The Buffalo Sabres (26-17-5) face the Nashville Predators (23-21-4) in a cross-conference matchup as the Sabres continue their five-game road trip. Buffalo is coming off back-to-back losses, including a 2-1 defeat to Carolina, while Nashville suffered a lopsided 7-2 loss to Vegas but showed offensive spark in a prior win over Colorado. This game features contrasting styles: the Sabres’ high-volume shooting (29.8 SOG per game) against the Predators’ structured defense, potentially influenced by injuries to key forwards on both sides. Expect a competitive tilt with special teams playing a pivotal role, as Buffalo’s power play ranks top-10 while Nashville’s penalty kill sits in the bottom half.

Game Details

Puckdrop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT)

Venue: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN

TV Broadcast: ESPN+, FDSNSO, MSG-B, Victory+

How to Watch: NHL Network (streaming available via ESPN+)

Recent Team Forms

The Sabres are 3-2 in their last five, with wins showcasing balanced scoring but losses highlighting goaltending vulnerabilities. The Predators are 2-3 in their last five, alternating high-output wins and defensive collapses.

Buffalo Sabres Last 5 Games:

Nashville Predators Last 5 Games:

Injury Report

Buffalo’s forward depth is tested with multiple absences, while Nashville manages blue-line and wing injuries that could limit physicality.

Buffalo Sabres: Josh Norris (F) – IR (Upper Body, expected return Jan. 31); Josh Dunne (F) – IR (Middle Body, 4-6 weeks); Jiri Kulich (F) – IR; Justin Danforth (F) – IR; Conor Timmins (D) – IR.

Nashville Predators: Adam Wilsby (D) – Day-To-Day (Lower Body); Ozzy Wiesblatt (D) – IR (Upper Body); Zachary L’Heureux (F) – Out.

Key Player Matchups

This game highlights offensive duels and defensive tests. Buffalo’s shooting volume (29.8 SOG/GP) could pressure Nashville’s goaltending, while the Predators’ veteran forwards exploit the Sabres’ average road defense (3.20 GAA away).

Tage Thompson (Sabres) vs. Ryan O’Reilly (Predators): Thompson (25 G, 25 A) leads Buffalo’s attack with power and speed. O’Reilly (former Sabre, 19 G, 28 A) brings two-way play and faceoff prowess (55%); expect a center-ice battle controlling possession.

Rasmus Dahlin (Sabres) vs. Steven Stamkos (Predators): Dahlin (D, 10 G, 28 A) quarterbacks Buffalo’s power play with elite passing. Stamkos (21 G) thrives on one-timers; Dahlin’s shutdown ability will be tested in high-danger zones.

Alex Tuch (Sabres) vs. Roman Josi (Predators): Tuch (winger, physical scorer) adds net-front presence. Josi (D, offensive dynamo) generates from the blue line; this matchup could dictate transition opportunities.

Goaltending: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sabres) vs. Juuse Saros (Predators): Luukkonen (.902 SV%) is steady but vulnerable on the road. Saros (.884 SV% recently) has home splits favoring him but needs rebound control against Buffalo’s shots.

Buffalo ranks 11th in goals per game (3.25); Nashville is 20th in GAA (3.35).

Series History

Nashville leads the all-time series 21-15-1-1 in 37 games.

The Predators have won the last two meetings, but Buffalo holds a 5-2 edge in the prior seven.

Dec 12, 2019: Sabres 4-3 vs. Predators

Jan 18, 2020: Predators 2-1 vs. Sabres

Jan 13, 2022: Sabres 4-1 @ Predators

Average margin in last three: +2.3 goals for winner.

Betting Trends

Spread: Sabres are 24-24 ATS overall (50%) but 12-11 ATS on road as underdogs. Predators are 23-25 ATS but 13-12 ATS at home.

Over/Under: 6.5 (-110 to +102).

Teams combine for 6.0 GPG. Predators games hit over 52% (25/48); Sabres under 55% (27/49) but over in 4 of last 5 night games. Over in 5 of last 7 head-to-head. Other Trends: Sabres 2-3 SU last 5; 5-2 SU last 7 vs. Predators. Predators 2-3 SU last 5; 11-4 ATS as favorites this season.

