The Vancouver Canucks hit the road for a Pacific Division showdown against the Seattle Kraken on Monday, December 29, 2025. The Canucks are struggling to find consistency amid injuries and a poor home record, sitting near the bottom of the division, while the Kraken ride a four-game win streak and look to climb the standings with improved goaltending and depth scoring.

This matchup could feature high-energy play, with Seattle’s recent defensive surge potentially clashing against Vancouver’s opportunistic offense.

Venue Location

The game will take place at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.

This 17,100-seat venue, home to the Kraken since 2021, is known for its sustainable design and raucous atmosphere that often energizes the home team.

Puck drop is set for 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT).

The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and Fubo, with local broadcasts available on regional networks.

Injury Report

Both teams are dealing with key absences, but Seattle has seen some positive returns, while Vancouver’s forward depth remains a concern.

Vancouver Canucks:

Filip Chytil (C): Out – Upper body.

Teddy Blueger (C): Out – Undisclosed.

Elias Pettersson (C): Out – Illness.

Guillaume Brisebois (D): Out – Undisclosed.

Jake DeBrusk (LW): Questionable – Likely to sit out due to forward surplus and minor issue.

Other notes: The Canucks are managing center depth without multiple key pivots, forcing reliance on J.T. Miller and others.

Seattle Kraken:

Brandon Montour (D): Out – Hand (on IR, expected out until mid-January).

Jaden Schwartz (C): Out – Undisclosed.

Matt Murray (G): Out – Undisclosed.

Other notes: Vince Dunn (D) and Jared McCann (LW) have recently returned from injuries, bolstering the lineup.

Vancouver’s center injuries could hinder faceoffs and transition play, giving Seattle an edge in possession.

Player Matchups

Projected lineups emphasize Seattle’s balanced attack against Vancouver’s star-driven offense. For Vancouver: J.T. Miller – Brock Boeser – Kiefer Sherwood (top line); Thatcher Demko in goal (if available). For Seattle: Jared McCann – Matty Beniers – Jordan Eberle (top line); Joey Daccord in goal.

J.T. Miller (VAN C) vs. Matty Beniers (SEA C): Miller’s physicality and scoring (team-leading points) will test Beniers’ speed and two-way play, potentially dictating center-ice battles.

Brock Boeser (VAN RW) vs. Vince Dunn (SEA D): Boeser’s shot volume faces Dunn’s mobility on the blue line, especially on the power play where Dunn’s return adds puck-moving threat.

Quinn Hughes (VAN D) vs. Jared McCann (SEA LW): Hughes’ elite skating and assists could exploit gaps, but McCann’s recent form (goals in return) might create counterattack opportunities.

Thatcher Demko (VAN G) vs. Joey Daccord (SEA G): A goaltending duel where Demko’s experience meets Daccord’s hot streak (strong saves in recent wins).

With Dunn back, Seattle’s defense may neutralize Vancouver’s top line, shifting focus to special teams.

Recent Team Forms

Vancouver has been inconsistent, dropping three of their last five with defensive lapses, while Seattle is surging on a four-game win streak, allowing just 1.75 goals per game in that span.

Vancouver Canucks (2-3-0 in last 5 games): Averaging 2.6 goals per game but conceding 4.0, with road form offering some hope (11-8-2 away overall).

Seattle Kraken (4-0-1 in last 5 games): Scoring 3.4 goals per game and tightening defense, with strong home play (7-7-3 at Climate Pledge).

Series History

The all-time series is closely contested, with Vancouver holding a slight edge at 8-7-0 over 15 meetings.

Seattle has won 7 of the 15, including recent dominance with victories in 6 of the last 9.

In their most recent clash (preseason or prior season), games have often been high-scoring, with overs hitting in 4 of the last 6. Vancouver is 4-3 in Seattle but has struggled lately on the road against the Kraken.

Betting Trends

Canucks: 4-6 ATS in last 10; 6-4 ATS on the road; unders in 5 of last 10.

Kraken: 7-3 ATS in last 10; 5-5 ATS at home; unders in 6 of last 10 home games.

Head-to-head: Kraken 5-2 ATS in last 7; over is 4-3 in those games.

Seattle is 8-4 as home favorites this season, while Vancouver is 5-7 as road underdogs.

