The Columbus Blue Jackets host the Anaheim Ducks at Nationwide Arena in an inter-conference matchup featuring a surging Pacific Division contender against an Atlantic team fighting for consistency. Anaheim (20-12-1, 41 points) arrives as one of the league’s hottest clubs, riding elite young talent and strong goaltending to a top-3 spot in the West. Columbus (13-13-6, 32 points) sits near the wildcard cut line, powered by Johnny Gaudreau’s playmaking and Zach Werenski’s offensive defense, but defensive inconsistencies and road-heavy scheduling have limited momentum. This Tuesday clash pits Anaheim’s balanced attack and transition speed against Columbus’ physical forecheck and home-ice grit—special teams and goaltending will likely decide a game with potential for high-event chaos.

Venue

Location: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH (18,500-capacity downtown arena known for its cannon celebrations, loud “CBJ” chants, and passionate Ohio hockey fans; a tough building for visitors)

Puckdrop: 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT)

Broadcast: Bally Sports Ohio (Columbus local); Bally Sports SoCal/Victory+ (Anaheim); streaming on ESPN+; radio on 97.1 The Fan (Columbus) and KLAA 830 (Anaheim)

Nationwide Arena’s cannon blasts and pre-game energy set the stage for Anaheim’s lone regular-season visit to Columbus.

Team Records

Anaheim boasts a clear standings edge, ranking top-8 in goals against and power-play efficiency, while Columbus relies on home scoring but struggles with the league’s bottom-12 penalty kill.

Ducks rank No. 6 in road goals; Jackets No. 15 in home shots generated.

Recent Team Forms

Anaheim is scorching with a 7-2-1 mark in their last 10, including a 5-2 rout of Calgary—Troy Terry (8 points in last 5) and Leo Carlsson drive the offense, while Lukas Dostal has posted .920 SV% in December. Road form: 5-1-0 in last 6 away, averaging 3.8 goals.Columbus is even at 4-4-2 over their last 10, stealing points in a 4-3 OT win against Pittsburgh last outing. Gaudreau (6 points last 4) keeps them competitive, but home defense has leaked (3.5 GA in last 5 at Nationwide). Elvis Merzlikins has stabilized (.908 SV% recently).

Injury Report

Columbus deals with key forward absences; Anaheim relatively healthy up front. Updates as of December 16 morning skate.

Anaheim’s core (Carlsson, Terry, Vatrano) healthy; Columbus leans on Gaudreau/Marchenko/Fantilli line.

Key Player Matchups

Young stars and physical battles define this one.

Leo Carlsson (Ducks C, 15 G, 35 PTS) vs. Adam Fantilli (Jackets C): Sophomore sensations clash—Carlsson’s vision (7 points last 5) vs. Fantilli’s speed. Edge: Ducks.

Troy Terry (Ducks RW, 18 G) vs. Zach Werenski (Jackets D): Terry’s shot (6 points last 4) tests Werenski’s offensive gaps; Columbus allows 31 shots/game. Edge: Ducks.

Lukas Dostal (Ducks G, .915 SV%) vs. Elvis Merzlikins (Jackets G, .905 SV%): Dostal’s road form (.920 SV% away) vs. Merzlikins’ home bounce-back (.912 in last 5 at Nationwide). Edge: Ducks.

Mason McTavish (Ducks C) vs. Jackets PK: McTavish’s net-front (7 PPG) exploits Columbus’ 76.4% kill. Edge: Ducks.

Johnny Gaudreau (Jackets LW) vs. Ducks Bottom Pair: Gaudreau’s playmaking could spark if Anaheim turns over.

Special teams: Ducks’ 23.8% PP vs. Jackets’ bottom-12 PK favors visitors; Columbus’ physicality threatens shorthanded.

Series History

Inter-conference foes meet infrequently (Ducks lead all-time 28-22-6). This season’s prior game:

Nov. 12, 2025: Anaheim 4-2 win @ Anaheim

Columbus competitive at home (5-5 last 10 in Nationwide vs. Ducks). Trends: Overs in 7 of last 10 meetings (avg. 6.7 goals); multi-goal decisions in 6 of last 8.

Betting Trends

Trends: Ducks 7-3 ATS last 10 as favorites; Jackets 5-5 ATS at home. Overs 6-4 in Ducks’ last 10 road; 5-5 in inter-conference.

Historical: Road favorites 6-4 SU in last 10 series meetings.

