The 2025-26 NHL season features an inter-conference matchup between the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are riding a six-game winning streak and positioning themselves as Eastern Conference contenders with elite offensive depth, and the San Jose Sharks, who are battling for a Western Conference playoff spot amid a rebuild bolstered by young talent like Macklin Celebrini. Tampa Bay’s high-powered attack, led by Nikita Kucherov’s playmaking, faces a Sharks team relying on balanced scoring and home-ice energy to counter. This game could hinge on special teams, with the Lightning’s top-ranked power play testing San Jose’s improving penalty kill in a potentially high-scoring affair at SAP Center.

Venue Location

SAP Center at San Jose, located in San Jose, California. This multi-purpose arena has a capacity of approximately 17,562 for hockey and serves as the home rink for the San Jose Sharks.

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

Injury Report

Tampa Bay Lightning: Defenseman Ryan McDonagh is out (undisclosed, placed on IR January 1). Forward Scott Sabourin is out (undisclosed, IR since December 30). Defenseman Emil Lilleberg is on IR (undisclosed, expected return January 20). Defenseman Victor Hedman is out (elbow).

San Jose Sharks: Forward Will Smith is out (upper body, week-to-week). Forward Philipp Kurashev is out (upper body, week-to-week). Defenseman Timothy Liljegren is day-to-day (upper body). Forward Adam Gaudette is day-to-day (lower body). Defenseman John Klingberg is doubtful (lower body). Defenseman Vincent Desharnais is out (undisclosed).

Key Player Matchups

This matchup features Tampa Bay’s explosive forwards against San Jose’s emerging young core and veteran anchors, with special teams and transition play likely pivotal amid injuries.

Nikita Kucherov (TBL, F) vs. Mikael Granlund (SJS, F): Kucherov, leading the Lightning in points with his elite vision and shot, will test Granlund’s two-way reliability in neutral-zone battles and power-play setups.

Brayden Point (TBL, F) vs. Macklin Celebrini (SJS, F): Point’s speed and finishing (recent multi-goal games) face Celebrini’s dynamic rookie playmaking, key for faceoffs and odd-man rushes.

Gage Goncalves (TBL, F) vs. Fabian Zetterlund (SJS, F): Goncalves, stepping up with recent game-winners, meets Zetterlund’s scoring touch, potentially dictating secondary lines and board battles.

Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL, G) vs. Tyler Toffoli (SJS, F): Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay’s starter, must handle Toffoli’s veteran shot volume, especially on the rush where the Sharks generate chances.

Recent Team Forms

Tampa Bay Lightning: The Lightning are 5-0-0 in their last five games, extending a six-game winning streak with strong third-period comebacks. Recent results: Jan 1 W 5-3 @ LAK; Dec 31 W 4-3 OT vs ANA; Dec 29 W 5-2 vs other; earlier wins showcasing offense (outscoring opponents 22-13 in stretch).

San Jose Sharks: The Sharks are 3-2-0 in their last five, alternating wins with solid home performances. Recent results: Dec 31/Jan 1 W 4-3 vs MIN; previous mixed, including losses but comeback victories (outscored 16-15 in stretch, focusing on young core contributions).

Series History

The Lightning hold a strong edge in the all-time series with a 28-22-2 record against the Sharks. Tampa Bay is 8-1-1 in the last 10 meetings, including 9-2 SU in the last 11 overall. The teams have split recent games with moderate scoring, but Tampa Bay has dominated lately, outscoring San Jose in key matchups. Road teams like the Lightning have won 5-1 SU in the last six encounters in San Jose.

Betting Trends

Tampa Bay is 6-0 SU in their last six games and 9-2 SU in the last 11 against San Jose, but 4-6 ATS as road favorites this season. The over has hit in 7 of the Lightning’s last 10 road games (averaging 6.8 goals). San Jose is 4-1 ATS in their last five home games but 24-98 SU as underdogs of +201 or greater historically. The over has gone 16-5-2 in the Sharks’ last 23 as favorites, but head-to-head trends favor the under in six of the last nine (average 5.2 goals).