Game Odds

Buffalo Sabres                   6.5

Nashville Predators        – 130

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 19, 2026

The Boston Bruins (28-19-2) visit the Dallas Stars (27-13-9) in a cross-conference clash amid contrasting forms. Boston rides a six-game winning streak, showcasing offensive firepower with recent blowouts, while Dallas has dropped three straight, struggling defensively amid injuries. This matchup at American Airlines Center could hinge on special teams, with Boston’s potent power play (top-10 efficiency) testing Dallas’ middling penalty kill. Expect a gritty battle, as the Bruins’ road resilience faces the Stars’ home-ice edge, potentially influenced by key absences like Dallas’ Tyler Seguin.

Game Details

Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT)

Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

nhl.com +1

TV Broadcast: TNT, HBO Max, NESN, Victory+

How to Watch: NHL Network (streaming available via ESPN+)

Recent Team Forms

The Bruins are 5-0 in their last five, outscoring opponents 26-9 with dominant performances. The Stars are 1-4 in their last five, allowing 3.8 GPG amid a defensive slide.

Boston Bruins Last 5 Games:

Dallas Stars Last 5 Games:

Injury Report

Boston’s blue line is thinned, potentially exposing them to Dallas’ snipers. The Stars are without key forwards and defensemen, impacting depth and special teams.

Boston Bruins: Andrew Peeke (D) – Day-To-Day (Lower Body); Henri Jokiharju (D) – IR (Jan 22 return); Jordan Harris (D) – Out (Ankle, two months).

Dallas Stars: Tyler Seguin (C) – Out (Knee/ACL, post-Olympics); Lian Bichsel (D) – Out (Lower Body, Feb 2); Miro Heiskanen (D) – Day-To-Day.

Key Player Matchups

This game pits Boston’s high-volume shooters against Dallas’ structured defense. The Bruins’ power play (23.8%, 9th) could capitalize on Dallas’ absences, while the Stars’ even-strength play (top-5 in expected goals) tests Boston’s road GAA (3.12, 18th).

David Pastrnak (Bruins) vs. Jason Robertson (Stars): Pastrnak (20 G, 38 A) leads Boston’s attack with elite shot-making. Robertson (similar production) counters with playmaking; expect a duel of wingers in high-danger areas.

Brad Marchand (Bruins) vs. Wyatt Johnston (Stars): Marchand (veteran agitator, strong two-way) brings physicality. Johnston (emerging star) adds speed; this matchup could dictate transition play.

Charlie McAvoy (Bruins) vs. Roope Hintz (Stars): McAvoy anchors Boston’s blue line with shutdown ability. Hintz (speedy center) exploits gaps; defensive zone starts will be key.

Goaltending: Jeremy Swayman (Bruins) vs. Jake Oettinger (Stars): Swayman (.912 SV%) thrives in big games. Oettinger (.905 SV%) has home splits favoring him, but recent form is shaky.

Boston ranks 8th in scoring but 15th in GAA; Dallas is 6th in GAA but slipping offensively without Seguin.

Series History

The Bruins lead the all-time series 88-39-23-2 (including playoffs).

Dallas has won the last two meetings, but Boston holds a 5-3 edge in the past eight. Recent games average 5.5 goals.

Nov 14, 2024: Stars 7-2 @ Bruins

Oct 24, 2024: Stars 5-2 vs. Bruins

Feb 19, 2024: Bruins 4-3 (SO) vs. Stars

Average margin in last three: +4 for winner.

Betting Trends

Spread: Bruins are 25-24 ATS overall (51%) but 14-9 ATS on road as underdogs. Stars are 22-27 ATS but 15-9 ATS at home.

Over/Under: 6 (-110 to -112).

Teams combine for 6.2 GPG. Bruins games hit over 52% (25/48); Stars under 55% (27/49). Over in 4 of Bruins’ last 5 Tuesdays; under in 5 of Stars’ last 7 home games. Other Trends: Bruins 6-0 SU last 6; 4-1 ATS as +140+ underdogs. Stars 1-4 SU last 5; 4-1 ATS when opponent wins prior game.

Game Odds

Boston Bruins                    5.5

Dallas Stars                         – 166

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 19, 2026

The Ottawa Senators (22-19-7) face the Columbus Blue Jackets (22-19-7) in an Eastern Conference matchup between two teams hovering around .500, both vying for wild-card positioning. Ottawa enters on a two-game skid after overtime losses, while Columbus is riding a four-game win streak, including three at home. This game at Nationwide Arena could turn on special teams, with Ottawa boasting a top-5 power play (24.5%) against Columbus’ middling penalty kill (74.8%). Expect a competitive, potentially high-scoring affair given recent trends and the Senators’ road struggles.

