The New Jersey Devils wrap up a challenging road trip with a visit to the high-scoring Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Vegas, leading the Pacific Division with strong home play and offensive depth, looks to exploit New Jersey’s injury concerns, while the Devils aim to steal points behind their star forwards in a late-night national broadcast.

Game Details

Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Puck Drop: 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT)

Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Paradise (Las Vegas), Nevada

Broadcast: TNT, HBO Max, truTV, Sportsnet ONE (Canada), ESPN+

Vegas holds 41 points and a strong home record, while New Jersey has 37 points and fights for consistency in the Metropolitan. The Golden Knights opened as clear home favorites, with the total reflecting potential for goals.

Injury Report

New Jersey Devils:

Out/IR: Simon Nemec (D – injured reserve), Arseni Gritsyuk (RW – upper body)

Nearing Return: Brett Pesce (D – practicing, potential activation soon)

Depth impacted on blue line; core forwards like Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt available.

Vegas Golden Knights:

Day-to-Day: Jack Eichel (C – illness, monitored but expected to play)

Otherwise healthy; Mark Stone, Shea Theodore, Adin Hill in form.

Eichel’s status is key—if out, Vegas loses major playmaking punch.

Recent Team Forms

Vegas is thriving at home with comeback ability; New Jersey shows resilience but road struggles.

New Jersey Devils (mixed road trip, ~5-4-1 last 10):
Inconsistent but competitive:

Recent: Tight loss to Vancouver Canucks (e.g., 2-1 style); prior games with offensive flashes from Hughes line.
Road defense leaky at times; relying on Jacob Markstrom in net.

Vegas Golden Knights (strong December, comeback wins):
Hot at home with balanced attack:

Dec 13: Win 3-2 at Columbus Blue Jackets (third-period rally, Brayden McNabb GWG)

Prior: Successful Metropolitan road trip points; offensive depth shining.
Strong special teams and goaltending carrying momentum.

Key Player Matchups

Jack Hughes/Nico Hischier (NJD) vs. Jack Eichel (VGK, if plays)/William Karlsson: Devils’ dynamic centers and speed vs. Vegas’ pivot depth—Hughes’ creativity could test Theodore/Pietrangelo if Eichel limited.

Jesper Bratt/Timo Meier (NJD) vs. Shea Theodore/Alex Pietrangelo (VGK): New Jersey’s wing scoring vs. Vegas’ mobile, offensive blue line.

Mark Stone (VGK) vs. Devils Defense (Hamilton/Pesce if back): Stone’s two-way play and forecheck vs. depleted NJ back end.

Goaltending: Jacob Markstrom (NJD, solid recent starts) vs. Adin Hill (VGK) – Hill’s home dominance gives edge.

Series History

Vegas heavily dominates the all-time series (10-2-3 or similar, with multiple streaks). Earlier this season (Dec. 5, 2025 at NJ): Vegas won 3-0 (shutout performance). Games often feature Vegas’ physicality and transition overwhelming New Jersey; totals mixed but recent leaning under with strong netminding.

Betting Trends

Key Trends:

Golden Knights: Poor ATS overall (8-23 league-worst) but strong SU at home; overs possible with offense.

Devils: 7-9 ATS on road; competitive as underdogs.

Head-to-head: Vegas covers frequently; recent game under.

Game Odds

New Jersey Devils                            5.5

Vegas Golden Knights                    – 185

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025

The Carolina Hurricanes kick off a three-game road trip against a Nashville Predators team showing signs of life in December. Carolina, atop the Metropolitan Division with elite metrics and strong goaltending, aims for a fifth straight win, while Nashville looks to build on recent momentum in front of the home crowd.

Game Details

Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Puck Drop: 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT)

Venue: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee

Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network South (Canes), ESPN+, streaming options

Carolina leads the East with excellent possession and defense, while Nashville sits near the bottom of the Central but has improved lately. The Hurricanes opened as solid road favorites.

Injury Report

Carolina Hurricanes:

Out: Jesperi Kotkaniemi (F – undisclosed/ankle concerns), Mike Reilly (D)

Questionable/Monitoring: Jaccob Slavin (D – lower body, practiced limited)

Depth goalie Brandon Bussi available; core like Aho, Svechnikov healthy.

Nashville Predators:

Out: Justin Barron (D – lower body), Cole Smith (F – upper/lower body), Ozzy Wiesblatt (F – upper body)

Relatively healthier core; Filip Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly, Roman Josi, Juuse Saros expected in.

Both teams dealing with depth issues, but Carolina’s absences less impactful on top lines.

Recent Team Forms

Carolina is surging with structured play and clutch wins; Nashville heating up after slow start.