Game Odds

Tampa Bay Lightning      – 218

San Jose Sharks                6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 2, 2026

The 2025-26 NHL season features an inter-conference matchup between the Montreal Canadiens, who are enjoying a strong campaign with a balanced attack and solid goaltending from Sam Montembeault, and the St. Louis Blues, who are struggling to find consistency amid injuries and a rebuild phase. The Canadiens enter as road favorites, aiming to extend their recent winning streak, while the Blues look to leverage home ice and opportunistic scoring from players like Jordan Kyrou to turn their fortunes around. This game could be decided by special teams, with Montreal’s efficient power play facing St. Louis’ middling penalty kill in what projects as a mid-range scoring contest.

Venue Location

Enterprise Center, located in St. Louis, Missouri. This multi-purpose arena has a capacity of approximately 18,096 for hockey and serves as the home rink for the St. Louis Blues.

Puckdrop is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. CT).

Injury Report

Montreal Canadiens: Defenseman Mike Matheson is day-to-day with an upper-body injury after missing the recent game against Carolina; he skated in practice on January 2 but his status remains questionable. Forward Josh Anderson left the January 1 win against Carolina with an undisclosed injury and is also questionable. Forward Kirby Dach is being managed cautiously following a fractured foot, with a potential return soon but not confirmed for this game. Defenseman Kaiden Guhle is on the injury list with an unspecified issue.

St. Louis Blues: Forward Nick Bjugstad remains on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury since mid-December. Forward Dylan Holloway is out with an ankle injury. Defenseman Torey Krug is sidelined with a long-term ankle issue. Forward Mathieu Joseph is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. No major updates from the January 2 game against Vegas, but the team has been managing depth issues.

Key Player Matchups

This contest highlights Montreal’s speedy forwards against St. Louis’ veteran core, with goaltending and defensive resilience key amid injuries.

Cole Caufield (MTL, F) vs. Jordan Kyrou (STL, F): Caufield’s sniper shot and quick release (leading Montreal in goals) will test Kyrou’s two-way speed, potentially deciding transition plays and odd-man rushes.

Nick Suzuki (MTL, F) vs. Robert Thomas (STL, F): Suzuki’s playmaking and faceoff prowess face Thomas’ vision and assists, crucial for center-ice control and power-play setups.

Juraj Slafkovsky (MTL, F) vs. Brayden Schenn (STL, F): Slafkovsky’s emerging physicality meets Schenn’s veteran leadership and net-front presence, key for board battles and secondary scoring.

Sam Montembeault (MTL, G) vs. Pavel Buchnevich (STL, F): Montembeault, Montreal’s starter, must handle Buchnevich’s scoring touch, especially on the rush where the Blues generate chances.

Recent Team Forms

Montreal Canadiens: The Canadiens are 4-1-0 in their last five games, showcasing strong offense and timely wins. Recent results: Jan 1 W 7-5 @ CAR; Dec 30 W 3-2 @ FLA; Dec 28 L 2-3 vs. BUF; Dec 27 W 5-4 OT vs. OTT; Dec 23 W 4-1 vs. DET. They’ve outscored opponents 21-15 in this stretch, with improved special teams and comeback ability.

St. Louis Blues: The Blues are 2-2-1 in their last five, alternating results with defensive inconsistencies. Recent results: Jan 2 W 4-3 vs. VGK; Dec 31 L 2-5 @ COL; Dec 29 L 3-4 OT vs. DAL; Dec 27 W 5-2 vs. NSH; Dec 23 L 1-4 @ CHI. Outscored 15-18 recently, they’ve relied on home wins but struggled on the road and against top offenses.

Series History

The Canadiens hold a dominant all-time edge with 93 wins to the Blues’ 42 in 157 meetings, including a 3-0 playoff series lead. In the last 10 games, the teams have split 5-5, but Montreal has won the last two encounters. St. Louis has a 23-39-2 home record against Montreal. Games often feature moderate scoring, with the under hitting in recent matchups, and the Canadiens winning 13 straight from 1977-1979 historically.

Betting Trends

Montreal is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games and 4-1 ATS as road favorites, with the over hitting in 6 of their last 10 (averaging 6.2 goals). On the road, they’re 5-0 SU in their last five inter-conference matchups. St. Louis is 3-7 ATS overall this season but 5-5 ATS at home, with the under in 7 of their last 10 (averaging 5.4 goals). Head-to-head, the over has hit in 5 of the last 10 (average 5.8 goals), but favorites like Montreal cover 60% in this series.

