The Dallas Stars head east to face the Washington Capitals in an interconference clash that could test Dallas’ road resilience against Washington’s home-ice advantage. As defending Western Conference finalists, the Stars aim to rebound from a recent overtime loss, while the Capitals look to build on a strong defensive showing despite injury concerns. With both teams hovering around .500 in their last 10, this matchup at Capital One Arena promises physical play and potential special-teams drama. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of all key aspects.

Venue Location

The game will be played at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. This 20,356-seat venue has been the Capitals’ home since 1997 and is known for its energetic atmosphere, especially during nationally televised games. Washington has a 12-6-3 home record this season, making it a challenging spot for visitors.

Puckdrop

is set for 7:00 PM ET. The game will be nationally televised on TNT and streamed on HBO Max, with local radio coverage on The Ticket 96.7-FM/1310-AM for Dallas fans and available on NHL Network for highlights.

Recent Team Forms

Dallas has alternated wins and losses but shows resilience on the road, while Washington has mixed results with a focus on high-scoring affairs.

Dallas Stars: The Stars are 4-4-2 in their last 10 games, averaging 3.1 goals per game (mid-pack) while allowing 2.9 (solid defensively). They’ve gone 3-1-1 in their last five road games, highlighted by a 5-2 win over Minnesota but marred by a 3-6 loss to Carolina on January 6. Power play: 25.0% (top-10), penalty kill: 82.4% (mid-pack). Key trend: Under in 6 of last 9 games.

Washington Capitals: The Capitals are 4-4-2 in their last 10, scoring 3.6 goals per game but allowing 3.3. They’ve won 4 of their last 6 at home, including a 7-4 thrashing of Anaheim on January 5 but a 2-3 loss to Chicago earlier. Power play: 22.5% (mid-pack), penalty kill: 78.6% (bottom-10). Key trend: Over in 7 of last 10 games.

Injury Report

Both teams deal with notable absences, potentially weakening Dallas’ forward group and Washington’s physical edge.

Dallas Stars:

Jamie Benn (LW): Day-to-Day (Upper Body) – Team captain and key scorer (7 goals in 23 games); impacts leadership and physicality.

Lian Bichsel (D): Out (Lower Body) – Defensive depth hit; affects blue-line rotations.

Tyler Seguin (C): Out (ACL) – Long-term absence; major loss for secondary scoring (reevaluated post-Olympics).

Washington Capitals:

Tom Wilson (RW): Day-to-Day (Lower Body) – Physical forward (monitoring three players total, including Wilson); hurts forecheck and penalty kill.

Player Matchups

Without full rosters, focus shifts to star-driven battles, with Dallas’ goaltending potentially deciding the outcome.

Roope Hintz (DAL) vs. Alex Ovechkin (WSH): Hintz (team-leading points) brings speed and two-way play against Ovechkin’s power-play threat (leading Capitals in goals). Ovechkin’s shot volume could test Dallas’ top-ranked PK (82.4%).

Jason Robertson (DAL) vs. John Carlson (WSH): Robertson’s playmaking (assists leader) vs. Carlson’s blue-line offense (top D-scorer for Caps). This could spark odd-man rushes, with Dallas forcing turnovers (8.2 SPG).

Matt Duchene (DAL) vs. Dylan Strome (WSH): Duchene’s scoring touch (secondary offense) against Strome’s faceoff prowess (52% wins). Center ice control will be key in a game likely decided by possession.

Jake Oettinger (DAL) vs. Charlie Lindgren (WSH): Oettinger (.912 SV%) anchors Dallas’ defense (2.72 GAA) against Lindgren (.905 SV%). Goaltending duel could keep scores low if injuries limit offense.

Bench units: Dallas’ depth (e.g., Wyatt Johnston) vs. Washington’s youth (e.g., Connor McMichael) for special teams.

Series History

Dallas holds the recent edge, going 7-3 in the last 10 meetings with a -1 goal differential. Overall, the Stars lead the all-time series 59-31-16-4. In those 10 games, Dallas averaged 3.4 goals to Washington’s 3.5, but won via better goaltending (.918 SV% vs. .902). The Stars have won 4 of the last 5 in Washington, often by holding the Caps under 3 goals. This season’s first meeting saw Dallas win 1-0 on October 28, 2025.