Game Odds

Anaheim Ducks                                 6.5

Columbus Blue Jackets                  – 142

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 15, 2025

The New York Rangers host the struggling Vancouver Canucks at Madison Square Garden in an inter-conference matchup that pits a playoff-contending Original Six franchise against a Pacific Division team searching for consistency. New York (16-14-4, 36 points) has steadied after an uneven start, leaning on Artemi Panarin’s elite production and Igor Shesterkin’s Vezina-caliber goaltending to stay in the Metropolitan Division wildcard race. Vancouver (12-17-3, 27 points) arrives mired in a slump, hampered by injuries and defensive breakdowns despite flashes from Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson. This Tuesday clash contrasts the Rangers’ structured forecheck and power play with Vancouver’s speed and transition potential—expect New York’s home-ice edge and superior depth to shine in a building famous for its bright lights and passionate crowd.

Venue

Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY (18,006-capacity iconic arena known as “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” with its championship banners, steep seating, and electric “Potvin sucks” chants; a true hockey mecca)

Puckdrop: 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT)

Broadcast: MSG Network (Rangers local); Sportsnet Pacific (Canucks); streaming on ESPN+ and MSG GO; radio on ESPN 98.7 (New York) and Sportsnet 650 (Vancouver)

MSG’s holiday decorations and pre-game hype reel set the tone for Vancouver’s only regular-season visit to New York this year.

Team Records

The Rangers hold a clear standings advantage, ranking top-12 in power-play efficiency while Vancouver struggles with the league’s bottom-10 penalty kill and road defense.

Rangers rank No. 10 in goals scored at home; Canucks No. 28 in road goals against.

Recent Team Forms

New York has found rhythm with a 6-3-1 stretch, capped by a 4-1 win over New Jersey—Panarin (9 points in last 6) and Mika Zibanejad drive the offense, while Shesterkin has posted .925 SV% in December. Home form: 5-2-0 in last 7, averaging 3.7 goals.Vancouver is slumping at 3-6-1 in their last 10, dropping a 5-2 decision to Seattle last outing despite Pettersson’s goal. Road woes persist (2-5-1 last 8 away), leaking 4.0 GA, though Thatcher Demko has shown flashes (.910 SV% recently).

Injury Report

Vancouver faces significant forward absences; Rangers relatively healthy on defense. Updates as of December 16 morning skate.

Rangers’ big guns (Panarin, Zibanejad, Kreider) healthy; Vancouver relies heavily on Hughes/Pettersson/Miller line.

Key Player Matchups

Elite skill vs. defensive structure highlights this one.

Artemi Panarin (Rangers LW, 20 G, 45 PTS) vs. Quinn Hughes (Canucks D): Panarin’s wizardry (10 points last 7) tests Hughes’ mobility; Vancouver allows 32 shots/game. Edge: Rangers.

Elias Pettersson (Canucks C, 12 G, 32 PTS) vs. Mika Zibanejad (Rangers C): Pettersson’s shot (5 points last 4) vs. Zibanejad’s two-way play; Rangers win 54% faceoffs. Edge: Even.

Igor Shesterkin (Rangers G, .918 SV%) vs. Thatcher Demko (Canucks G, .902 SV%): Shesterkin’s home dominance (.925 SV%) vs. Demko’s road struggles (3.50 GAA away). Edge: Rangers.

Chris Kreider (Rangers LW, 15 G) vs. Canucks PK: Kreider’s net-front presence (8 PPG) exploits Vancouver’s 75.6% kill. Edge: Rangers.

J.T. Miller (Canucks C) vs. Rangers Bottom Pair: Miller’s physicality could generate if New York turns over.

Special teams: Rangers’ 24.5% PP feasts on Canucks’ bottom-10 PK; Vancouver’s speed threatens shorthanded.

Series History

Rangers and Canucks meet infrequently as non-conference foes (Rangers lead all-time 68-52-18). This season’s prior game:

Oct. 22, 2025: New York 5-3 win @ Vancouver

Rangers strong at home (7-3 last 10 in MSG vs. Canucks). Trends: Overs in 6 of last 10 meetings (avg. 6.5 goals); multi-goal decisions common.

Betting Trends:

Trends: Rangers 6-4 ATS last 10 as -150+ favorites; Canucks 4-6 ATS on road. Overs 5-5 in Rangers’ last 10 home; 6-4 in inter-conference.

Historical: Favorites 8-2 SU in last 10 series meetings.

Game Odds

Vancouver Canucks         5.5

New York Rangers           – 120

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 15, 2025

The Detroit Red Wings host the New York Islanders at Little Caesars Arena in an inter-conference matchup featuring two teams battling for Eastern Conference playoff positioning. Detroit (18-12-3, 39 points) has found momentum with strong home play and contributions from veterans like Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane (when healthy), while leaning on recent goaltending stability. New York (19-11-3, 41 points) arrives with a strong December surge, powered by Ilya Sorokin’s elite netminding and balanced scoring, but key forward injuries could test depth on the road. This clash pits Detroit’s transition speed and physicality against the Islanders’ structured defense and opportunistic counters—expect a competitive, low-scoring affair with goaltending and special teams in the spotlight.