Game Details

Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT)

Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH

TV Broadcast: ESPN+, FDSNOH, TSN5, RDS

How to Watch: NHL Network (streaming available via ESPN+)

Recent Team Forms

The Senators are 2-3 in their last five, alternating high-scoring wins and tight losses, with overtime defeats exposing goaltending issues. The Blue Jackets are 4-1 in their last five, outscoring opponents 16-9 during a home-heavy stretch.

Ottawa Senators Last 5 Games:

Columbus Blue Jackets Last 5 Games:

Injury Report

Both teams are managing absences, with Ottawa’s goaltending depth tested and Columbus dealing with forward and defensive injuries that could impact physicality and depth.

Ottawa Senators: Linus Ullmark (G) – Out (Personal); est. return TBD. No other major injuries reported, but monitor for fatigue after back-to-back overtime games.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Brendan Smith (D) – Out (Leg); Mason Marchment (LW) – Out (Upper Body); Miles Wood (LW) – Out (Leg); Dante Fabbro (D) – Day-to-Day (Lower Body); Isac Lundestrom (C) – Out (Lower Body); Denton Mateychuk (D) – Day-to-Day (Upper Body).

Key Player Matchups

This game features battles between offensive standouts and defensive anchors. Ottawa’s power play (4th in NHL at 24.5%) could exploit Columbus’ penalty kill (74.8%, bottom-10), while the Blue Jackets’ even-strength scoring tests the Senators’ road defense (3.40 GAA away).

Tim Stutzle (Senators) vs. Zachary Werenski (Blue Jackets): Stutzle (team-leading points, strong playmaking) drives Ottawa’s offense with speed and vision. Werenski (18 goals, 34 assists) is Columbus’ top defenseman and power-play quarterback; expect him to contain Stutzle’s rushes.

Brady Tkachuk (Senators) vs. Kirill Marchenko (Blue Jackets): Tkachuk (physical captain, net-front presence) leads Ottawa in hits and goals. Marchenko (18 goals, 23 assists) is a sniper for Columbus; this could be a high-danger area duel.

Claude Giroux (Senators) vs. Boone Jenner (Blue Jackets): Giroux (veteran forward, faceoff specialist) adds secondary scoring. Jenner (two-way center) anchors Columbus’ checking line; faceoff wins (Jenner 55%) could control possession.

Goaltending: Anton Forsberg (Senators) vs. Elvis Merzlikins (Blue Jackets): Forsberg steps in for Ullmark (potential .866 SV%). Merzlikins (8-7-1, 3.77 GAA, .884 SV%) has been inconsistent but strong at home.

Ottawa averages 3.25 GPG (11th) but allows 3.40 (24th); Columbus scores 2.98 (23rd) but concedes 3.31 (22nd).

Series History

The Blue Jackets lead the all-time series 33-28-2-3 in 66 regular-season meetings.

Columbus has won the last two, but Ottawa holds a 5-2 SU edge in their past seven encounters overall.

Dec 29, 2025: Blue Jackets 4-1 @ Senators

Jan 3, 2025: Blue Jackets 4-2 vs. Senators

Dec 1, 2024: Senators 5-3 @ Blue Jackets

Average margin in last three: +3 for winner.

Betting Trends

Spread: Senators are 24-24 ATS overall (50%) but 12-12 ATS on the road. Blue Jackets are 23-25 ATS but 13-11 ATS at home and 11-4 ATS as favorites.

Over/Under: 6.5 (-122o / +102u).

Teams combine for 6.23 GPG, with opponents allowing 6.71. Senators games hit over 52% (25/48); Blue Jackets 48% (23/48). Over in 4 of Ottawa’s last 5; over in 5 of last 7 head-to-head.

Other Trends: Ottawa 2-6 SU last 8 overall; 5-2 SU last 7 vs. Columbus.

Blue Jackets 4-1 SU last 5; 11-4 SU as favorites this season.

Over in 4 of Columbus’ last 5 on Tuesdays.