Game Odds

Montreal Canadiens       – 135

St. Louis Blues                   6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 2, 2026

The 2025-26 NHL season brings an inter-conference battle between the Philadelphia Flyers, who have exceeded expectations with a solid defensive structure and timely scoring from their young core, and the Edmonton Oilers, who are in a transitional phase with star power from Connor McDavid but hampered by inconsistencies and injuries. The Flyers enter as road underdogs but with momentum from recent wins, while the Oilers aim to protect home ice and climb the Pacific Division standings. This matchup could turn on special teams, with Philadelphia’s disciplined penalty kill challenging Edmonton’s dynamic power play in a game expected to feature moderate scoring and physical play.

Venue Location

Rogers Place, located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This modern arena has a capacity of approximately 18,347 for hockey and serves as the home venue for the Edmonton Oilers.

Puckdrop is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. MT).

Injury Report

Philadelphia Flyers: Forward Tyson Foerster is out for five months following successful arm surgery (placed on long-term IR in December). Defenseman Mike Matheson is day-to-day with an upper-body injury and questionable after skating in practice. Forward Josh Anderson is questionable with an undisclosed injury from the January 1 game. Forward Kirby Dach is being monitored for a fractured foot but not confirmed for return.

Edmonton Oilers: Defenseman Jake Walman is on long-term IR with a lower-body injury. Forward Kasperi Kapanen is on IR with a lower-body injury but expected back around January 3, making him questionable. Goaltender Tristan Jarry is out until mid-January with a lower-body injury.

Key Player Matchups

This game pits Philadelphia’s gritty forwards against Edmonton’s high-skill attack, with defensive matchups crucial to containing star power.

Travis Konecny (PHI, F) vs. Connor McDavid (EDM, F): Konecny’s two-way energy and scoring touch (leading Flyers in points) will be tested by McDavid’s speed and playmaking, key for neutral-zone control and rush opportunities.

Owen Tippett (PHI, F) vs. Leon Draisaitl (EDM, F): Tippett’s shot volume faces Draisaitl’s elite finishing and faceoff prowess, potentially deciding power-play efficiency and secondary lines.

Sean Couturier (PHI, F) vs. Evan Bouchard (EDM, D): Couturier’s defensive reliability meets Bouchard’s offensive contributions from the blue line, important for board battles and zone exits.

Samuel Ersson (PHI, G) vs. Zach Hyman (EDM, F): Ersson, Montreal’s likely starter, must handle Hyman’s net-front presence and rebound goals, especially on the Oilers’ cycle play.

Recent Team Forms

Philadelphia Flyers: The Flyers are 3-1-1 in their last five games, with a focus on comeback wins and solid goaltending. Recent results: Jan 1 W 6-3 vs. VAN; Dec 30 L 1-5 vs. CGY; Dec 28 W 4-1 vs. NSH; Dec 27 W 3-2 OT vs. TOR; Dec 23 L 2-3 vs. BUF. They’ve outscored opponents 16-14 in this stretch, thriving in close games.

Edmonton Oilers: The Oilers are 2-3-0 in their last five, showing flashes but defensive lapses. Recent results: Jan 1 L 2-6 vs. BOS; Dec 31 L 2-5 vs. COL; Dec 29 W 5-2 vs. ANA; Dec 27 W 4-3 OT vs. LAK; Dec 23 L 3-4 vs. SEA. Outscored 16-20 recently, they’ve relied on home offense but struggled against top teams.

Series History

The Oilers hold a slight all-time edge with a 47-45-8-2 record against the Flyers in 102 meetings. In the last 10 games, Edmonton is 6-3-1, including three wins in the past four. Philadelphia has not won in Edmonton since 2019, with the Oilers outscoring them in recent home games. The series often features high scoring, with the over hitting in 4 of the last 6 road games for the Flyers against Edmonton.

Betting Trends

Philadelphia is 4-2 ATS in their last six games and 9-7-3 on the road, with the over hitting in 4 of their last 6 away contests (averaging 6.2 goals). The Flyers are 2-4 SU in their last six against Edmonton. Edmonton is 3-2 ATS in their last five home games and 10-4-3 at home overall, but 1-4 SU in their last five overall. The total has gone over in 4 of Edmonton’s last 6 home games. Head-to-head, the over has hit in 4 of the last 6, and favorites have covered 60% in this series.

