The Florida Panthers travel north to face the Ottawa Senators in an Atlantic Division showdown, with both teams hovering around .500 and battling for playoff positioning. The Panthers, coming off a tough loss to the Canadiens, look to regain momentum against a Senators squad that’s struggled in recent games but holds a slight home edge. This matchup could turn on goaltending, with Sergei Bobrovsky’s experience clashing against Linus Ullmark’s steady play, and special teams where Ottawa’s penalty kill ranks highly.

Venue Location

Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Puckdrop is scheduled for7:00 p.m. ET.

Recent Team Forms

The Panthers have gone 4-5-1 in their last 10 games, with a -5 goal differential, showing inconsistency amid injuries. They recently fell 6-2 to the Montreal Canadiens on January 8 and 4-1 to the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 6, but secured a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on January 4. Florida averages 2.8 goals scored and 3.3 allowed per game in this span, with road struggles (10-10-2 away overall).

The Senators are 4-5-1 in their last 10, with a -7 goal differential, including heavy losses like 8-2 to the Colorado Avalanche on January 8 and 3-1 to the Utah Mammoth on January 7. They won 4-2 against the Winnipeg Jets on January 3 but have dropped three straight. Ottawa averages 2.7 goals scored and 3.4 allowed, but at home, they are 11-8-2 with a better defensive showing.

Injury Report

Florida Panthers:

Seth Jones (D): Out (Upper body; week-to-week, injured during Winter Classic on January 1).

Matthew Tkachuk (LW): IR (Undisclosed; out until at least January 10).

Jonah Gadjovich (LW): IR (Upper body; out until February 26).

Cole Schwindt (C): IR (Arm; out until at least January 12).
These absences thin Florida’s blue line and top-six scoring, forcing reliance on depth players like Sam Bennett.

Ottawa Senators:

Lars Eller (C): Out (Foot; expected to miss time).
No other major injuries reported, though the team is monitoring minor ailments post-recent games. Ottawa’s depth remains intact, aiding their home performance.

Player Matchups to Watch

Projected lineups highlight offensive firepower vs. defensive stability, with both teams’ goaltenders potentially stealing the show amid injuries.

Sam Reinhart (Panthers RW) vs. Tim Stutzle (Senators C): Reinhart leads Florida with consistent scoring (projected 0.55 goals/game), using his shot accuracy to test Stutzle’s two-way game (team-leading points, strong in transitions). This matchup could decide puck possession in the offensive zone.

Aleksander Barkov (Panthers C) vs. Brady Tkachuk (Senators LW): Barkov, a Selke contender, brings elite defense (faceoff win rate 55%) against Tkachuk’s physicality and net-front presence (high-danger chances). Expect battles along the boards.

Carter Verhaeghe (Panthers LW) vs. Jake Sanderson (Senators D): Verhaeghe’s speed (3+ shots in 6 of last 10) challenges Sanderson’s shutdown ability (top-pair minutes, strong PK).

Goaltending: Sergei Bobrovsky (Panthers) vs. Linus Ullmark (Senators) – Bobrovsky projects 28 saves with a .905 save percentage, while Ullmark edges in recent form.Series HistoryThe Senators hold a 59-52-3-3 all-time edge over the Panthers in 117 meetings. In the last 10 games, Florida is 6-4, including a 6-2 win on October 11, 2025. The Panthers have won three of the last five in Ottawa, outscoring the Senators 15-10 in those contests. Games tend to be high-scoring, with the over hitting in 5 of the last 8.

Betting Trends

Panthers are 4-2 in their last 6 road games but 5-5 ATS in last 10 overall. Senators are 53.5% implied win probability, going 4-1 in last 5 home games and 7-3 ATS when favored. The over has hit in 4 of Florida’s last 6 vs. Ottawa and 6 of Senators’ last 10 home contests.