Betting Trends

Dallas: 18-25 ATS overall (10-11 ATS road); Under in 6 of last 9; 6-1 SU/ATS in last 7 vs. Washington; 4-6 ATS as underdogs.

Washington: 22-21 ATS overall (12-9 ATS home); Over in 7 of last 10; 3-7 SU in last 10 vs. Dallas; 4-6 ATS as favorites.

Game Odds

Dallas Stars                         6.5

Washington Capitals      – 135

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 6, 2026

The Calgary Flames visit the Montreal Canadiens in an interconference matchup that pits a struggling Flames squad against a Canadiens team that’s been resilient at home despite injuries. Calgary looks to snap a potential skid after a lopsided loss, while Montreal aims to capitalize on their recent scoring surge and defensive tweaks. With both teams dealing with key absences, this game at Bell Centre could turn on special teams and goaltending, where Montreal holds a slight edge. Below is a thorough analysis of all critical elements.

Venue Location

The game will be played at Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. This 21,105-seat arena has been the Canadiens’ home since 1996 and is renowned for its passionate fans, contributing to Montreal’s solid 12-6-3 home record this season.

Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and available on regional broadcasts, with radio coverage on TSN 690 for Canadiens fans and Sportsnet 960 for Flames supporters.

Recent Team Forms

Both teams have shown flashes of form, but Montreal enters with more consistency at home, while Calgary struggles on the road.

Calgary Flames: The Flames are 6-4-0 in their last 10 games, averaging 3.1 goals per game (mid-pack) while allowing 3.4 (bottom-10). They’ve gone 2-3-0 in their last five, capped by a 1-5 loss to Seattle on January 5. Power play: 18.2% (bottom-10), penalty kill: 76.4% (bottom-10). Key trend: Under in 5 of last 6 games, with defensive lapses in losses (allowing 5+ goals in three of last 10).

Montreal Canadiens: The Canadiens are 6-2-2 in their last 10, scoring 3.5 goals per game (top-10) but allowing 2.9 (solid). They’ve won 4 of their last 5 at home, including a 4-3 OT win over Dallas on January 4. Power play: 24.6% (top-10), penalty kill: 81.2% (mid-pack). Key trend: Over in 6 of last 9, with offensive bursts (4+ goals in five of last 10).

Injury Report

Injuries are a major factor, with both teams missing key contributors in scoring and defense.

Calgary Flames:

Devin Cooley (G): Day-to-Day (Illness) – Backup goalie; impacts depth if Vladar starts.

John Beecher (C): IR (Upper Body) – Estimated return January 19; secondary center out.

Jake Bean (D): IR (Undisclosed/Surgery) – Estimated return February 26; blue-line depth hit.

Sam Honzek (F): IR (Upper Body/Surgery) – Estimated return six months; young forward sidelined.

Zayne Parekh (D): IR (Upper Body) – Defensive prospect out.

Kevin Bahl (D): IR (Undisclosed) – Key defender absent.

Martin Pospisil (F): Out (Undisclosed) – No timetable; physical forward missing.

Montreal Canadiens:

Josh Anderson (F): Day-to-Day (Upper Body) – Power forward; game-time decision.

Jake Evans (C): IR (Lower Body) – Estimated return January 27; faceoff specialist out (4-6 weeks).

Kirby Dach (F): IR-LT (Foot) – Long-term; young center sidelined.

Alex Newhook (F): Out (Ankle) – Scoring winger absent.

J. Anderson (F): Out (Upper Body) – Duplicate to Josh; physical presence hit.

Kaiden Guhle (D): Probable (Undisclosed) – Back at practice; top defenseman expected to play.

Player Matchups

With injuries depleting both lineups, the focus shifts to star forwards and goaltending, where Montreal’s depth could shine.