Game Odds

Vancouver Canucks         – 112

Seattle Kraken                  5.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 28, 2025

The NHL Pacific Division rivalry intensifies on December 29, 2025, as the San Jose Sharks face the Anaheim Ducks in a matchup that could have playoff implications in a tight Western Conference. The Sharks, buoyed by young talent like Macklin Celebrini and recent offensive resurgence, seek to build on a win over Vancouver and avenge earlier losses to Anaheim. The Ducks, meanwhile, aim to rebound from a blowout defeat to the Kings and leverage their strong home form, but injuries and defensive inconsistencies may hinder their efforts. Expect a fast-paced, physical game with special teams playing a key role.

Venue Location

The game will be played at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. This 17,174-capacity arena, located at 2695 East Katella Avenue, opened in 1993 and is known for its intimate seating and passionate Ducks fans, creating a challenging environment for visiting teams.

Puckdrop is set for 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET)

Broadcast: Available on NBCSCA for Sharks markets, Bally Sports SoCal for Ducks markets, and nationally via ESPN+.

Injury Report

Both teams are dealing with absences that could affect forward depth and defensive stability. Reports are as of December 28, 2025.

San Jose Sharks:

Timothy Liljegren (D): Day-to-day (undisclosed). He underwent an evaluation after the December 27 game against Vancouver and remains questionable, potentially weakening the blue line if sidelined.

Will Smith (C): Injured reserve (undisclosed). Placed on IR; expected to miss extended time, impacting center production and rookie contributions.

Shakir Mukhamadullin (D): Injured reserve (upper body). Out indefinitely, further thinning defensive options.

Jack Thompson (D): Out (undisclosed). Not expected to play, adding to blue-line concerns.

No other major injuries reported, with key players like Macklin Celebrini and Collin Graf available.

Anaheim Ducks:

Frank Vatrano (RW): Day-to-day (upper body). He departed in the third period of the December 27 game against Los Angeles after crashing into the boards; questionable for December 29, a blow to wing scoring if out.

Leo Carlsson (C): On injury report (undisclosed). Status uncertain; could limit center options if sidelined.

Nathan Gaucher (C): Day-to-day (shoulder). Out since September 21, 2025; potential return but questionable.

Chris Kreider (LW): Day-to-day (hand). Out since September 21, 2025; listed but may be a typo or unrelated—focus on Ducks players.

No additional key injuries reported, with players like Trevor Zegras available.

These injuries may lead to increased minutes for rookies and backups, potentially resulting in more open play and higher scoring if defenses struggle.

Player Matchups

This Pacific Division rivalry spotlights young stars and veteran anchors, with potential for high-energy shifts. Key matchups to watch:

Macklin Celebrini (SJS C) vs. Leo Carlsson (ANA C, if available): Celebrini’s rookie scoring surge (20 goals, including recent tallies) against Carlsson’s all-around play (17 goals, 24 assists for 41 points). Carlsson’s undisclosed issue could shift this to a mismatch favoring Celebrini in the circle.

Collin Graf (SJS RW) vs. Trevor Zegras (ANA C): Graf’s four-game goal streak and net-front presence vs. Zegras’ playmaking and creativity. Graf’s recent form could exploit Anaheim’s defensive gaps.

Igor Chernyshov (SJS F) vs. Frank Vatrano (ANA RW, if available): Chernyshov’s first career goal and assist in the December 27 win vs. Vancouver vs. Vatrano’s scoring touch. Vatrano’s upper-body injury may force Anaheim to adjust, giving Chernyshov more space.

Yaroslav Askarov (SJS G) vs. Lukas Dostal (ANA G): Askarov’s strong performance (24 saves in Dec 27 win) vs. Dostal’s consistency. Askarov’s agility could be key against Anaheim’s shooters.

The Sharks’ youth movement could overwhelm a potentially depleted Ducks lineup, but Anaheim’s home energy may spark veterans like Zegras.

San Jose ranks mid-pack in goals for but strong in goaltending, while Anaheim excels in special teams but has defensive inconsistencies.

Recent Team Forms

The Sharks are finding form with a recent win, while the Ducks are reeling from a blowout loss.

San Jose Sharks (Last 5 Games):

Form: W-L-L-L-W (2-3 in last 5). The Sharks are 4-6 in their last 10, with improved offense in wins but defensive issues in losses.

Anaheim Ducks (Last 5 Games):

Form: L-L-L-W-W (2-3 in last 5). The Ducks are 5-5 in their last 10, with strong wins but recent defensive breakdowns.

Series History

The Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks have a storied Pacific Division rivalry, known as the Freeway Face-Off, with 176 regular-season meetings since December 2, 1993. Anaheim leads the all-time series 97-96, with 532 goals for the Ducks and 535 for the Sharks. The Sharks are 2-4-4 in the last 10 games against the Ducks.

Recent Games:

October 11, 2025: Ducks 7-6 Sharks.