Game Odds

Florida Panthers               6.5

Ottawa Senators              – 115

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026

The Detroit Red Wings face the Montreal Canadiens in an Original Six rivalry matchup, with the Red Wings looking to build on recent wins and climb the Atlantic Division standings against a Canadiens team that’s been one of the league’s surprises this season. Detroit’s balanced attack meets Montreal’s strong home form at the Bell Centre, where the Canadiens have been tough to beat. This game could hinge on special teams, with Montreal’s middling power play facing Detroit’s solid penalty kill, and key injuries potentially impacting both sides’ depth.

Venue Location

Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.

Recent Team Forms

The Red Wings have been solid lately, going 6-3-1 in their last 10 games with a +8 goal differential.

They are coming off a 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks on January 8, preceded by a 5-3 victory against the Ottawa Senators on January 5, but suffered back-to-back losses to the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier (4-1 on January 3 and 4-3 on January 1).

On the road, Detroit is 12-8-2, averaging 3.3 goals scored and 2.8 allowed in recent away games, with strong contributions from their top line.

The Canadiens are surging, posting a 7-1-2 record in their last 10 games with a +12 goal differential.

They dominated the Florida Panthers 6-2 on January 8 and won 4-1 against the Calgary Flames on January 3, showcasing elite defense and timely scoring.

At home, Montreal is 14-6-3, with a 10-4-2 record in games decided by one goal, averaging 3.5 goals scored and 2.5 allowed recently.

Injury Report

Detroit Red Wings:

No injuries reported as of January 9, 2026.

The team is at full strength, allowing for optimal line combinations.

Montreal Canadiens:

Josh Anderson (RW): Day-to-day (Upper body; did not play January 7, status uncertain for January 10).

Jake Evans (C): IR (Lower body; expected return January 27).

These absences could impact Montreal’s physicality and depth scoring, forcing adjustments in the bottom six.

Player Matchups to Watch

This Original Six clash features intriguing battles between offensive stars and defensive anchors, with Montreal’s home crowd potentially energizing their young core.

Lucas Raymond (Red Wings LW) vs. Nick Suzuki (Canadiens C): Raymond leads Detroit with points in recent games (4 goals, 5 assists in last 10), using speed and shot volume (3.2 shots/game) to test Suzuki’s two-way play (team-leading points, strong in faceoffs at 52%).

This center-wing duel could control neutral-zone transitions.

Alex DeBrincat (Red Wings RW) vs. Cole Caufield (Canadiens RW): DeBrincat’s scoring touch (4 goals in last 10) faces Caufield’s quick release and power-play prowess (high-danger chances leader for Montreal).

Expect sniping opportunities in open ice.

Dylan Larkin (Red Wings C) vs. Juraj Slafkovsky (Canadiens LW): Larkin’s faceoff dominance (54%) and leadership clash with Slafkovsky’s physicality and emerging offense, potentially deciding board battles.

Goaltending: Alex Lyon (Red Wings) vs. Sam Montembeault (Canadiens) – Montembeault projects a slight edge with Montreal’s better defense.

Series History

The Canadiens hold a slight all-time edge with 68 wins to Detroit’s 59 in 149 away games for Montreal, plus 22 draws.

Overall, Detroit is 77-84-37-11 against Montreal in 209 meetings.

In the last 10 games, Detroit is 5-4-1, including a 5-1 win over Montreal on October 9, 2025.

The Red Wings are 4-2 in their last 6 road games against the Canadiens, with games trending over (hitting in 4 of the last 6, averaging 6.2 goals).

Betting Trends

Montreal is 9-6-15 in overtime games this season and 10-4-2 in one-goal decisions.

Detroit is 12-2-2 in one-goal games.

The over has hit in 30 of Montreal’s 44 games exceeding 6 goals.

Canadiens are 4-2 SU in last 6 hosting Detroit.

Game Odds

Detroit Red Wings                           6.5

Montreal Canadiens                       – 142

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026

The Vancouver Canucks continue their Eastern Conference road trip with a stop in Toronto to face the Maple Leafs in a classic Canadian rivalry matchup. The struggling Canucks, sitting near the bottom of the Pacific Division, aim to snap a four-game losing streak against a Maple Leafs team riding an eight-game point streak (6-0-2) and pushing for playoff positioning in the Atlantic. This game could feature high-scoring potential given Toronto’s recent offensive surge and Vancouver’s defensive vulnerabilities, but the Leafs’ injuries might open opportunities for the Canucks’ stars like Elias Pettersson.