Game Odds

Philadelphia Flyers         6.5

Edmonton Oilers              – 185

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 2, 2026

The 2025-26 NHL season features an Eastern Conference matchup between the Buffalo Sabres, who have emerged as a playoff contender with a balanced offense and strong goaltending from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are rebuilding around young talent but struggling with consistency and injuries. The Sabres enter with momentum from a recent victory, aiming to capitalize on Columbus’ defensive vulnerabilities, while the Blue Jackets look to leverage home ice and opportunistic scoring from players like Sean Monahan to secure crucial points. This game could hinge on special teams, with Buffalo’s efficient power play testing Columbus’ leaky penalty kill in a contest projected to be competitive but favoring the visitors.

Venue Location

Nationwide Arena, located in Columbus, Ohio. This multi-purpose venue has a capacity of approximately 18,500 for hockey and serves as the home rink for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Puckdrop is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. CT, 12:00 p.m. PT).

Injury Report

Buffalo Sabres: LW Jason Zucker is on injured reserve with a lower-body injury and expected to be out until at least January 3. G Alex Lyon is out with a lower-body injury, expected return around January 6. D Conor Timmins is on IR with a broken leg, out since December 18. F Tyson Kozak is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, expected return January 3. RW Justin Danforth is on IR with a lower-body injury.

Columbus Blue Jackets: F Miles Wood is week-to-week with a lower-body injury and placed on IR. D Brendan Smith is on IR retroactive to December 29 with an undisclosed injury. C Sean Monahan is day-to-day as of January 2. D Luca Marrelli is out as of January 1. C Isac Lundestrom is out as of December 30.

Key Player Matchups

This matchup showcases Buffalo’s offensive depth against Columbus’ young core, with injuries forcing adjustments and emphasizing defensive battles.

Tage Thompson (BUF, F) vs. Adam Fantilli (CBJ, F): Thompson’s powerful shot and scoring prowess (leading Sabres in goals) will challenge Fantilli’s emerging two-way game, key for faceoffs and transition plays.

Rasmus Dahlin (BUF, D) vs. Zach Werenski (CBJ, D): Dahlin’s offensive contributions from the blue line meet Werenski’s quarterbacking and point shots, potentially dictating power-play success and zone control.

Alex Tuch (BUF, F) vs. Sean Monahan (CBJ, C): Tuch’s speed and physicality face Monahan’s veteran playmaking (if active), crucial for secondary scoring and board battles.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (BUF, G) vs. Kirill Marchenko (CBJ, F): Luukkonen, Buffalo’s starter, must contain Marchenko’s sniper ability, especially on the rush where the Blue Jackets create chances.

Recent Team Forms

Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres are 3-2-0 in their last five games, balancing strong home wins with road challenges. Recent results: W 4-1 vs. DAL (Jan 1); L 1-2 vs. UTA (Nov 4, but recent patterns show mixed); earlier wins including 5-3 vs. PHI and 3-0 vs. FLA. They’ve outscored opponents 16-12 in this stretch, emphasizing defensive improvements.

Columbus Blue Jackets: The Blue Jackets are 2-3-0 in their last five, with defensive issues offsetting offensive flashes. Recent results: L 2-3 vs. NJD (Dec 31); W 4-1 vs. OTT; L 1-4 at COL (Jan 10, patterns); earlier losses including OT defeats. Outscored 14-16 recently, relying on home crowds for energy.

Series History

The Blue Jackets hold a 34-19-1-5 edge in 61 all-time meetings against the Sabres, with Columbus winning 27 series games to Buffalo’s 19 (including ties). In the last 10 games, the teams have split, but Buffalo is 0-1-0 in their lone 2025-26 meeting so far. Columbus has won 17 home games against Buffalo, with games often low-scoring (under hitting in recent encounters) and the home team prevailing in 60% of matchups since 2020.

Betting Trends

Buffalo is 4-6 ATS as road underdogs this season but 3-2 ATS in their last five away games. The over has hit in 4 of their last 6 road contests (averaging 6.2 goals). Columbus is 5-5 ATS at home and 2-3 SU in their last five overall, with the under in 6 of their last 10 (averaging 5.4 goals). Head-to-head, the under has hit in 6 of the last 9 meetings (average 5.2 goals), and favorites cover 55% in this series.