January 31, 2024 to October 11, 2025: Ducks won 6 straight before recent trends.

Anaheim is 88-88 in home games vs. San Jose all-time (including OT/SO).

Games average 5.8 goals, often high-scoring due to divisional intensity, with the over hitting in 4 of the last 6.

Anaheim’s recent dominance provides confidence, but San Jose’s youth could spark a turnaround.

Betting Trends

San Jose Sharks: 5-15 SU in their last 20 games against Pacific Division opponents; the total has gone under in 4 of their last 6 road games; 2-3 ATS in last 5 as underdogs.

Anaheim Ducks: 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games; the total has gone over in 4 of their last 6 vs. San Jose; 3-2 SU in last 5 as favorites.

Head-to-Head Trends: Ducks 4-2-4 ATS in last 10 vs. Sharks; over 6.5 goals in 4 of 10 recent meetings.

League-Wide: Home favorites like the Ducks are 60% ATS vs. .500 road teams in December 2025.

Game Odds

San Jose Sharks                6.5

Anaheim Ducks                 – 185

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 28, 2025

The NHL regular season continues with a Western Conference matchup on December 29, 2025, as the Minnesota Wild visit the Vegas Golden Knights. The Wild, riding a strong December with key contributions from Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov, aim to extend their recent success and solidify their playoff positioning. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights, dealing with injuries and a mixed form, look to rebound from a recent shootout loss and leverage their home-ice advantage at T-Mobile Arena. This contest could feature fast-paced action, with Minnesota’s defensive structure testing Vegas’ offensive depth in what has historically been a competitive series.

Venue Location

The game will be held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. This state-of-the-art 17,500-capacity venue, located at 3780 South Las Vegas Boulevard on the Las Vegas Strip, opened in 2016 and is known for its modern amenities, including premium seating and a vibrant atmosphere that amplifies home-team energy.

Puckdrop is set for 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT for Vegas viewers)

Broadcast: Available on FanDuel Sports Network Midwest for Wild markets, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain for Golden Knights markets, and nationally via NHL Network and ESPN+.

Injury Report

Both teams are managing absences that could influence defensive pairings and forward rotations. Reports are as of December 28, 2025, with final statuses to be confirmed closer to puck drop.

Minnesota Wild:

Daemon Hunt (D): IR (undisclosed). Expected return around January 2, 2026, impacting blue-line depth.

No other major injuries reported, with stars like Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy fully available. The team has not submitted a final report, but forward lines appear intact.

Vegas Golden Knights:

Shea Theodore (D): Week-to-week (upper body). Out since December 13, a significant loss to the top defensive pair and power play.

Jack Eichel (C): Day-to-day (upper body). Missed recent games; questionable for December 29, potentially weakening center production.

Jakub Demek (C): IR (undisclosed). Long-term absence with minimal impact on the lineup.

No additional key injuries, but the Golden Knights have not fully submitted their report. Veterans like Mark Stone and Alex Pietrangelo are available.

These injuries may force Vegas to rely on younger defensemen, potentially opening up more scoring chances for Minnesota’s top line.

Player Matchups

This Pacific vs. Central showdown highlights offensive stars against defensive anchors, with injuries shifting responsibilities. Key matchups to watch:

Kirill Kaprizov (MIN LW) vs. Alex Pietrangelo (VGK D): Kaprizov’s dynamic scoring and playmaking (team-leading points) against Pietrangelo’s veteran shutdown defense. With Theodore out, Pietrangelo must contain Kaprizov’s rush to limit Minnesota’s top line.

Matt Boldy (MIN RW) vs. Mark Stone (VGK RW): Boldy’s recent hot streak (two goals in last game) vs. Stone’s two-way excellence and forechecking. Stone could disrupt Boldy’s zone entries, but Boldy’s shot volume may create rebounds.

Filip Gustavsson (MIN G) vs. Adin Hill (VGK G): Gustavsson’s consistency (.915 SV%) against Hill’s form. Hill must rebound from recent struggles to anchor a depleted blue line.

Joel Eriksson Ek (MIN C) vs. Tomas Hertl (VGK C): Eriksson Ek’s faceoff wins and physicality vs. Hertl’s scoring touch. This center matchup could control possession in the neutral zone.

Minnesota’s forward depth gives them an edge, but Vegas’ home energy could energize key players like Stone.

Minnesota ranks top-5 in goal differential and special teams, while Vegas excels at home but struggles with overtime losses.

Recent Team Forms

Minnesota is surging with recent overtime heroics, while Vegas is inconsistent following a shootout loss.