Game Odds

Ottawa Senators                              – 115

Columbus Blue Jackets                  6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 19, 2026

The San Jose Sharks (25-20-3) visit the Tampa Bay Lightning (30-13-4) in an interconference matchup, with the Sharks wrapping up a challenging road trip and the Lightning aiming to extend their strong home form. Tampa Bay has won 11 of their last 15 games overall, showcasing elite offensive depth despite injuries, while San Jose has alternated wins and losses recently but boasts a surprising 7-3 ATS mark in their last 10. This game could hinge on special teams and goaltending, as the Lightning’s power play ranks among the league’s best, potentially exploiting the Sharks’ average penalty kill. Expect a high-energy contest at Amalie Arena, where Tampa Bay holds a significant edge in recent head-to-heads.

Game Details

Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT)

Venue: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL

TV Broadcast: ESPN+, TSN2, RDS, NBCSCA, BSSUN

How to Watch: NHL Network (streaming available via ESPN+)

Recent Team Forms

The Sharks are 3-2 in their last five, with strong offensive outbursts in wins but defensive lapses in losses. The Lightning are 4-1 in their last five, dominating at home with high-scoring victories.

San Jose Sharks Last 5 Games:

Tampa Bay Lightning Last 5 Games:

Injury Report

Injuries are impacting both teams, with Tampa Bay missing key defensemen and San Jose dealing with forward absences that could limit their depth.

San Jose Sharks: Kiefer Sherwood (LW) – IR (Undisclosed, expected return Feb. 4); Ty Dellandrea (C) – IR (Lower Body, expected return Feb. 4); Shakir Mukhamadullin (D) – IR (Upper Body, expected return Jan. 20); Philipp Kurashev (C) – IR (Undisclosed, expected return Jan. 20).

Tampa Bay Lightning: Brayden Point (C) – IR (Lower Body/Knee, expected return Feb. 5); Ryan McDonagh (D) – IR (Lower Body, expected return Jan. 20); Victor Hedman (D) – Out (Elbow); Scott Sabourin (RW) – Out (Undisclosed); Emil Martinsen Lilleberg (D) – Out (Undisclosed).

Key Player Matchups

This matchup features offensive stars against solid defenses. Tampa Bay’s high-scoring attack (top-5 in goals per game) could overwhelm San Jose’s road penalty kill (bottom-10), but the Sharks’ young forwards may exploit the Lightning’s depleted blue line.

Macklin Celebrini (Sharks) vs. Nikita Kucherov (Lightning): Celebrini (rookie sensation, recent 12-game point streak) brings speed and creativity. Kucherov (league-leading points, 5 points in their first meeting this season) is a dynamic winger; expect a battle of elite puck-handlers on the power play.

Tyler Toffoli (Sharks) vs. Jake Guentzel (Lightning): Toffoli (20+ goals) adds veteran scoring from the wing. Guentzel (consistent 0.8 PPG) thrives in high-danger areas; this could be a net-front duel with Tampa Bay’s depleted D.

Mario Ferraro (Sharks) vs. Steven Stamkos (Lightning): Ferraro anchors San Jose’s blue line with physicality and shot-blocking. Stamkos (veteran captain, strong one-timer) will test him on the man advantage.

Goaltending: Mackenzie Blackwood (Sharks) vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy (Lightning): Blackwood (solid .905 SV%) faces a tough test on the road. Vasilevskiy (top-10 GAA) has the edge at home but has shown fatigue in back-to-backs.

Tampa Bay ranks 4th in power-play efficiency, while San Jose is 15th in goals against.

Series History

The Lightning lead the all-time series 29-22-2-0 in 53 regular-season meetings.

Tampa Bay has dominated recently, going 8-1-1 in their last 10 against the Sharks, including a 7-3 win on January 3, 2026.

Jan 3, 2026: Lightning 7-3 @ Sharks

Jan 2, 2025: Lightning 2-1 vs. Sharks

Dec 5, 2024: Lightning 8-1 vs. Sharks

Average margin in Tampa Bay’s last three wins: +4.3 goals.

Betting Trends

Spread:

Sharks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall and 5-2 ATS on the road as underdogs.

Lightning are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 and 7-1 ATS when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in the previous game.

Over/Under: 6.5 (-110 to +100). Teams combine for 6.8 GPG, exceeding the total. Lightning games hit over 59% (29/49); Sharks under 55% (27/49) but over in 4 of last 5 road games vs. Tampa Bay.

Other Trends: Lightning are 7-1 SU in their last 8 when opponent allows 2+ goals prior; Sharks are 11-43 SU in last 54 road games vs. teams with winning home records.