Venue Location

Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.

Recent Team Forms

The Canucks are slumping, going 3-5-2 in their last 10 games with a -9 goal differential.

They have lost four straight (0-2-2), including a 5-1 defeat to the Detroit Red Wings on January 8 and a 3-2 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres on January 6, averaging 1.5 goals scored and 4.0 allowed per game in their skid.

On the road, Vancouver is 8-13-3, with defensive issues allowing 3.54 goals per game overall and poor special teams (73.9% PK).

The Maple Leafs are surging, riding an eight-game point streak (6-0-2) and going 6-3-1 in their last 10 with a +7 goal differential.

They won 2-1 in overtime against the Philadelphia Flyers on January 8, rallying late, and have averaged 3.4 goals scored and 2.8 allowed in recent games.

At home, Toronto is 13-5-2, with a strong 21-3-3 record when scoring at least three goals.

Injury Report

Vancouver Canucks:

Teddy Blueger (C): IR (Lower body; expected out until at least January 15).

Filip Chytil (C): IR (Upper body; expected out until at least January 15).

Marco Rossi (F): Out (Lower body; at least a week, thinning forward group).

Conor Garland (RW): Out (Undisclosed; at least a week).

Elias Pettersson (C): Playing but dealing with lingering upper-body injury that could affect performance.

These issues deplete Vancouver’s forward depth and could impact puck possession.

Toronto Maple Leafs:

Christopher Tanev (D): IR (Groin; expected out until at least January 31, significant loss for defense).

Anthony Stolarz (G): IR (Upper body; expected out until at least January 31).

William Nylander (RW): IR (Upper body; out since December 27, retroactive placement).

Jake McCabe (D): Out (Lower body; expected to miss extended time).

Toronto’s blue line is intensified in search for reinforcements due to these injuries, weakening their defensive core.

Player Matchups to Watch

With both teams dealing with injuries, key battles will focus on top-line production and defensive matchups, potentially leading to a gritty, low-scoring affair.

Elias Pettersson (Canucks C) vs. Auston Matthews (Leafs C): Pettersson, despite a lingering injury, leads Vancouver with points and must drive offense (projected 0.45 goals/game).

He’ll face Matthews, Toronto’s sniper with high shot volume (3.8 shots/game) and a recent return from injury, aiming to exploit Vancouver’s poor PK.

Quinn Hughes (Canucks D) vs. Mitch Marner (Leafs RW): Hughes anchors Vancouver’s blue line with elite passing (0.72 assists/game), but must contain Marner’s playmaking (1.1 points/game) in transition.

J.T. Miller (Canucks C) vs. John Tavares (Leafs C): Miller brings physicality and secondary scoring (0.52 goals/game), clashing with Tavares’ veteran leadership and net-front presence.

Goaltending: John Gibson (Ducks, wait—Canucks: Likely Dustin Wolf or Dan Vladar vs. Joseph Woll (Leafs), with Woll’s strong recent form giving Toronto an edge.

Series History

The Maple Leafs and Canucks have met 170 times all-time, with Toronto holding a 69-77-22-2 edge.

In the last 20 games, it’s split 9-9-2 for Toronto.

Vancouver won the most recent matchup 3-2 on February 25, 2025, but Toronto has a 5-0-0 home streak vs. Vancouver from 2019-2021.

Games often trend under, hitting in 6 of the last 10 with an average of 5.8 goals.

Betting Trends

Maple Leafs are 6-0-2 in their last 8, covering 5-3 ATS; they are 21-3-3 when scoring 3+ goals.

Canucks are 0-4 SU in last 4, 3-5-2 ATS in last 10; over is 13-3-1 in Ducks’ last 17 as favorites (but Canucks underdogs here).

Toronto is 9-1 SU vs. Vancouver in last 10.