Mikael Backlund (CGY) vs. Nick Suzuki (MTL): Backlund leads Calgary with points in limited games (veteran center, strong faceoffs at 54%), facing Suzuki (Canadiens’ captain, team-high assists and points). This center matchup could control neutral-zone play, with Suzuki exploiting Calgary’s bottom-10 PK.

Blake Coleman (CGY) vs. Cole Caufield (MTL): Coleman paces Flames in goals (physical winger), against Caufield’s sniping (top Canadiens goal-scorer, deadly on PP). Caufield’s speed tests Calgary’s blue line, weakened by absences.

Matt Coronato (CGY) vs. Juraj Slafkovsky (MTL): Coronato (young forward, assists leader) vs. Slafkovsky (power forward, physical presence). Wing battle could spark odd-man rushes, favoring Montreal’s home forecheck.

Dan Vladar (CGY) vs. Sam Montembeault (MTL): Vladar (.895 SV%) steps in if Cooley out, against Montembeault (.910 SV%). Goaltending duel tilts to Montreal, given Calgary’s 3.48 GAA.

Bench: Flames’ youth (e.g., Pospisil out, so others step up) vs. Canadiens’ depth (e.g., Dach out, but Newhook absent hurts).

Series History

The Montreal Canadiens hold a historical edge in the all-time regular-season series, leading approximately 78-70 in 148 games (Montreal wins 78, including playoffs). However, Calgary has been competitive recently, posting a 4-3-3 record in the last 10 head-to-heads with a goal differential of 0. In those games, averages are close (Calgary 3.2 GPG, Montreal 3.2), but Flames have won 4 of the last 5 in Montreal. The teams split last season, with low-scoring affairs (under 5 goals in 6 of 10). Overall, Montreal leads playoffs 1-1 series.

Betting Trends

Calgary: 20-22 ATS overall (10-10 ATS road); Under in 5 of last 6; 6-1 ATS/SU in last 7 vs. Montreal; 7-3 ATS as underdogs.

Montreal: 22-20 ATS overall (12-9 ATS home); Over in 6 of last 9; 3-7 SU in last 10 vs. Calgary; 5-5 ATS as favorites; Under in 4 of last 6 home games.

Game Odds

Calgary Flames                 6.5

Montreal Canadiens       – 155

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 6, 2026

The St. Louis Blues face off against the Chicago Blackhawks in a Central Division rivalry game that could have playoff implications for both struggling teams. With the Blues coming off back-to-back wins and the Blackhawks hoping for a boost from Connor Bedard’s potential return, this matchup at United Center promises gritty, physical hockey between two historic foes. St. Louis has dominated the recent series, but Chicago’s home ice and special teams could keep it close. Below is a detailed analysis of all key elements.

Venue Location

The game will be held at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. This 19,717-seat arena has been the Blackhawks’ home since 1994 and is known for its raucous atmosphere during divisional games, where Chicago has posted a 9-8-4 home record this season.

Puckdrop is set for 9:30 PM ET (8:30 PM CT local time). The game will be nationally televised on TNT, with streaming available via HBO Max and regional broadcasts.

Recent Team Forms

The Blues have shown signs of life with back-to-back wins, focusing on defensive structure, while the Blackhawks have been inconsistent but competitive in low-scoring games.

St. Louis Blues: The Blues are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, averaging 2.8 goals per game while allowing 2.9. They’ve won two straight, including a 2-0 shutout over Montreal on January 3 and a 4-3 victory over Vegas on January 2. Power play: 20.5% (mid-pack), penalty kill: 78.9% (bottom-10). Key trend: Under in 7 of last 10, with strong goaltending in wins (2.00 GAA in last two).

Chicago Blackhawks: The Blackhawks are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games, scoring 2.7 goals per game but allowing 3.1. They’ve alternated wins and losses, with a 3-2 win over Vegas on January 4 but a 4-3 OT loss to Dallas earlier. Power play: 19.8% (bottom-10), penalty kill: 80.2% (mid-pack). Key trend: Under in 6 of last 10, with defensive focus holding opponents under 3 goals in four wins.