Minnesota Wild (Last 5 Games):

Form: W-W-L-W-W (4-1 in last 5). The Wild are 7-3 in their last 10, with improved defense allowing under three goals per game recently.

Vegas Golden Knights (Last 5 Games):

Form: L-L-W-W-W (3-2 in last 5). The Golden Knights are 5-2-3 in their last 10, with strong home performances but overtime issues.

Series History

The Vegas Golden Knights hold a 15-12-2 all-time edge over the Minnesota Wild in 29 regular-season meetings. Vegas has a 3-1-1 record in the last five games.

All-Time Head-to-Head: Vegas 15-12-2 (82 goals for Vegas, 78 for Minnesota).

Recent Games:

November 30, 2017: Knights win (early series).

February 2, 2018: Knights win.

Vegas is 0-1-0 in limited recent home vs. Wild, but overall trends favor close games.

Games average 5.6 goals, trending under in defensive battles.

Vegas’ recent success provides confidence, but Minnesota’s competitiveness adds intrigue.

Betting Trends

Minnesota Wild: 3-2 in last 5 games; 2-3 ATS in last 5; under hits in 3 of last 5 road games.

Vegas Golden Knights: 3-2 in last 5 games; 2-3 ATS in last 5; over hits in 4 of last 5 home games.

Head-to-Head Trends: Golden Knights 3-1-1 in last 5 vs. Wild; under 5.5 goals in 3 of 5 recent meetings.

League-Wide: Home favorites like Golden Knights are 55% ATS vs. strong road teams in December 2025.

Game Odds

Minnesota Wild                               5.5

Vegas Golden Knights                    – 112

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 28, 2025

The NHL regular season heats up with an interconference matchup on December 29, 2025, as the Boston Bruins travel to face the Calgary Flames. The Bruins, struggling through a five-game losing streak, aim to regain momentum with their veteran core, while the Flames look to build on recent home victories and exploit Boston’s defensive vulnerabilities. This contest could feature gritty play, with Calgary’s physicality testing Boston’s resilience in a potential low-scoring affair.

Venue Location

The game will be held at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This historic 19,289-capacity arena, located at 555 Saddledome Rise SE, opened in 1983 and is known for its intimate seating and passionate Flames fans, creating one of the league’s most energetic atmospheres.

Puckdrop is set for 9:00 PM ET (7:00 PM MT for Calgary viewers)

Broadcast: Available on ESPN+ nationally, with regional coverage on NESN for Bruins markets and Sportsnet West for Flames markets.

Injury Report

Both teams are dealing with absences that could impact forward depth and defensive pairings. Reports are as of December 28, 2025.

Boston Bruins:

Tanner Jeannot (LW): Day-to-day (undisclosed). He missed the December 27 game against Buffalo and remains questionable, potentially weakening physical presence on the bottom lines.

Matej Blumel (F): Activated from IR (lower body) but assigned to Providence on December 28; not expected to play.

Michael Callahan (D): Activated from IR (undisclosed) but assigned to Providence on December 28; no impact on NHL lineup.

Henri Jokiharju (D): Day-to-day (undisclosed). Practiced on December 28 but status uncertain; could affect blue-line rotation if out.

Calgary Flames:

Sam Honzek (LW): Out (upper body surgery). Placed on IR; expected to miss six months, significantly depleting forward depth (14 games missed).

Zayne Parekh (D): Out (upper body). Sidelined for 16 games; weakens defensive options.

Kevin Bahl (D): Day-to-day (illness). Missed one game; questionable for December 29.

Jonathan Huberdeau (LW): Day-to-day (undisclosed). Status uncertain; potential blow to top-line scoring if out.

Connor Zary (C): Out indefinitely (knee). Suffered in January 2025 but ongoing; major loss to center production.

These injuries may lead to increased minutes for backups, potentially resulting in more turnovers and open play.

Player Matchups

This interconference game spotlights veteran skill against emerging talent, with potential for physical battles. Key matchups to watch:

David Pastrnak (BOS RW) vs. MacKenzie Weegar (CGY D): Pastrnak’s elite shot and scoring (team-leading goals) against Weegar’s physical defense and shot-blocking. Weegar must contain Pastrnak’s one-timers to limit Boston’s power play.

Brad Marchand (BOS LW) vs. Jonathan Huberdeau (CGY LW, if available): Marchand’s agitation and two-way play vs. Huberdeau’s playmaking. Huberdeau’s undisclosed issue could shift this to a mismatch favoring Marchand.