Game Odds

Vancouver Canucks                         6.5

Toronto Maple Leafs                      – 170

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026

The Anaheim Ducks travel to face the Buffalo Sabres in an Eastern Conference road trip finale for the Ducks, who are looking to snap a four-game losing streak against a Sabres team that’s been dominant at home. With Anaheim’s offense struggling and Buffalo boasting a strong record when scoring three or more goals, this matchup could hinge on special teams and goaltending, where the Sabres hold an edge in penalty kill efficiency.

Venue Location

KeyBank Center, Buffalo, New York.

Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EST.

Recent Team Forms

The Ducks are in a rut, going 0-4-0 in their last four games with a -8 goal differential, outscored 14-6 overall.

They are 0-4 after scoring two or fewer goals in their previous game, averaging 1.5 goals scored and 3.5 allowed recently.

On the road, Anaheim is 10-11-2, with a 13-3-1 over in their last 17 games as favorites but struggling defensively.

The Sabres have been solid, posting a 6-3-1 record in their last 10 with a +6 goal differential.

They are 13-5-2 at home and 21-3-3 when scoring at least three goals.

Buffalo averages 3.4 goals scored and 2.8 allowed in recent home games, with a strong penalty kill leading the way.

Injury Report

Anaheim Ducks:

Troy Terry (RW): Day-to-day (Upper body; missed January 8 game, shares team lead with 42 points).

Petr Mrazek (G): Injured reserve (Undisclosed; placed on IR January 7, but note: Mrazek is typically with Chicago—possible reporting error; monitor for confirmation).

Frank Vatrano (RW): Injured reserve (Undisclosed; placed on IR January 7).

These absences weaken Anaheim’s top-line scoring and goaltending depth.

Buffalo Sabres:

Michael Kesselring (D): Out (Lower body; out since December 31).

Alex Lyon (G): Out (Lower body; out since December 29).

Conor Timmins (D): Out (Undisclosed).

No other major injuries reported, though the team is managing defensive depth.

Player Matchups to Watch

This game features battles between Anaheim’s gritty forwards and Buffalo’s speedy attack, with special teams likely playing a key role given the Ducks’ poor penalty kill.

Troy Terry (Ducks RW) vs. Rasmus Dahlin (Sabres D): If Terry plays despite his injury, his 42 points (team lead) will test Dahlin’s defensive prowess (elite blue-liner with strong neutral-zone play). Dahlin must contain Terry’s speed on rushes.

Mason McTavish (Ducks C) vs. Tage Thompson (Sabres C): McTavish provides physicality and secondary scoring, facing Thompson’s shot volume (3.5 shots/game) and power-play threat.

Frank Vatrano (Ducks RW) vs. Dylan Cozens (Sabres C): Vatrano, if available from IR, brings goal-scoring (but out), so pivot to Cam Fowler (D) vs. Alex Tuch (RW)—Fowler’s puck-moving vs. Tuch’s forechecking.

Goaltending: John Gibson (Ducks) vs. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Sabres)—Luukkonen holds an edge with Buffalo’s better defense.

Series History

The Sabres and Ducks have met 48 times, with Buffalo holding a 25-20-3 edge.

Anaheim has a 20-24-3-1 record overall against Buffalo.

In the last 20 games, results are split, with the latest on February 25, 2025, ending 2-3.

Games often feature moderate scoring, with the over hitting in 13 of Anaheim’s last 17 as favorites.

Betting Trends

Ducks are 0-4 in last 4 after low-scoring games; over is 13-3-1 in their last 17 as favorites.

Sabres are 21-3-3 when scoring 3+ goals; under is 3-1-3 in Ducks’ last 7.

Game Odds

Anaheim Ducks                 6.5

Buffalo Sabres                   – 155

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026

The Dallas Stars head to the West Coast to face the San Jose Sharks in a Central vs. Pacific Division interconference matchup. With the Stars holding a strong position atop the Central and the Sharks pushing for a playoff spot in the Pacific, this game could showcase Dallas’ balanced attack against San Jose’s emerging young talent led by Macklin Celebrini. The Stars aim to build on their recent win to snap a prior skid, while the Sharks look to leverage home ice after an overtime victory.