Game Odds

San Jose Sharks                6.5

Tampa Bay Lightning      – 298

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 19, 2026

The Minnesota Wild (28-13-9) visit the Montreal Canadiens (27-15-7) in a cross-conference clash at Bell Centre. The Wild are coming off a win over Toronto, extending their strong road form, while the Canadiens snapped a two-game skid with an overtime victory against Ottawa. This matchup features elite snipers and solid goaltending, but injuries to key Wild players could tilt the scales toward Montreal’s home-ice advantage. Expect a defensive battle with potential for high-scoring bursts if special teams come into play.

Game Details

Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT)

Venue: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC

TV Broadcast: ESPN+, TSN2, RDS, FDSNNO, FDSNWI

How to Watch: NHL Network (streaming available via ESPN+)

Recent Team Forms

The Wild are 2-3 in their last five, with losses highlighting defensive vulnerabilities amid injuries. The Canadiens are 3-2 in their last five, showing offensive resilience in comebacks.

Minnesota Wild Last 5 Games:

Montreal Canadiens Last 5 Games:

Injury Report

The Wild are dealing with multiple key absences in their forward and defensive groups, potentially impacting depth. The Canadiens are without several forwards, but their core remains intact.

Minnesota Wild: Marcus Johansson (LW) – Out (Lower Body); Matt Boldy (LW) – IR (Undisclosed); Joel Eriksson Ek (C) – IR (Lower Body); Jonas Brodin (D) – IR (Lower Body); Zach Bogosian (D) – IR (Undisclosed).

Montreal Canadiens: Patrik Laine (RW) – IR (Abdomen, expected back Feb. 28); Kirby Dach (C) – Out (Foot); Alex Newhook (C) – IR (Ankle); David Reinbacher (D) – Out.

Key Player Matchups

This game highlights offensive firepower against stout defenses. Minnesota’s injuries may force reliance on secondary scoring, while Montreal’s pace (10th in league) could exploit the Wild’s depleted blue line.

Kirill Kaprizov (Wild) vs. Cole Caufield (Canadiens): Kaprizov (leading Wild scorer, ~0.9 PPG) brings speed and shot volume. Caufield (recent multi-goal games, 0.66 GPG) is Montreal’s sniper; expect a battle of elite finishers from the circles.

Marcus Foligno (Wild) vs. Nick Suzuki (Canadiens): Foligno (recent hat trick) adds physicality and net-front presence. Suzuki (team-leading points, 50% chance of 1+ PT) is a two-way center who could neutralize Foligno’s forecheck.

Quinn Hughes (Wild) vs. Lane Hutson (Canadiens): Hughes (defensive anchor, high assists) quarterbacks Minnesota’s power play. Hutson (rookie standout) provides offensive spark from the blue line for Montreal.

Goaltending: Filip Gustavsson (Wild) vs. Sam Montembeault (Canadiens): Gustavsson (90% SV, 24 saves projected) faces a tough test. Montembeault (3.44 GAA) has the edge at home (23 saves projected).

Minnesota ranks 7th in GAA (2.80) but 23rd in last 10 games. Montreal is 7th in goals scored recently.

Series History

The Wild lead the all-time series 23-9-1-2 (including 23-7-1-2 in some records).

Minnesota has dominated recently, going 18-1-0 in the last 19 meetings and riding a nine-game win streak against Montreal.

Last meetings:

Jan 30, 2025: Wild 4-0 vs. Canadiens

Nov 14, 2024: Wild 3-0 vs. Canadiens

Dec 21, 2023: Wild 4-3 vs. Canadiens

Average margin in Wild’s recent wins: +2.5 goals.

Betting Trends

Spread:

Wild are 28-21 ATS overall (57.1% cover rate) but 12-13 ATS on the road. Canadiens are 24-25 ATS but 14-10 ATS at home and 19-10 ATS as -200 or less favorites.

Over/Under: 6.5 (+100 to -120). Teams combine for 5.8 GPG, but opponents allow 6.2. Wild games hit under 55% (27/49); Canadiens over 59% (29/49).

Over in 4 of last 5 Canadiens games; under in 5 of Wild’s last 7 road games. Other Trends: Wild 42-62 ML vs. winning teams (-12.7 units); Canadiens 41-43 ML in non-conference (+7.4 units). Wild 35-28 over on road with O/U 6+.

Game Odds

Minnesota Wild               6.5

Montreal Canadiens       – 142

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 19, 2026