Carolina Hurricanes (four-game win streak, strong December):
Dominant stretch with shootout expertise:

Recent: 3-2 SO win vs. Philadelphia Flyers (Dec 14)

Prior wins including routs and tight divisional battles.
Elite defense allowing ~2.2 GPG lately; balanced scoring and goaltending carrying them.

Nashville Predators (5-2-0 in December, +8 goal differential):
Improved offense and wins:

Dec 15: 5-2 win vs. St. Louis Blues (Filip Forsberg hat trick)

Recent: Multiple blowouts and solid performances.
Forsberg red-hot; Juuse Saros stabilizing in net.

Key Player Matchups

Sebastian Aho/Seth Jarvis/Andrei Svechnikov (CAR) vs. Roman Josi/Brady Skjei (NSH): Carolina’s dynamic top line (Aho point-per-game vs. NSH career) vs. Nashville’s blue line, including ex-Cane Skjei struggling offensively.

Filip Forsberg (NSH) vs. Hurricanes Defense (Gostisbehere/Chatfield): Forsberg’s scoring surge (hat trick recent) vs. Carolina’s shot suppression.

Ryan O’Reilly (NSH) vs. Jordan Staal (CAR): Veteran centers’ faceoff and two-way battle.

Goaltending: Pyotr Kochetkov/Brandon Bussi (CAR, strong form) vs. Juuse Saros (NSH, recent solid outings).

Series History

Carolina won the most recent meeting: 6-3 at home on Dec. 6, 2025 (Jackson Blake multi-points, Bussi in net).
All-time regular season: Roughly even (~22-22 range historically). Carolina has edge in recent years, including playoff series win (2021). Games often feature strong goaltending and mid-scoring outputs.

Betting Trends

Key Trends:

Hurricanes: Strong ATS on road; unders common with elite defense.

Predators: Improved home form in December; overs trending with offensive bursts.

Head-to-head: Recent game over (6-3); mixed totals.

Game Odds

Carolina Hurricanes                        – 180

Nashville Predators                        6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025

The Winnipeg Jets visit the struggling St. Louis Blues in a Central Division matchup at Enterprise Center. Both teams hover around .500 or below, but Winnipeg’s stronger core and goaltending give them an edge against a Blues squad hampered by significant injuries and inconsistent play.

Game Details

Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Puck Drop: 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT)

Venue: Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Missouri

Broadcast: ESPN+, Bally Sports Midwest (Blues), TSN3 (Jets regional), streaming options

Winnipeg (32 points) fights for a wildcard spot despite recent dips, while St. Louis (31 points) languishes near the bottom of the Central with defensive issues and key absences. The Jets opened as road favorites, reflecting Blues’ vulnerabilities.

Injury Report

Winnipeg Jets:

Day-to-Day: Haydn Fleury (D – concussion protocol; cleared but monitored)

Core forwards like Kyle Connor (confirmed playing despite minor soreness) and Mark Scheifele available.
Team largely healthy, with depth intact.

St. Louis Blues:

Out/IR: Dylan Holloway (LW – right ankle, out ~6 weeks)

Out/IR: Jordan Kyrou (RW – upper body, out until late December)

Out/IR: Jimmy Snuggerud (RW – wrist surgery, ~6 weeks)

Out/IR: Nick Bjugstad (C – upper body, mid-December return)

Additional depth on IR (e.g., Zach Dean).

Blues significantly depleted up front, forcing reliance on Robert Thomas, Pavel Buchnevich, and secondary options. Goaltending likely Jordan Binnington.

Recent Team Forms

Both teams enter with mediocrity, but Winnipeg shows more resilience.

Winnipeg Jets (inconsistent, ~4-5-1 last 10):
Recent overtime loss highlights close games:

Dec 15: Loss 3-2 (OT) vs. Ottawa Senators (Brady Tkachuk OT winner; Jets rallied late)

Dec 13: Mixed prior results; strong moments from Kyle Connor but defensive lapses.
Goaltending solid with Connor Hellebuyck back strong post-surgery.

St. Louis Blues (struggling, poor December form):
Defensive issues and losses mounting:

Dec 15: Recent game vs. Nashville Predators (details point to tight but inconsistent)

Dec 12: Win vs. Chicago Blackhawks (3-2, first goals from trades)
Overall allowing high shots/chances; offense quiet without Kyrou/Holloway.

Key Player Matchups

Kyle Connor (WPG) vs. Blues Defense (Parayko/Leddy): Connor’s scoring touch (confirmed in lineup) vs. depleted Blues back end lacking physicality.