Venue Location

SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose, California.

Puckdrop is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET (1:00 p.m. PT).

Recent Team Forms

The Stars have gone 4-4-2 in their last 10 games, with a +3 goal differential, rebounding from a six-game losing streak.

They secured a 4-1 win over the Washington Capitals on January 7, averaging 3.2 goals scored and 3.0 allowed in that span, with strong goaltending from Jake Oettinger.

On the road, Dallas is 14-4-5, winning three of their last five away contests despite occasional defensive lapses.

The Sharks are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, with a +2 goal differential, showing improved form amid a playoff push.

They earned a 4-3 overtime win over the Los Angeles Kings on January 7, but suffered a 7-3 loss to Tampa Bay on January 3, averaging 3.3 goals scored and 3.1 allowed.

At home, San Jose is 12-8-1, with a boost from young stars but vulnerable to high-shot volumes (31.2 shots against per game).

Injury Report

Dallas Stars:

Tyler Seguin (C): Out (ACL tear; season-ending surgery).

Jamie Benn (LW): Day-to-day (Undisclosed).

Lian Bichsel (D): Out (Undisclosed).

Adam Erne (LW): Day-to-day (Undisclosed).

These absences deplete Dallas’ forward depth, forcing more reliance on Wyatt Johnston and Matt Duchene.

San Jose Sharks:

Will Smith (C): IR (Upper body; expected out until at least January 12, practicing non-contact).

Vincent Desharnais (D): IR (Upper body; expected out until at least January 15).

Shakir Mukhamadullin (D): IR (Undisclosed; recently activated but status unclear).

John Klingberg (D): IR (Lower body; practiced, eligible to return).

Ty Dellandrea (C): Out (Lower body; week-to-week).

San Jose’s blue line is thinned, potentially exposing them to Dallas’ speed, though Klingberg’s possible return helps.

Player Matchups to Watch

Projected lineups emphasize Dallas’ depth against San Jose’s youth, with goaltending potentially decisive.

Wyatt Johnston (Stars C) vs. Macklin Celebrini (Sharks C): Johnston (projected 0.58 goals/game) centers Dallas’ top line with speed and finishing, facing Celebrini (24 goals, 43 assists; 1.58 points/game), San Jose’s dynamic rookie who’s tallied points in 8 of his last 10.

This young guns duel could control the game’s tempo.

Matt Duchene (Stars LW) vs. Alexander Wennberg (Sharks C): Duchene brings veteran scoring (0.62 points/game), testing Wennberg’s recent hot streak (1 goal, 8 assists in last 10).

Expect playmaking battles in the neutral zone.

Roope Hintz (Stars C) vs. Fabian Zetterlund (Sharks RW): Hintz’s two-way play (0.55 goals/game) clashes with Zetterlund’s physicality and shot volume (3.1 shots/game).

Goaltending: Jake Oettinger (Stars) vs. Vitek Vanecek or Yaroslav Askarov (Sharks) – Oettinger holds a .912 save percentage edge.

Series History

The Stars hold a 78-51-14 all-time edge in 143 meetings against the Sharks.

In the last 10 games, Dallas is 9-1-0, including a 5-3 win on December 18, 2025.

The Stars have won eight straight in San Jose, outscoring the Sharks 28-15 in those contests, with games trending over (hitting in 7 of 10).

Betting Trends

Stars are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 as favorites and 9-1 SU vs. Sharks in last 10.

Sharks are 13-5 in their last 18 vs. Central teams but 4-5 ATS at home.

The over has hit in 6 of Dallas’ last 10 road games and 3 of San Jose’s last 7 as underdogs.

