forms

Utah has been one of the league’s hottest teams, winning seven of their last eight, while Nashville has alternated wins and losses. Here’s a summary of their last five games (most recent first):

Utah Mammoth (Form: W-W-L-W-W):

Jan 21 vs. Philadelphia Flyers: 5-4 OT Win (Clayton Keller 2 goals; overcame late deficit)

Jan 17 vs. Seattle Kraken: 6-3 Win (Dominant offensive output; extended streak).

Jan 14 at Edmonton Oilers: 2-3 Loss (Close road battle; defensive lapses).

Jan 10 vs. New York Islanders: 7-2 Win (Blowout; balanced scoring)

Jan 7 at New York Rangers: 4-3 Win (Shesterkin injury for Rangers aided comeback)

Utah averages 4.8 goals per game in this stretch, with Keller leading the charge. They’ve gone 7-1 SU in their last eight overall, showing strong form on both ends

Nashville Predators (Form: W-L-W-L-W):

Jan 22 vs. Ottawa Senators: 5-3 Win (Strong home performance; overcame early deficit)

Jan 20 vs. Buffalo Sabres: 2-4 Loss (Homestand opener; struggled with finishing)

Jan 18 vs. Edmonton Oilers: 4-3 Win (Clutch third period; Saros key saves).

Jan 15 at Ottawa Senators: 3-4 Loss (Road slip; power play issues)

Jan 13 vs. Carolina Hurricanes: 3-2 Win (Defensive stand; Forsberg game-winner).

Nashville averages 3.4 goals per game recently, with a 3-2 record in their last five. They’ve been solid at home (14-9-2) but vulnerable to high-scoring opponents

Series History

As a relocated franchise (formerly Arizona Coyotes), Utah’s history against Nashville is limited but inherits some from prior matchups. The teams have met five times since Utah’s inception, with Nashville holding a 3-2 edge overall. Regular Season Head-to-Head: Nashville leads 3-2, with an average combined score of 6.2 goals per game. Recent History: Utah is 2-2-1 against Nashville all-time, including inherited games. Nashville has won two of the last three at home. Most Recent Meeting: December 29, 2025 – Utah 4-3 win (Road victory for Mammoth; high-scoring affair). Trends: Games often go over the total (3-2 over in last five), with Nashville 3-1-1 in the series. No playoff history. This budding rivalry features competitive, goal-filled games, especially in Nashville.

Injury Report

Utah Mammoth:

Logan Cooley (F): On IR with lower-body injury (out extended period; last update Jan 9)

Alexander Kerfoot (F): On IR with upper-body injury (placed Jan 11)

Karel Vejmelka (G): Out with upper-body injury (since Dec 23, 2025)

Barrett Hayton (F): Out with illness (since Nov 28, 2025)

Kevin Stenlund (F): Undisclosed (since Jan 7, 2026; day-to-day)

No other major issues; stars like Clayton Keller are healthy.

Nashville Predators:

Adam Wilsby (D): Day-to-day with lower-body injury (missed Jan 22; expected return Jan 24)

Jonathan Marchessault (F): Dealing with nagging injury but expected to play (update Oct 2025, ongoing)

No other significant absences; key players like Filip Forsberg and Juuse Saros are available.

Utah’s forward depth is tested, potentially relying more on Keller, while Nashville could be at near-full strength.

Key Player Matchups

Projected lineups highlight offensive firepower and defensive battles. Here are the pivotal matchups:

Clayton Keller (Utah, F) vs. Filip Forsberg (Nashville, F): Keller, fresh off a two-goal game, leads Utah in scoring (projected 30+ goals) with his speed and shot. Forsberg, Nashville’s top sniper, counters with physicality and finishing (20+ goals). This wing clash could dictate scoring chances

Nick Schmaltz (Utah, C) vs. Ryan O’Reilly (Nashville, C): Schmaltz’s playmaking (top assists for Utah) faces O’Reilly’s two-way game and faceoff prowess (55%+). Center ice control here is crucial for possession.

Connor Ingram (Utah, G) vs. Juuse Saros (Nashville, G): Ingram steps up with Vejmelka out, boasting a recent .920 SV%. Saros, a Vezina contender, anchors Nashville with sub-2.50 GAA at home. Goaltending could decide if it goes over.

Mikhail Sergachev (Utah, D) vs. Roman Josi (Nashville, D): Sergachev’s defensive stability tests Josi’s offensive rushes (top-scoring D-man). This blue-line battle influences transitions.

Utah’s offense gives them an edge, but Nashville’s veterans could exploit injuries

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Betting Trends

Utah Mammoth: 7-1 SU in last 8 games; over in 4 of last 6 overall. Under in 5 of last 7 road games, but 6-4 ATS in last 10. Strong as favorites (5-2 last 7). Nashville Predators: 4-1 SU in last 5 games (per some sources, though recent 3-2); 12-10 ATS on the road but 14-9-2 SU at home. Over in 28 of 50 games this season. Head-to-Head Trends: Over in 3 of last 5 meetings; Nashville 3-2 SU all-time vs. Utah. Utah +1.5 has hit in 4 of 5. League trend: Central Division games in January 2026 have gone over 55% of the time.