Charlie McAvoy (BOS D) vs. Nazem Kadri (CGY C): McAvoy’s mobility and puck-moving vs. Kadri’s faceoff wins and net-front presence. McAvoy could exploit Kadri’s penalties if the game gets chippy.

Jeremy Swayman (BOS G) vs. Dan Vladar (CGY G): Swayman’s recent form (.910 SV%) against Vladar’s consistency. Vladar must stand tall against Boston’s volume shooters.

Boston’s top-end talent gives them an offensive edge, but Calgary’s depth could prevail if Huberdeau plays.

Boston ranks mid-pack in goals for but strong in goaltending, while Calgary excels in special teams but struggles with consistency.

Recent Team Forms

Boston is in a slump, while Calgary shows signs of improvement with recent wins.

Boston Bruins (Last 5 Games):

Form: L-L-L-L-L (0-5 in last 5). The Bruins are 1-9 in their last 10, with defensive issues allowing 4+ goals in most losses.

Calgary Flames (Last 5 Games):

Form: W-W-W-L-L (3-2 in last 5). The Flames are 6-4 in their last 10, with improved offense in wins.

Series History

The Boston Bruins hold a commanding all-time edge over the Calgary Flames, leading 67-42-10 in 119 regular-season meetings. Boston has won 6 of the last 10 games, with a 4-1 record in the last five.

Recent Games:

December 17, 2024: Bruins 4-3 Flames.

February 6, 2024: Bruins 4-1 Flames.

January 18, 2024: Bruins 3-2 Flames (OT).

Calgary is 37-61-10 at home vs. Boston all-time. Games average 5.8 goals, trending over in recent high-scoring affairs.

Boston’s recent success provides a psychological boost, but Calgary’s home crowd could energize an upset.

Betting Trends

Boston Bruins: 19-20 ATS overall; 7-10 ATS on the road. The total has gone under in 6 of their last 10 games; 2-3 ATS in last 5 as underdogs.

Calgary Flames: 18-20 ATS; 9-9 ATS at home. The total has gone over in 5 of their last 10; 3-2 ATS in last 5 as favorites.

Head-to-Head Trends: Bruins 6-4 SU in last 10 vs. Flames; 5-5 ATS. Over 5.5 goals in 6 of 10 recent meetings.

League-Wide: Home favorites like the Flames are 55% ATS vs. sub-.500 road teams in December 2025.

Game Odds

Boston Bruins                    6.5

Calgary Flames                 – 130

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 28, 2025

The NHL regular season presents a Western Conference matchup on December 29, 2025, as the Nashville Predators visit the Utah Mammoth in a battle of teams hovering around .500. Nashville, with a balanced but inconsistent attack, seeks to rebound from a recent loss and build momentum on the road, while Utah aims to capitalize on home ice and end a potential skid. This game could feature opportunistic scoring, with Nashville’s veteran leadership clashing against Utah’s emerging young talent, but injuries and defensive play may keep it low-event.

Venue Location

The game will be held at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. This multi-purpose arena, located at 301 South Temple, has a seating capacity of approximately 18,300 for hockey and serves as the home for the Utah Mammoth. It’s known for its modern facilities and energetic crowd, providing a challenging environment for visiting teams.

Puckdrop is set for 9:00 PM ET (7:00 PM MT for local viewers)

Broadcast: Available on regional sports networks, including Bally Sports South for Predators markets and AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain for Mammoth markets; nationally via NHL Network and ESPN+.

Injury Report

Both teams are navigating absences that could impact forward depth and defensive stability. Reports are as of December 28, 2025.

Nashville Predators:

Jonathan Marchessault (RW): Questionable (lower body). He missed recent games but participated in morning skates; day-to-day and could return for December 29.

Ozzy Wiesblatt (RW): Out (upper body). Placed on injured reserve on December 5; expected to miss 8-10 weeks, thinning forward options.

Justin Barron (D): Day-to-day (undisclosed). Limited in practice; status uncertain.

Zachary L’Heureux (RW): Day-to-day (undisclosed). Questionable for lineup.

No additional key injuries, with stars like Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg available.

Utah Mammoth:

Logan Cooley (C): Out (lower body). Placed on injured reserve on December 13; out minimum eight weeks, a significant blow to center depth.

Olli Maatta (D): Out (upper body). Sidelined since November; no return timeline, weakening the blue line.

Barrett Hayton (C): Out (illness). Absent since November; further depleting forward lines.

Juuso Valimaki (D): Out (lower body). On injured non-roster list since early December.

Anson Thornton (G): Out (lower body). Backup goaltender sidelined.

No other major injuries, with key players like Clayton Keller available.