Game Odds

Dallas Stars                         – 175

San Jose Sharks                6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026

The Columbus Blue Jackets face a daunting road test against the red-hot Colorado Avalanche, who boast the league’s best record and a franchise-record 16-game home winning streak. With the Avalanche dominating the Central Division and the Blue Jackets clinging to a .500 mark in the Metropolitan, this interconference matchup could highlight Colorado’s high-octane offense against Columbus’ resilient but inconsistent play. Expect a potential blowout if the Avalanche’s stars shine, though the Blue Jackets’ young core might keep it competitive early.

Venue Location

Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado.

Puckdrop I scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. MT).

Recent Team Forms

The Blue Jackets have gone 4-5-1 in their last 10 games, with a -4 goal differential, showing flashes of competitiveness but defensive vulnerabilities.

They are coming off a 5-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on January 8, where they led early but collapsed, allowing 3.4 goals per game in recent outings while scoring 2.8.

On the road, Columbus is 8-10-4, with inconsistent shot suppression (31.0 shots against per game league-wide).

The Avalanche are dominant, posting an 8-1-1 record in their last 10 with a +22 goal differential, including a franchise-record 16 straight home wins.

They crushed the Ottawa Senators 8-2 on January 8, averaging 4.5 goals scored and 2.3 allowed in that span, fueled by elite puck possession (54.2% Corsi For).

At home, Colorado is 18-1-2, outscoring opponents by 2.1 goals per game on average.

Injury Report

Columbus Blue Jackets:

Isac Lundestrom (F): IR (Undisclosed; out until at least January 17).

Miles Wood (LW): IR (Undisclosed; out until at least January 17).

Erik Gudbranson (D): Out (Hip; indefinite).

These losses impact secondary scoring and physical presence, forcing reliance on young forwards like Adam Fantilli.

Colorado Avalanche:

Gabriel Landeskog (LW): Out (Upper body; expected out weeks, until at least January 19).

Devon Toews (D): Out (Upper body; out until at least January 21).

Joel Kiviranta (LW): Out (Lower body; out until at least January 16).

Mackenzie Blackwood (G): IR (Lower body; out until at least January 16).

Despite the absences, Colorado’s depth has kept them rolling, with Alexandar Georgiev likely starting in net.

Player Matchups to Watch

Projected lineups pit Columbus’ youth against Colorado’s star power, with the Avalanche’s speed likely overwhelming the Blue Jackets’ defense.

Adam Fantilli (Blue Jackets C) vs. Nathan MacKinnon (Avalanche C): Fantilli, a rising star with 0.55 points/game, anchors Columbus’ top line but faces MacKinnon (league-leading 36 goals, 1.45 points/game), who’s on a tear with multi-point games in 7 of his last 10.

This center-ice battle could dictate pace.

Kirill Marchenko (Blue Jackets RW) vs. Mikko Rantanen (Avalanche RW): Marchenko provides sniper threat (0.48 goals/game) on Fantilli’s wing, but Rantanen’s size and skill (1.28 points/game) will test Columbus’ zone exits.

Dmitri Voronkov (Blue Jackets LW) vs. Jonathan Drouin (Avalanche LW): Voronkov adds physicality (6.2 hits/game), clashing with Drouin’s playmaking (0.72 assists/game) on Colorado’s top unit.

Goaltending: Elvis Merzlikins (Blue Jackets) vs. Alexandar Georgiev (Avalanche) – Georgiev projects a .925 save percentage edge amid Colorado’s stingy defense.

Series History

The Avalanche hold a 45-24-1 all-time edge in 70 meetings against the Blue Jackets.

In the last 10 games, Colorado is 7-3, including a 5-2 win on February 8, 2020, but Columbus has won 2 of the last 5, like a 4-3 thriller on November 3, 2021.

At Ball Arena, the Avalanche are 23-12 all-time vs. Columbus, with games averaging 6.1 goals and the over hitting in 6 of the last 10.

Betting Trends

Avalanche are 4-1 in their last 5 games and 10-13 ATS on the road but 18-3 ATS at home.

Blue Jackets are 11-5 as road favorites of -151 to -200 (but underdogs here) and 13-5 in their last 18 vs. Central teams.

The over has hit in 3 of Columbus’ last 7 as favorites, while under is 3-1-3 in their last 7 overall.