Mark Scheifele/Kyle Connor line (WPG) vs. Robert Thomas (STL): Jets’ top line playmaking vs. Thomas’ two-way pivot; Blues need him to elevate without support.

Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) vs. Blues Forwards (Buchnevich/Thomas): Hellebuyck’s Vezina-level form post-return vs. St. Louis’ limited attack.

Pavel Buchnevich (STL) vs. Jets Defense (Morrissey/Pionk): Buchnevich’s skill as primary threat vs. Winnipeg’s mobile blue line.

Series History

Winnipeg has dominated recently, including a 2025 playoff series win (4-3, dramatic Game 7 OT). Regular season: Jets won most recent meetings (e.g., multiple 2025 games). All-time (including Atlanta/Winnipeg eras): Close, but Jets on a streak with stronger special teams deciding outcomes. Games often competitive but trending Jets’ way.

Betting Trends

Key Trends:

Jets: Solid ATS as road favorites; unders common with Hellebuyck.

Blues: Poor SU at home recently; struggling to cover with injuries piling goals against.

Head-to-head: Recent unders; Jets covering in wins.

Game Odds

Winnipeg Jets                   – 148

St. Louis Blues                   5.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025

The Utah Mammoth conclude a three-game Eastern road swing with a visit to the surging Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Detroit, atop the Atlantic Division with strong recent play led by Alex DeBrincat, aims for a third straight win, while Utah seeks consistency amid key absences and an up-and-down season.

Game Details

Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Puck Drop: 7:30 PM ET (5:30 PM MT)

Venue: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan

Broadcast: TNT (national), Bally Sports Detroit (Red Wings), Utah local/streaming, ESPN+

Detroit (41 points) leads the Atlantic and boasts excellent home form, while Utah (33-35 points range) fights for a Western wildcard spot. The Red Wings opened as moderate home favorites, with the total set high reflecting Detroit’s offensive surge.

Injury Report

Utah Mammoth:

Out/IR: Logan Cooley (C – lower-body, out weeks)

Out/IR: Alexander Kerfoot (C – injury)

Depth forwards impacted; increased reliance on Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz.

Significant holes in forward depth limit Utah’s scoring options.

Detroit Red Wings:

Relatively healthy; no major absences reported on top lines.

Monitoring minor day-to-day (e.g., potential lingering from recent games), but core like Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, and Moritz Seider available.
Goaltending stable with Alex Lyon or Cam Talbot expected.

Recent Team Forms

Detroit is rolling, while Utah shows flashes but lacks consistency.

Utah Mammoth (mixed on road trip, ~4-5-1 last 10):
Inconsistent results with defensive lapses:

Recent: Split road games, including a loss where Vitek Vanecek struggled (3.43 GAA in last six).

Offensive bursts from Keller but poor recent goaltending and secondary scoring.

Detroit Red Wings (6-1-2 in last nine, red-hot December):
Strong momentum with balanced attack:

Dec 16: Win vs. New York Islanders (Alex DeBrincat 2 goals in third period)

Prior: Shutout win; dominating at home.
DeBrincat heating up; power play clicking.

Key Player Matchups

Clayton Keller (UTA) vs. Moritz Seider (DET): Keller’s skill and shot volume (goal prop available) vs. Seider’s physical, shutdown defense — critical for Utah’s top line.

Dylan Larkin/Lucas Raymond (DET) vs. Utah Defense (Mikhail Sergachev/Sean Durzi): Larkin’s speed and playmaking vs. Utah’s depleted back end without Cooley/Kerfoot support.

Alex DeBrincat (DET) vs. Mammoth Back End: DeBrincat red-hot (multi-goal games) could exploit Utah’s transitions.

Goaltending: Karel Vejmelka or Vitek Vanecek (UTA, recent struggles) vs. Alex Lyon/Cam Talbot (DET) – Detroit’s edge in net.

Series History

New franchise identity, but limited meetings (former Arizona roots). Recent: Split or close games, with Detroit holding a slight edge in the brief 2025-26 series (e.g., 1-1 or competitive). Games typically mid-to-high scoring with strong special teams deciding outcomes. No blowouts; often one-goal affairs.

Betting Trends

Key Trends:

Red Wings: Excellent ATS at home; 6-1-2 SU recently; overs hitting with offensive output.

Mammoth: Struggling as road underdogs; Vanecek poor form dragging totals.

Head-to-head: Limited sample, but leaning over 6+ goals.

Game Odds

Utah Mammoth               6.5

Detroit Red Wings           – 125

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has recalled defenseman Carson Lambos from the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL) and placed defenseman Jonas Brodin on Injured Reserve.