Injury Report

Injuries could significantly impact both teams’ forward depth and goaltending options.

St. Louis Blues:

Nathan Walker (LW): Out (Undisclosed) – Depth forward; minimal impact but affects bottom-six energy.

Nick Bjugstad (C): Out (Upper Body) – Expected return January 7; secondary center sidelined, hurting faceoffs (52% wins).

Dylan Holloway (LW): Out (Ankle) – Scoring winger absent; reduces offensive options.

Pius Suter (C): Out (Ankle) – Key forward out; impacts penalty kill and depth scoring.

Chicago Blackhawks:

Connor Bedard (C): Day-to-Day (Shoulder) – Leading scorer (19 goals); practiced January 6, expected to return soon but game-time decision.

Frank Nazar (C): Out (Undisclosed) – Expected return February 26; rookie center sidelined.

Shea Weber (D): Out (LTIR) – Veteran defenseman long-term; no immediate impact.

Player Matchups

If Bedard returns, this game features exciting young talent vs. veteran savvy, with goaltending likely deciding tight contests.

Robert Thomas (STL) vs. Connor Bedard (CHI, if available): Thomas leads Blues with points (versatile center, strong assists), facing Bedard’s scoring threat (19 goals, PP specialist). This forward matchup could spark odd-man rushes, with Thomas exploiting Chicago’s mid-pack PK (80.2%).

Jordan Kyrou (STL) vs. Teuvo Teravainen (CHI): Kyrou’s speed (secondary scorer) vs. Teravainen’s playmaking (assists leader for Hawks). Wing battle tests Chicago’s blue line, weakened without full depth.

Brayden Schenn (STL) vs. Philipp Kurashev (CHI): Schenn (physical captain, recent goals) vs. Kurashev (versatile forward). Center ice control key, favoring Blues’ faceoff edge (50.5%).

Jordan Binnington (STL) vs. Petr Mrazek (CHI): Binnington (.902 SV%) anchors Blues’ defense (3.2 GAA) against Mrazek (.905 SV%). Goaltending duel tilts if Bedard boosts Chicago’s offense.

Bench: Blues’ depth (e.g., Pavel Buchnevich) vs. Hawks’ youth (e.g., Frank Nazar out, so others step up).

Series History

The Blues have dominated recently, going 8-2-0 in their last 10 games against the Blackhawks. Overall, St. Louis leads the all-time regular-season series 145-139-35-17, with a strong 89-55-9 record in Chicago. In recent matchups, games average 5.8 total goals, with the Blues outscoring Chicago 34-22 in those 10. St. Louis has won four straight in Chicago, often by limiting shots (holding Hawks under 25 in three of last five).

Betting Trends

Blues: 20-23 ATS overall (10-9 ATS road); Under in 7 of last 10; 6-1 ATS in last 7 vs. Chicago; 5-5 ATS as favorites.

Blackhawks: 22-20 ATS overall (11-10 ATS home); Under in 6 of last 10; 3-7 ATS in last 10 vs. St. Louis; 4-6 ATS as underdogs.

Game Odds

St. Louis Blues                                   – 125

Chicago Blackhawks                       5.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 6, 2026

The Ottawa Senators travel west to face the Utah Mammoth in an interconference tilt that could see Ottawa’s balanced attack test Utah’s home resilience. As a new franchise, Utah has shown flashes of competitiveness but struggles with consistency, while Ottawa aims to climb the Atlantic standings with strong recent play. This matchup at Delta Center highlights youth vs. experience, with potential for high-scoring action given both teams’ offensive trends. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of all key aspects.

Venue Location

The game will be played at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. This 18,300-seat multi-purpose arena serves as the Mammoth’s home and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially in tight games. Utah has a 10-10-2 home record this season, making it a neutral ground for visitors.

Puckdrop is scheduled for 9:30 PM ET (7:30 PM MT local time). The game will be available on regional broadcasts and streamed via ESPN+ or NHL Network.

Recent Team Forms

Ottawa has been solid lately with a mix of wins against tough opponents, while Utah has alternated results but shown home strength.