Game Odds

Buffalo Sabres                                   6.5

Columbus Blue Jackets                  – 110

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 2, 2026

The 2025-26 NHL season features an inter-conference matchup between the Utah Mammoth, who are hovering around .500 amid a rebuild highlighted by young talents like Dylan Guenther and Macklin Celebrini, and the New Jersey Devils, who are pushing for a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division with a dynamic offense led by the Hughes brothers. Utah enters after a dominant New Year’s Day win, seeking to build momentum on the road, while New Jersey aims to extend their recent success at home. This game could be decided by special teams, with the Devils’ potent power play testing Utah’s improving but inconsistent penalty kill in a contest expected to favor the hosts but remain competitive due to Utah’s offensive upside.

Venue Location

Prudential Center, located in Newark, New Jersey. This multi-purpose arena has a capacity of approximately 16,514 for hockey and serves as the home rink for the New Jersey Devils.

Puckdrop is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT, 1:00 p.m. MT).

Injury Report

Utah Mammoth: Center Logan Cooley is out indefinitely after sustaining an injury against the Vancouver Canucks in December. Defenseman John Marino remains months away from returning due to a lower-body issue. Defenseman Sean Durzi is sidelined with an undisclosed injury. A veteran forward (unspecified) is missing time with a lower-body injury.

New Jersey Devils: Forward Zack MacEwen is on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Defenseman Johnny Kovacevic is on long-term injured reserve with a knee injury.

Key Player Matchups

This game highlights Utah’s young offensive talent against New Jersey’s experienced core, with special teams and transition play likely to be decisive factors.

Dylan Guenther (UTA, F) vs. Jack Hughes (NJD, F): Guenther, fresh off his first career hat trick, brings scoring touch and speed. Hughes’ elite playmaking and agility will test Utah’s defense in rush situations and power-play setups.

Macklin Celebrini (UTA, F) vs. Nico Hischier (NJD, C): Celebrini’s rookie creativity and two-way potential face Hischier’s faceoff dominance and defensive reliability, key for center-ice control and secondary scoring.

Clayton Keller (UTA, F) vs. Dougie Hamilton (NJD, D): Keller’s quick release and power-play goal-scoring meet Hamilton’s blue-line offense and shutdown ability, potentially dictating zone entries and odd-man rushes.

Vitek Vanecek (UTA, G) vs. Timo Meier (NJD, F): Vanecek, Utah’s likely starter, must handle Meier’s shot volume and net-front presence, especially with injuries shifting lines.

Recent Team Forms

Utah Mammoth: The Mammoth are 2-2-1 in their last five games, ending 2025 on a high note with a dominant win. Recent results: W 7-2 vs. NYI (Jan 1); L 3-4 vs. NSH; mixed earlier outings showing offensive flashes but defensive lapses. They’ve outscored opponents 18-16 in this stretch, highlighted by Guenther’s hat trick.

New Jersey Devils: The Devils are 3-2-0 in their last five, starting 2026 with a gritty road win. Recent results: W 3-2 vs. CBJ (Jan 1); L 3-5 vs. FLA; W 4-3 vs. MIN; mixed earlier, focusing on comeback efforts. Outscored 17-15 recently, emphasizing special teams and home strength.

Series History

The Devils have dominated the young series, holding a 3-0-0 record against the Mammoth all-time, with a +6 goal differential. Their most recent meeting was a 2-1 win for New Jersey on December 19, 2025. As a new franchise, Utah has yet to secure a victory against the Devils, with games typically low-scoring and decided by one goal.

Betting Trends

New Jersey is 6-4 ATS in their last 10 home games but 2-3 SU in their last five overall, with the over hitting in 4 of 10 (averaging 5.8 goals). Utah is 3-7 ATS on the road this season but 4-1 ATS as underdogs in recent outings. Head-to-head, the under has hit in all three meetings (average 4.3 goals), favoring defensive play. Favorites (like New Jersey) have covered 100% in this short series.