These injuries may force both teams to rely on younger call-ups, potentially leading to more open ice and scoring opportunities.

Player Matchups

This interconference tilt features compelling individual battles, with Nashville’s defensive structure testing Utah’s speed. Key matchups to watch:

Filip Forsberg (NSH LW) vs. Clayton Keller (UTA RW): Forsberg’s power-play threat and shot volume against Keller’s quickness and playmaking (team-leading points). Keller must evade Forsberg’s physicality to generate offense.

Roman Josi (NSH D) vs. Mikhail Sergachev (UTA D): Josi’s offensive contributions from the blue line (top defenseman scorer) vs. Sergachev’s steady defense. This matchup could control transitions and power plays.

Juuse Saros (NSH G) vs. Karel Vejmelka (UTA G): Saros’ consistency (.915 SV%) against Vejmelka’s recent form. Vejmelka must rebound from injury concerns to anchor Utah.

Steven Stamkos (NSH C) vs. Jack McBain (UTA C): Stamkos’ veteran scoring vs. McBain’s energy in the faceoff circle. Stamkos could exploit mismatches if Utah’s centers are depleted.

Nashville’s experience may edge Utah’s youth, but the Mammoth’s home crowd could energize key players.

Nashville ranks mid-pack in goals for but strong in goaltending, while Utah excels in special teams but struggles with consistency.

Recent Team Forms

Nashville is coming off a loss but has shown resilience, while Utah is looking to rebound from a shutout defeat.

Nashville Predators (Last 5 Games):

Form: L-W-W-L-W (3-2 in last 5). The Predators are 5-5 in their last 10, with improved defense in wins.

Utah Mammoth (Last 5 Games):

Form: L-W-L-L-W (2-3 in last 5). The Mammoth are 4-6 in their last 10, with defensive issues in losses.

Series History

The Nashville Predators and Utah Mammoth have a limited history in their inaugural season matchup, with Nashville holding a 2-1-1 record all-time. The Predators have a goal differential of 0, highlighting close contests.

All-Time Head-to-Head: Nashville 2-1-1 (13 goals for Nashville, 13 for Utah).

Recent Games:

November 9, 2025: Nashville 1-0 Utah.

April 10, 2025: Nashville 1-0 Utah.

Utah is 1-1 at home vs. Nashville.

Games average 5.5 goals, often low-scoring due to defensive focus.

Nashville’s early success gives them confidence, but Utah’s home crowd could shift the narrative.

Betting Trends

Nashville Predators: 18-19 ATS overall; 8-9 ATS on the road. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of their last 5 games; 3-6 SU in last 9 vs. Utah; UNDER in 4 of last 6 road games.

Utah Mammoth: 19-20 ATS; 9-10 ATS at home. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of their last 5 games; OVER in 4 of last 6 vs. Nashville; 12-4 SU in last 16 home vs. Nashville.

Head-to-Head Trends: Utah 2-2 ATS in limited history; UNDER 5.5 goals in 5 of recent games.

League-Wide: Road underdogs like Nashville are 50% ATS vs. .500 teams in December 2025.

Game Odds

Nashville Predators        5.5        

Utah Mammoth               – 155    

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 28, 2025

The NHL regular season delivers a Western Conference showdown on December 29, 2025, as the Los Angeles Kings face the Colorado Avalanche in a rematch of recent high-stakes encounters. The Kings, with a balanced but inconsistent attack, seek to upset a dominant Avalanche team that’s riding a wave of victories and boasting one of the league’s best records. Colorado’s offensive firepower and home dominance could overwhelm Los Angeles, but the Kings’ veteran leadership and goaltending provide a path to a competitive game if they capitalize on any Avalanche complacency.

Venue Location

The game will be held at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. This 18,000-capacity venue, located at 1000 Chopper Circle, opened in 1999 and is renowned for its high-altitude advantage, modern amenities, and passionate fanbase that creates a challenging environment for visiting teams.

Puckdrop Is set for 9:00 PM ET (7:00 PM MT for Colorado viewers, 6:00 PM PT for Los Angeles viewers)

Broadcast: Available on ESPN+ nationally, with regional coverage on Altitude Sports for Avalanche markets and FanDuel Sports Network West for Kings markets.

Injury Report

Both teams are managing absences that could affect defensive pairings and forward depth. Reports are as of December 28, 2025, with final statuses pending pre-game updates.

Los Angeles Kings:

Darcy Kuemper (G): Out (upper body). Placed on injured reserve; expected to miss at least until late December, forcing reliance on David Rittich in net.