Lambos, 22 (1/14/03), owns five points (2-3=5), 40 shots and 22 penalty minutes (PIM) in 26 games with Iowa this season. The 6-foot-1, 191-pound native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, has skated in 163 career games over three AHL seasons with Iowa, (2023-26), posting 38 points (11-27=38), 129 PIM and 215 shots.

Lambos also played in 176 career games in parts of five seasons (2018-23) with the Kootenay/Winnipeg Ice of the Western Hockey League (WHL), recording 128 points (31-97=128). He served as Winnipeg’s captain during the 2022-23 season, ranking second among team defensemen with 48 points (12-36=48), 12 goals and 36 assists in 61 games. He represented Canada White at the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and was named a tournament all-star after registering five assists in six contests. Lambos also appeared in one game for Canada at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Lambos was selected by Minnesota in the first round (No. 26 overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft and has yet to appear in an NHL game. He will wear sweater No. 71 with Minnesota.

The Los Angeles Kings visit the resurgent Florida Panthers in a cross-conference showdown at Amerant Bank Arena. Florida, coming off a strong road trip and riding hot scoring, looks to extend momentum against a Kings team dealing with key absences and recent skid.

Game Details

Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Puck Drop: 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT)

Venue: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, Florida

Broadcast: ESPN+, SportsNet LA (Kings), Bally Sports Florida (Panthers), streaming options available

The Panthers (36 points) hold a wildcard spot in the East with momentum, while the Kings (37 points) sit solidly in the Pacific but have dropped recent games. Florida opened as moderate home favorites, with the total reflecting two structured defenses.

Injury Report

Los Angeles Kings:

Out/IR: Darcy Kuemper (G – head injury, placed on IR)

Day-to-Day: Phillip Danault (C – illness/flu), Quinton Byfield (RW – illness)

Depth players healthy otherwise; goaltending falls to David Rittich or Cam Talbot.

Significant blows to center depth and forward scoring if Danault/Byfield miss.

Florida Panthers:

Day-to-Day/Questionable: Gustav Forsling (D – left arm injury from Dec 15 game vs. TBL)

Out/IR: Cole Schwindt (F – undisclosed)

Monitoring several others (up to seven per reports), but core like Barkov, Reinhart, Bobrovsky available.

Forsling’s status critical for top-pair defense; if out, increased minutes for Ekblad and others.

Recent Team Forms

Florida is surging, while Los Angeles has hit a rough patch.

Los Angeles Kings (lost last three, 3-5-2 in last 10 estimated):
Struggling offensively and defensively lately:

Dec 15: Loss 4-1 at Dallas Stars (outshot, limited chances)

Dec 13: Prior losses in tight games; power play issues noted.
Kings’ vaunted defense leaking more, goaltending questions with Kuemper out.

Florida Panthers (5-1-0 in last six, hot streak):
Dominant recently, especially offensively:

Dec 15: Win 5-2 at Tampa Bay Lightning (Reinhart 2 goals, strong special teams)

Dec 13: Win at Dallas Stars

Road trip: 3-1-0 overall success.
Sam Reinhart leading charge; Sergei Bobrovsky solid in net.

Key Player Matchups

Anze Kopitar (LAK) vs. Aleksander Barkov (FLA): Elite two-way centers. Kopitar’s playmaking vs. Barkov’s Selke-level defense and faceoff dominance.

Sam Reinhart (FLA) vs. Kings Defense (Doughty/Mikey Anderson): Reinhart red-hot (multi-goal games recently) vs. LA’s typically stout blue line, potentially weakened.

Adrian Kempe/Quinton Byfield (LAK, if plays) vs. Panthers Back End: Kings’ speed vs. Florida’s physical D (Ekblad, if Forsling out).

Goaltending: David Rittich/Cam Talbot (LAK) vs. Sergei Bobrovsky (FLA) – Bobrovsky’s experience and recent form give edge.

Series History

Earlier this season (Nov 6, 2025 at LA): Panthers won 5-2 (Bobrovsky 24 saves, multi-goal nights).
All-time: Kings lead regular season series slightly (around 25-17-3-2 per records), but Florida has won recent meetings, including 3 of last 4. Games often physical and mid-scoring.

Betting Trends

Key Trends:

Panthers: Strong at home (covering in recent wins); 5-1 SU last 6. Overs hitting with offensive surge.

Kings: Struggling ATS on road recently; unders common with strong defense but low scoring.

Head-to-head: Recent games leaning over 5.5 slightly, but with injuries, caution.

Game Odds

Los Angeles Kings            5.5

Florida Panthers               – 142

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 16, 2025