Top Pick: Avalanche -1.5 (-120)

Alternative: Under 6.5

Game Odds

Columbus Blue Jackets                  6.5

Colorado Avalanche                       – 285

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026

The Calgary Flames visit the Pittsburgh Penguins in a cross-conference clash, with the Flames mired in a four-game losing streak and seeking to turn things around against a surging Penguins squad on a six-game winning run. Pittsburgh’s veteran core, bolstered by Evgeni Malkin’s recent return, faces a Flames team dealing with defensive injuries and offensive inconsistencies. This afternoon matchup at PPG Paints Arena could feature high-scoring potential given Pittsburgh’s recent form and Calgary’s leaky defense.

Venue Location

PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Puckdrop is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.

Recent Team Forms

The Flames are in a slump, going 0-4-0 in their last four games with a -11 goal differential, outscored 17-6 overall.

They recently fell 4-1 to the Boston Bruins on January 8 and 4-1 to the Montreal Canadiens on January 7, averaging just 1.5 goals scored and 4.25 allowed per game in that span.

On the road, Calgary is 8-12-2, with defensive lapses allowing 3.2 goals per game away while struggling to generate shots (29.5 per game league-wide).

The Penguins are red-hot, riding a six-game winning streak and going 7-1-0 in their last eight with a +14 goal differential.

They dominated the New Jersey Devils 4-1 on January 8, averaging 3.75 goals scored and 2.0 allowed in recent wins.

At home, Pittsburgh is 12-6-4, excelling in puck possession (52.1% Corsi For) and special teams during the streak.

Injury Report

Calgary Flames:

Blake Coleman (LW): Day-to-day (Undisclosed).

Zayne Parekh (D): Day-to-day (Upper body).

Jake Bean (D): Out (Undisclosed, surgery – indefinite).

John Beecher (C): Out (Upper body, IR).

Sam Honzek (LW): Out (Upper body, surgery – six months).

These absences thin Calgary’s blue line and forward depth, potentially exposing them to Pittsburgh’s speed.

Pittsburgh Penguins:

Rutger McGroarty (F): Out (Upper body, IR).

Caleb Jones (D): Out (Undisclosed, expected back soon).

Hallander (C): Out (Leg).

Evgeni Malkin recently returned from upper-body injury and scored in his comeback game.

Pittsburgh is nearing full health, boosting their lineup.

Player Matchups to Watch

Projected lineups highlight Pittsburgh’s veteran experience against Calgary’s gritty forwards, with special teams potentially deciding the game.

Nazem Kadri (Flames C) vs. Sidney Crosby (Penguins C): Kadri anchors Calgary’s top line with 0.45 goals/game and physical play, but faces Crosby (1.12 points/game, 8-game point streak).

This center matchup could control the neutral zone.

Jonathan Huberdeau (Flames LW) vs. Jake Guentzel (Penguins LW): Huberdeau pairs with Kadri for secondary scoring (0.38 goals/game), testing Guentzel’s two-way game (0.62 points/game).

Blake Coleman (Flames LW) vs. Evgeni Malkin (Penguins C): Coleman, if available, brings energy (0.41 goals/game), but Malkin’s return (power-play goal in comeback) adds scoring threat.

Goaltending: Dustin Wolf (Flames) projects 28 saves with a 3.00 GAA; Alex Nedeljkovic (Penguins) has been solid in the streak.

Series History

The Penguins and Flames have met 118 times, with Calgary holding a 49-49-18-2 edge.

In the last 10 games, Calgary is 5-3-2, including a 6-2 win on November 30, 2024, and 4-3 on October 22, 2024.

Pittsburgh has struggled in Calgary (0-1-0 since last win in 2019), but at home, they’ve won four of the last six, with games averaging 5.8 goals.

Betting Trends

Penguins are 7-1 SU in their last 8, covering 6-2 ATS.

Flames are 0-4 SU/ATS in their last 4, with the under hitting in 3 of 4.

Pittsburgh is 4-5 as home favorites, while Calgary is 3-7 as road underdogs.