No other major injuries reported, with key players like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty fully available. The team has not submitted a final report, but depth forwards appear healthy.

Colorado Avalanche:

Logan O’Connor (RW): Out (hip). On injured reserve since early December; expected to be out until at least late December, impacting bottom-six energy and penalty kill.

cbssports.com +1

Valeri Nichushkin (RW): Questionable (undisclosed). Dealing with ongoing issues but could return soon; his absence would limit top-line scoring.

Gabriel Landeskog (LW): Out (knee). Long-term absence since 2022, with no clear return timeline, though progress noted in skating.

No additional key injuries, but the Avalanche have not fully submitted their report. Stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are available.

These injuries may force both teams to adjust lineups, potentially leading to more open play if defensive stability falters.

Player Matchups

This Pacific vs. Central tilt showcases elite talent, with Colorado’s speed testing Los Angeles’ physicality. Key matchups to watch:

Anze Kopitar (LAK C) vs. Nathan MacKinnon (COL C): Kopitar’s two-way mastery and faceoff dominance (55%+) against MacKinnon’s explosive speed and scoring (league-leading points). MacKinnon’s recent three-point game could overwhelm if Kopitar can’t neutralize the rush.

Drew Doughty (LAK D) vs. Cale Makar (COL D): Veteran Doughty’s defensive poise and offensive contributions vs. Makar’s dynamic skating and playmaking (top defenseman points). This blue-line battle could control transitions and power plays.

Adrian Kempe (LAK RW) vs. Devon Toews (COL D): Kempe’s shot volume and speed vs. Toews’ steady defense. Without O’Connor, Toews must step up to contain Kempe’s breakaways.

David Rittich (LAK G) vs. Alexandar Georgiev (COL G): Rittich filling in for Kuemper vs. Georgiev’s consistency. Georgiev’s recent shutout gives Colorado an edge in net.

Colorado’s star power may dominate, but Los Angeles’ veterans could keep it close with disciplined play.

Colorado leads the Central Division with the league’s best record, ranking top-3 in goals for and against, while Los Angeles sits mid-pack in the Pacific with solid special teams but inconsistent even-strength play.

Recent Team Forms

Colorado is on a tear, while Los Angeles shows resilience in close games but struggles with consistency.

Los Angeles Kings (Last 5 Games):

Form: L-L-W-W-W (3-2 in last 5). The Kings are 5-5 in their last 10, with strong home performances but road vulnerabilities.

Colorado Avalanche (Last 5 Games):

Form: W-W-W-W-W (5-0 in last 5). The Avalanche are 9-1 in their last 10, with the league’s best goal differential.

Series History

The Colorado Avalanche hold a strong historical edge over the Los Angeles Kings, with Colorado winning 47 of 87 road games against Los Angeles, while the Kings have 35 wins in those matchups (with 5 draws). Overall, the Avalanche lead the all-time series with a .500+ winning percentage. Recently, the Kings are 5-15 in their last 20 games against Colorado, including a 1-4 record in the last five.

Recent Games:

October 11, 2023: Avalanche 1-4 Kings (older reference for trend).

April 8, 2023: Avalanche 5-4 Kings.

The Avalanche won the 2021 playoff series 4-2 against the Kings.

Games average 5.5 goals, often trending under in defensive-focused matchups.

Colorado’s recent dominance gives them a psychological advantage, but Los Angeles’ home record adds intrigue.

Betting Trends

Los Angeles Kings: 18-19 ATS overall; 11-9 ATS on the road. Under hits in 6 of last 10 games; 2-3 ATS in last 5 as underdogs.

Colorado Avalanche: 20-17 ATS; 16-5 ATS at home. Over hits in 5 of last 10; 4-1 ATS in last 5 as favorites.

Head-to-Head Trends: Avalanche 15-5 SU in last 20 vs. Kings; over 6.5 goals in 4 of 10 recent meetings.

League-Wide: Home favorites like Colorado are 65% ATS vs. .500 teams in December 2025.

Game Odds

Los Angeles Kings                            5.5

Colorado Avalanche                       – 235

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 28, 2025

The NHL regular season features a cross-conference matchup on December 29, 2025, as the Buffalo Sabres travel to face the St. Louis Blues. The Sabres, with a solid record built on strong goaltending and opportunistic scoring, aim to continue their recent success against the Blues. Meanwhile, St. Louis, struggling with consistency and injuries, looks to leverage home-ice advantage to snap a potential slide. This game could highlight defensive battles, with Buffalo’s structured play clashing against St. Louis’ transitional speed.