Game Odds

Utah Mammoth               – 118

Nashville Predators        6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026

Game Details

Puck drop is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET

Venue: UBS Arena, Elmont, New York (home game for New York Islanders)

Broadcast: ESPN+, MSG Sportsnet, Fubo (live stream)

This Atlantic vs. Metropolitan Division clash features two teams with nearly identical records, setting up a potential playoff preview. The Sabres have been surging with strong road performances, while the Islanders aim to leverage home ice to snap a recent skid. Expect a physical, low-scoring affair given their defensive styles and historical trends

Buffalo holds a slight edge in the standings, riding a hot streak with 16 wins in their last 20 games overall

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. The Islanders are competitive but have struggled lately, sitting second in the Metropolitan

Recent Team Forms

Both teams enter with mixed results in January 2026, but Buffalo has been more consistent. Here’s a summary of their last five games (most recent first, based on available results):

Buffalo Sabres (Form: W-W-W-L-W):

Jan 23 at Montreal Canadiens: 4-2 Win (Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen 32 saves; held off late push)

Jan 20 vs. Nashville Predators: 5-3 Win (Balanced scoring; extended win streak)

Jan 19 vs. Seattle Kraken: 3-2 Win (Close contest; defensive stand in third).

Jan 17 at Ottawa Senators: 2-3 Loss (Snapped brief streak; overtime defeat).

Jan 15 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: 4-1 Win (Dominant performance; power play efficiency).

The Sabres are 4-1 in their last five, averaging 3.6 goals per game with elite goaltending from Luukkonen (sub-2.50 GAA recently). They’ve won 8 of their last 10 road games, showing resilience away from home

New York Islanders (Form: L-W-L-W-L):

Jan 21 vs. Seattle Kraken: 1-4 Loss (Outshot but poor finishing; ended home stand poorly)

Jan 18 at Washington Capitals: 3-2 Win (Overtime thriller; Horvat absent but depth stepped up).

Jan 16 vs. Philadelphia Flyers: 2-4 Loss (Defensive lapses; power play struggles).

Jan 13 at New Jersey Devils: 5-3 Win (High-scoring road victory; Barzal multi-point game).

Jan 10 vs. Carolina Hurricanes: 1-2 Loss (Tight defensive battle; fell short in shootout).

The Islanders are 2-3 in their last five, averaging 2.4 goals per game. They’ve gone 1-4 overall in recent outings, with injuries impacting consistency, but remain strong at home (15-8-3)

Series History

The Sabres and Islanders have a storied rivalry with 194 all-time meetings (regular season). Buffalo leads overall 92-77-25, but New York has dominated recently at home. Regular Season Head-to-Head: Sabres lead 92-77-25, with an average combined score of 5.8 goals per game. Recent History: Sabres are 6-4-0 in the last 10 meetings. Islanders have won 13 of the last 15 home games vs. Buffalo. Most Recent Meeting: January 19, 2023 – Sabres 3-2 win (historical data; no 2026 meetings yet noted). Trends: Games often feature overs (4 of Buffalo’s last 6 overall), but head-to-head tilts toward low-scoring at UBS Arena. Longest Sabres streak: 7 wins (2000-2001).

No playoff history between these franchises. This matchup typically delivers competitive, edge-of-your-seat hockey, with home ice proving crucial for the Islanders.

Injury Report

Buffalo Sabres:

Jacob Bryson (D): Placed on IR (undisclosed injury from Jan 23 game vs. Canadiens)

Zach Benson (F): Injured in Jan 23 win (status unclear; left game early)

Josh Norris (C): Out (ribs; on IR since Jan 19)

Justin Danforth (RW): Out (lower body)

Jimmy Dunne (C): Out (middle body)

Rasmus Dahlin (D): Missed practice Jan 23 (maintenance; expected to play)

Zac Jones (D): Recalled from AHL to fill in

New York Islanders:

Bo Horvat (C): Expected to return (lower body; missed 9 games)

Ryan Pulock (D): Day-to-day (upper body; questionable after recent injury)

No other major injuries reported; key players like Mathew Barzal and Ilya Sorokin are healthy.

Buffalo’s defensive depth is tested, while Horvat’s return boosts the Islanders’ offense.

Key Player Matchups

This game will spotlight offensive stars and defensive anchors. Here are the critical battles:

Tage Thompson (Buffalo, C) vs. Mathew Barzal (Islanders, C): Thompson leads Buffalo in scoring (projected 30+ goals) with his lethal shot, facing Barzal’s speed and playmaking (top in assists for NYI). This center matchup could control the game’s pace

Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo, D) vs. Bo Horvat (Islanders, C): Dahlin, a Norris contender with strong two-way play, must contain Horvat’s return (faceoff specialist, 20+ goals). Expect physicality in the neutral zone

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Buffalo, G) vs. Ilya Sorokin (Islanders, G): Luukkonen (recent 32-save shutout effort) vs. Sorokin (elite .920+ SV%). Goaltending duel could decide a low-scorer.

Alex Tuch (Buffalo, RW) vs. Noah Dobson (Islanders, D): Tuch’s forechecking speed tests Dobson’s puck-moving ability; secondary scoring here is key.

Buffalo’s depth gives them an edge if injuries linger for NYI, but Horvat’s return evens the ice

Betting Trends

Buffalo Sabres: 16-4 SU in last 20 games; 8-2 SU in last 10 road games. Over in 4 of last 6 overall, but 2-13 SU in last 15 road vs. Islanders. ATS: 7-3 in last 10. New York Islanders: 1-4 SU in last 5 games; 2-3 ATS in last 5. 13-2 SU in last 15 home vs. Sabres. Over hits in 3 of last 5 home games. Head-to-Head Trends: Islanders 4-1 in last 5 meetings; under in 3 of last 5 (average 5.2 goals). Buffalo +1.5 has hit 60% recently vs. NYI. League trend: January 2026 NHL games have trended over 55% in matinee matchups.

Game Odds

Buffalo Sabres                   6.5

New York Islanders         – 115

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026