Game Odds

Utah Mammoth                               5.5

New Jersey Devils                            – 130

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 2, 2026

The 2025-26 NHL season features an Eastern Conference matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are riding a three-game winning streak fueled by veteran leadership from Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, and the Detroit Red Wings, who are leading the Atlantic Division but coming off a tough overtime loss in the front end of this home-and-home series. The Penguins aim to sweep the back-to-back set and climb the Metropolitan standings, while the Red Wings look to rebound at home with their balanced offense and strong special teams. This rematch could hinge on goaltending, with Pittsburgh’s Alex Nedeljkovic seeking to build on his recent form against Detroit’s Cam Talbot, in a game expected to be physical and closely contested given the quick turnaround.

Venue Location

Little Caesars Arena, located in Detroit, Michigan. This multi-purpose venue has a capacity of approximately 20,000 for hockey and serves as the home rink for the Detroit Red Wings.

Puckdrop is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. CT, 9:00 a.m. PT).

Injury Report

Pittsburgh Penguins: Center Evgeni Malkin is out with an upper-body injury and did not travel with the team for this game; he is on injured reserve and considered week-to-week. Forward Filip Hallander is on IR with a blood clot in his leg. No other major injuries reported, though the team is managing depth with Malkin’s absence.

Detroit Red Wings: No significant injuries listed heading into the game. The team appears mostly healthy after their January 1 matchup, with no updates on day-to-day concerns for core players.

Key Player Matchups

This rematch spotlights veteran stars against emerging talents, with the quick turnaround emphasizing endurance and special teams execution.

Sidney Crosby (PIT, C) vs. Dylan Larkin (DET, C): Crosby, fresh off a two-goal performance in the January 1 win, brings leadership and playmaking (leading Penguins in points). Larkin’s speed and two-way game as Detroit’s captain must neutralize him in faceoffs and transitions to limit Pittsburgh’s rush.

Kris Letang (PIT, D) vs. Alex DeBrincat (DET, F): Letang, celebrating his 1,200th game with an OT winner on January 1, offers offensive punch from the blue line. DeBrincat’s scoring touch and shot volume will test Letang’s shutdown abilities, key for power-play battles.

Erik Karlsson (PIT, D) vs. Lucas Raymond (DET, F): Karlsson, reaching 900 career points in the previous game, brings puck-moving skills against Raymond’s creativity and assists, potentially dictating neutral-zone play and odd-man rushes.

Alex Nedeljkovic (PIT, G) vs. Patrick Kane (DET, F): Nedeljkovic, likely starting after his solid performance on January 1, must handle Kane’s veteran savvy and playmaking, especially in high-danger areas.

Recent Team Forms

Pittsburgh Penguins: The Penguins are 3-0-0 in their last three games, showing resilience with overtime wins and strong third-period play. Recent results: W 4-3 OT vs. DET (Jan 1); previous wins including comebacks, outscoring opponents 12-8 in the streak. They’ve emphasized veteran contributions amid injuries.

Detroit Red Wings: The Red Wings are 3-1-1 in their last five, with a focus on home dominance but a recent OT loss. Recent results: L 3-4 OT at PIT (Jan 1); W 3-2 vs. TOR (Dec 31); earlier wins like shutouts and OT victories, outscored 14-12 in the stretch. They’ve relied on depth scoring but struggled in close games.

Series History

The Red Wings hold a slight all-time edge with a 76-74-16-7 record against the Penguins in 173 meetings. In regular-season games only, Detroit leads 76-77-16-3. The Penguins have won the last game (4-3 OT on Jan 1), but Detroit has a 2-1 edge in the last three encounters. Games often go to overtime, with low-to-moderate scoring (under hitting in recent matchups), and home teams winning 55% since 2020.

Betting Trends

Detroit is favored at home across major sportsbooks as of January 2, 2026. Consensus lines: Moneyline – Detroit -148 to -152, Pittsburgh +124 to +128; Puck Line – Detroit -1.5 (+164 to +170), Pittsburgh +1.5 (-200 to -205); Total (Over/Under) – 6 (Over -110, Under -110). Pittsburgh is 3-0 ATS in their winning streak but 2-4 ATS as underdogs this season. Detroit is 4-1 ATS at home recently but 1-2 SU in their last three. The under has hit in 4 of the last 6 head-to-heads (average 5.5 goals), aligning with low-scoring trends in quick turnarounds.

Game Odds

Pittsburgh Penguins                       6.5

Detroit Red Wings                           – 142

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 2, 2026