Venue Location

The game will be held at Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. This 18,096-capacity arena, located at 1401 Clark Avenue, opened in 1994 and is known for its historic charm, modern upgrades, and passionate Blues fans, creating one of the NHL’s most intimidating environments.

Puckdrop is set for 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT for St. Louis viewers)

Broadcast: Available on MSG-B for Sabres markets, Bally Sports Midwest for Blues markets, and nationally via NHL Network and ESPN+.

Injury Report

Both teams are managing injuries that could impact depth, particularly in the forward and defensive groups. Reports are as of December 28, 2025, with final statuses to be confirmed closer to puck drop.

Buffalo Sabres:

Tyson Kozak (F): Out (upper body). Sidelined since December 18, affecting bottom-six forward depth.

Conor Timmins (D): Out (broken leg). Placed on injured reserve on December 20, weakening the blue line.

Colten Ellis (G): Day-to-day (concussion). Out since December 9, but could return soon; Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen expected to start if Ellis is unavailable.

No other major injuries reported, with stars like Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin fully available.

St. Louis Blues:

Pius Suter (C): Day-to-day (lower body). Sustained in a recent game and likely out for December 29, impacting center depth.

Dylan Holloway (F): Out (ankle/upper body). Sidelined since December 14, further thinning forward options.

Nick Bjugstad (C): Out (upper body). Out since December 9, affecting veteran presence.

Jordan Kyrou (RW): Day-to-day (lower body). Out since December 6 but could return; his speed is crucial if available.

Nathan Walker (LW): Out (upper body). Sidelined since December 2, reducing physicality on the bottom lines.

St. Louis’ lengthy list could force reliance on younger players, while Buffalo’s goaltending depth remains a concern if Ellis sits.

Player Matchups

This game highlights offensive talents against defensive stalwarts, with potential for high-energy shifts. Key matchups to watch:

Tage Thompson (BUF C) vs. Robert Thomas (STL C): Thompson’s powerful shot and scoring (team-leading goals) against Thomas’ playmaking and two-way game. Thomas must disrupt Thompson’s zone entries to limit Buffalo’s top line.

Rasmus Dahlin (BUF D) vs. Jordan Kyrou (STL RW, if available): Dahlin’s offensive contributions from the blue line (top-10 in defenseman points) vs. Kyrou’s speed on the rush. Dahlin’s physicality could neutralize Kyrou’s breakaways.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (BUF G) vs. Jordan Binnington (STL G): Luukkonen’s recent hot streak (.910+ SV%) against Binnington’s consistency. Binnington must stand tall against Buffalo’s volume shooters.

Alex Tuch (BUF RW) vs. Pavel Buchnevich (STL LW): Tuch’s forechecking and speed vs. Buchnevich’s scoring touch. This wing matchup could spark transition goals.

Buffalo’s top-end talent gives them an edge, but St. Louis’ depth could prevail if Kyrou plays.

Buffalo ranks mid-pack in goals for but strong defensively, while St. Louis struggles with consistency but excels in special teams when healthy.

Recent Team Forms

Buffalo is finding form with recent wins, while St. Louis is inconsistent amid injuries.

Buffalo Sabres (Last 5 Games):

Form: W-W-L-W-L (3-2 in last 5). The Sabres are 6-4 in their last 10, improving offensively.

St. Louis Blues (Last 5 Games):

Form: W-W-L-L-W (3-2 in last 5). The Blues are 5-5 in their last 10, with home strength but injury concerns.

Series History

St. Louis holds a slight all-time edge over Buffalo, with 67 wins to Buffalo’s 52 in 131 regular-season meetings (including ties). The Blues have a 6-3-1 record in the last 10 games.

Recent Games:

January 9, 2020: Blues 1-0 Sabres (old reference for streak).

February 25, 2022: Blues win.

St. Louis is 41 wins at home vs. Buffalo all-time.

Games average 5.5 goals, trending under in recent low-scoring affairs.

mcubed.net +1

The Blues’ recent dominance provides confidence, but Buffalo’s historical competitiveness adds intrigue.

Betting Trends

Buffalo Sabres: Under in 6 of last 7 games; 8-0 SU in last 8 (from older trends, but current form shows mixed).

St. Louis Blues: 1-4 ATS in last 5; under in recent home games.

Head-to-Head Trends: Blues 6-3-1 in last 10 vs. Sabres; under 5.5 goals in 5 of 10.

League-Wide: Road underdogs like Sabres are 45% ATS vs. sub-.500 teams in December 2025.

Game Odds

Buffalo Sabres                   – 115

St. Louis Blues                   5.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 28, 2025