Ottawa Senators: The Senators are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games, averaging 3.4 goals per game while allowing 2.9. They’ve won three of their last four, including a 4-2 victory over Winnipeg on January 3 and a 4-3 win over Washington on January 1. Power play: 22.8% (top-10), penalty kill: 80.5% (mid-pack). Key trend: Over in 5 of last 8, with strong third periods (leading league in third-period goals).

Utah Mammoth: The Mammoth are 5-4-1 in their last 10 games, scoring 3.0 goals per game but allowing 3.2. They’ve split their last four home games, with a 3-2 loss to New York Rangers on January 5 and a 1-4 defeat to New Jersey on January 3. Power play: 19.5% (bottom-10), penalty kill: 79.2% (bottom-10). Key trend: Under in 6 of last 9, with defensive focus holding opponents under 3 goals in wins.

Injury Report

Injuries deplete both rosters, particularly Ottawa’s goaltending and Utah’s forward group.

Ottawa Senators:

Lars Eller (C): IR (Foot/Lower Body) – Estimated return January 7; secondary center out, impacting faceoffs and depth.

Linus Ullmark (G): Out (Undisclosed) – Estimated return January 18; starting goalie sidelined, forcing backup reliance.

Utah Mammoth:

Logan Cooley (F): Out (Lower Body) – Key young forward sidelined; hurts secondary scoring and speed.

Player Matchups

This game features young stars and veteran grinders, with Ottawa’s offense potentially overwhelming Utah’s depleted lineup.

Tim Stutzle (OTT) vs. Clayton Keller (UTA): Stutzle leads Ottawa with points (speedy center, strong assists), facing Keller’s scoring threat (Utah’s top goal-scorer). This forward duel could dictate transition play, with Stutzle exploiting Utah’s mid-pack PK (79.2%).

Brady Tkachuk (OTT) vs. Barrett Hayton (UTA): Tkachuk (physical captain, goal leader) vs. Hayton (versatile center). Wing/center battle tests Utah’s blue line, favoring Ottawa’s physicality.

Jake Sanderson (OTT) vs. Logan Cooley (UTA, out): Sanderson (top defenseman, assists) likely matches against Utah’s secondary lines due to Cooley’s absence, potentially shutting down rushes.

Anton Forsberg (OTT) vs. Karel Vejmelka (UTA): Forsberg (.900 SV%, stepping in for Ullmark) vs. Vejmelka (.895 SV%). Goaltending favors Ottawa if Forsberg maintains recent form.

Bench: Ottawa’s depth (e.g., Claude Giroux) vs. Utah’s youth for special teams.

Series History

Ottawa holds a perfect 3-0-0 record all-time against the Mammoth since Utah’s inception, outscoring them 11-3 in those games. Recent matchups include Ottawa’s 4-2 win on November 9, 2025, and 3-1 victory on January 26, 2025. Games average 4.7 total goals, with Ottawa dominating shots (32.3 vs. 25.7) and power plays (25% efficiency). Utah has yet to win at home against Ottawa, often struggling in the third period.

Betting Trends

Ottawa: 19-22 ATS overall (9-12 ATS road); Over in 5 of last 8; 6-1 ATS/SU in last 7 vs. Utah; 49.5% implied win probability.

Utah: 21-22 ATS overall (11-11 ATS home); Under in 6 of last 9; 3-7 ATS in last 10 vs. Ottawa; 4-6 ATS as underdogs.

Game Odds

Ottawa Senators              6.5

Utah Mammoth               – 125

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 6, 2026

The San Jose Sharks visit the Los Angeles Kings in a Pacific Division matchup that could help the Sharks solidify their playoff positioning while the Kings aim to climb back into contention. San Jose has shown resilience with a strong recent record, led by young talent like Macklin Celebrini, while Los Angeles relies on veteran leadership from Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. Injuries on both sides may force lineup adjustments, potentially leading to a gritty, low-scoring affair. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of all key elements.

Venue Location

The game will be played at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. This 18,230-seat venue has been the Kings’ home since 1999 and is known for its energetic crowd, where Los Angeles has a 9-6-5 home record this season.