Game Odds

Calgary Flames                 6.5

Pittsburgh Penguins       – 155

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026

The New York Rangers travel to face the Boston Bruins in an Original Six rivalry matchup, with both teams hovering around .500 and battling for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. The Rangers, coming off a tough loss, look to exploit their recent success against Boston, while the Bruins aim to leverage home ice and defensive discipline to snap a mini-slump. This afternoon tilt could feature low-scoring, physical play given both teams’ goaltending strengths and penalty-kill prowess.

Venue Location

TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts.

Puckdrop is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.

Recent Team Forms

The Rangers have been inconsistent, going 4-5-1 in their last 10 games with a -2.1 goal differential.

They are on a three-game losing streak, most recently falling 5-2 to the Buffalo Sabres on January 8, allowing 3.4 goals per game in that span while scoring 2.8.

On the road, New York is 9-10-3, but they’ve struggled with puck possession lately, posting a 48.2% Corsi For in recent outings.

The Bruins are 3-5-2 in their last 10, with a -1.8 goal differential, but they lead the league in penalty minutes served (13.9 per game).

They snapped a two-game skid with a win in their last outing (details not specified, but W1 streak), averaging 3.0 goals scored and 3.2 allowed.

At home, Boston is 13-8-1, excelling in physical play but vulnerable to speed, with a strong 83.2% penalty kill.

Injury Report

New York Rangers:

Noah Laba (C): Day-to-Day (Upper Body; expected to return imminently, possibly January 10).

Adam Fox (D): Questionable (Lower Body; injured January 5 vs. Utah, status uncertain but skated lightly).

Igor Shesterkin (G): Questionable (Lower Body; same game as Fox, backup Jonathan Quick may start if out).

These potential absences could weaken New York’s blue line and crease, forcing more reliance on depth defenders and Quick.

Boston Bruins:

Jordan Harris (D): Out (Ankle; on long-term IR since early January).

Hampus Lindholm (D): Day-to-Day (Undisclosed; eligible off IR January 11, skated January 9 but unlikely for game).

Boston’s defensive depth is tested, potentially exposing them to Rangers’ skilled forwards.

Player Matchups to Watch

Projected lineups highlight speed vs. physicality, with Boston’s discipline clashing against New York’s skill.

Artemi Panarin (Rangers LW) vs. Pavel Zacha (Bruins C): Panarin leads the Rangers with 16 goals and 32 assists, driving offense with 3.2 shots/game.  

Zacha, Boston’s top-line center, counters with playmaking (projected 0.45 points/game) and physicality in neutral-zone battles.

Mika Zibanejad (Rangers C) vs. Brad Marchand (Bruins LW): Zibanejad anchors New York’s top line with 4 goals in last 10, excelling on the power play.

Marchand, a pest with scoring touch (projected 0.52 goals/game), will agitate and test Zibanejad’s two-way game.

Adam Fox (Rangers D) vs. David Pastrnak (Bruins RW): If healthy, Fox (elite passer) must contain Pastrnak’s shot volume (3.8 shots/game, top-10 league-wide).

This blue-line vs. sniper duel could decide transition play.

Goaltending: Igor Shesterkin (if available) vs. Jeremy Swayman – Shesterkin projects 26 saves, Swayman 25, with Bruins edge in save percentage.

Series History

The Bruins lead the all-time series 338-268-97-11 in 714 meetings.

However, the Rangers have dominated recently, going 6-1 SU in the last 7 games, including a 4-2 win on November 15, 2025, and 3-1 on March 22, 2025.

In Boston, New York is 1-4 SU in the last 5 visits, but games trend under, hitting in 6 of the last 8 with an average total of 5.2 goals.

Betting Trends

Rangers are 1-5 SU in last 6 overall but 6-1 SU vs. Boston in last 7.

Bruins are 4-5 as moneyline favorites this season.

The under has hit in 6 of Rangers’ last 10 road games and 7 of Bruins’ last 10 home contests.

Game Odds

New York Rangers           5.5

Boston Bruins                    – 130

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026