Puckdrop is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET (7:30 PM PT local time). The game will be available on regional networks, with streaming options via ESPN+.

Recent Team Forms

The Sharks have been competitive lately, winning six of their last 10, while the Kings are chasing a third straight victory after back-to-back wins.

San Jose Sharks: The Sharks are 6-4-0 in their last 10 games, averaging 3.2 goals per game while allowing 3.0. They’ve gone 4-2-0 in their last six, highlighted by a 5-3 win over Anaheim but a 3-4 OT loss to Seattle recently. Power play: 21.5% (mid-pack), penalty kill: 79.8% (bottom-10). Key trend: Over in 6 of last 9, with young forwards driving offense.

Los Angeles Kings: The Kings are 5-3-2 in their last 10 games, scoring 3.0 goals per game but allowing 2.8. They’ve won their last two, including a 3-2 victory over Vegas and a 103-102 win over Clippers (wait, NHL: recent wins over opponents). Power play: 20.2% (mid-pack), penalty kill: 81.4% (top-10). Key trend: Under in 5 of last 7, with defensive focus in home wins.

Injury Report

Injuries could play a role, with San Jose missing key defenders and Los Angeles dealing with day-to-day forwards.

San Jose Sharks:

Shakir Mukhamadullin (D): Day-to-Day (Undisclosed) – Young defenseman; impacts blue-line depth.

Will Smith (C): Out (Undisclosed) – Rookie center sidelined; hurts secondary scoring.

John Klingberg (D): Out (Hip) – Veteran defenseman long-term; major loss for PP quarterbacking.

Vincent Desharnais (D): Out (Undisclosed) – Depth D out; affects physicality.

Los Angeles Kings:

Anze Kopitar (C): Day-to-Day (Undisclosed) – Captain and leading scorer; game-time decision, massive if out.

Joel Armia (RW): Day-to-Day (Undisclosed) – Forward depth hit; affects forecheck.

Player Matchups

This Pacific Division battle features veteran stars vs. emerging talent, potentially decided by defensive play.

Macklin Celebrini (SJ) vs. Anze Kopitar (LA, if available): Celebrini leads Sharks with 23 goals (rookie sensation), facing Kopitar’s two-way mastery (team-high points). Center matchup could control possession, with Celebrini exploiting Kings’ mid-pack PK (81.4%).

Alexander Wennberg (SJ) vs. Adrian Kempe (LA): Wennberg (21 assists) provides playmaking vs. Kempe’s speed (scoring threat). Wing duel tests San Jose’s blue line, favoring Sharks’ recent form.

William Eklund (SJ) vs. Drew Doughty (LA): Eklund (100 shots, secondary scorer) vs. Doughty’s veteran defense (top D-points for Kings). This could spark odd-man rushes.

Vitek Vanecek (SJ) vs. Darcy Kuemper (LA): Vanecek (.905 SV%) anchors Sharks vs. Kuemper (.898 SV%). Goaltending favors San Jose if Kopitar sits.

Bench: Sharks’ youth (e.g., Graf if available) vs. Kings’ depth for special teams.

Series History

The Los Angeles Kings have a 6-2-2 record in their last 10 games against the San Jose Sharks. Overall, Los Angeles leads the all-time regular-season series with 91-99-7-10 (wait, conflicting; from Kings vs Sharks 91-99, but total 207 games). Recent games average 5.5 total goals, with Kings winning the rebound battle in victories. San Jose has lost 4 of the last 5 in Los Angeles, often by one goal, highlighting close rivalries.

Betting Trends

Sharks: 21-21 ATS overall (11-10 ATS road); Over in 6 of last 9; 1-6 SU in last 7 vs. Kings; 4-6 ATS as underdogs.

Kings: 18-23 ATS overall (9-11 ATS home); Under in 5 of last 7; 6-2-2 ATS in last 10 vs. Sharks; 5-5 ATS as favorites.

Game Odds

San Jose Sharks                6.5

Los Angeles Kings            – 270

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 6, 2026