Venue

Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI (19,515-capacity modern venue known for its steep seating, octopus traditions, and vibrant “Hockeytown” atmosphere; one of the league’s premier home-ice advantages)

Puckdrop: 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT)

Broadcast: Bally Sports Detroit (local); MSGSN (Islanders); streaming on ESPN+; radio on WXYT 97.1 (Detroit) and WRHU 88.7 (Islanders)

Little Caesars Arena’s red lighting and pre-game hype video set the stage for the Islanders’ visit, part of a busy Tuesday NHL slate.

Team Records

The Islanders hold a slight edge in points and wins, ranking top-10 in goals against, while Detroit excels in home scoring (3.4 GF/game at LCA).

Islanders strong in December (6-0-1 stretch noted); Red Wings hot with recent shutouts.

Recent Team Forms

The Islanders are rolling with a strong December (undefeated in regulation in some stretches), highlighted by shutouts and comeback wins—Ilya Sorokin has been stellar, and Anders Lee has provided timely scoring. Road form solid, but injuries to key forwards like Bo Horvat test depth.Detroit has won recent games convincingly, including shutouts and multi-goal performances from DeBrincat; John Gibson’s acquisition has stabilized the crease. Home form strong (wins in last several), averaging high shot volumes.

Injury Report

Both teams dealing with significant absences, particularly up front for Islanders and on wings for Wings.

Cores like Barzal (Islanders) and Larkin/DeBrincat (Wings) healthy.

Key Player Matchups

Mathew Barzal (Islanders C) vs. Dylan Larkin (Red Wings C): Playmakers clash; Barzal’s vision vs. Larkin’s speed. Edge: Push.

Brock Nelson/Anders Lee (Islanders) vs. Moritz Seider (Red Wings D): Islanders’ scoring vs. Seider’s physical defense. Edge: Red Wings home.

Ilya Sorokin (Islanders G) vs. John Gibson/Cam Talbot (Red Wings G): Elite vs. hot; Sorokin’s shutouts vs. Gibson’s recent form. Edge: Islanders.

Alex DeBrincat (Red Wings RW) vs. Islanders Defense: DeBrincat’s multi-point games test road PK.

Special teams could decide: Both PPs around 23%.

Series History

Islanders have won recent meetings, including earlier this season (e.g., 5-0 or similar). Detroit strong at home historically vs. NYI, but Islanders on streak. Unders common in recent (low-scoring trends).

Game Odds

New York Islanders         6

Detroit Red Wings           – 128

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 15, 2025

The Montreal Canadiens host the Philadelphia Flyers at the Bell Centre in a classic inter-conference matchup between two proud franchises trending in opposite directions. Montreal (17-11-4, 38 points) has surged into Eastern Conference wildcard contention, riding Nick Suzuki’s elite two-way play and a resurgent power play while benefiting from strong home-ice performance. Philadelphia (16-9-6, 38 points) remains competitive in the Metropolitan Division despite inconsistency, fueled by Travis Konecny’s scoring touch and Matvei Michkov’s rookie flash, but road struggles and defensive lapses have cost points. This Tuesday clash contrasts Montreal’s structured forecheck and speed with Philly’s physicality and opportunistic counterattacks—special teams and goaltending will be decisive in a building renowned for its passionate, high-volume crowd.

Venue

Location: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC (21,105-capacity historic arena known for its steep seating, championship banners—24 Cups—and electric “Olé, Olé” chants; a true hockey cathedral)

Puckdrop: 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT)

Broadcast: Sportsnet East/RDS (Montreal local); NBC Sports Philadelphia; streaming on ESPN+ and SN Now; radio on TSN 690 (Montreal) and 97.5 The Fanatic (Philadelphia)

The Bell Centre’s holiday decorations and pre-game light show outside create a festive vibe for Philadelphia’s only regular-season visit to Montreal this year.

Team Records

Both teams sit tied at 38 points, but Montreal’s superior regulation wins give them the tiebreaker edge. The Canadiens rank top-10 in power-play efficiency; Philly excels in hits (No. 4 league-wide) but struggles on the penalty kill.

Montreal ranks No. 9 in goals scored; Philly No. 11 in shots per game (31.5).

Recent Team Forms

Montreal has caught fire with a 6-3-1 mark in their last 10, including a 4-2 win over Columbus—Cole Caufield (7 goals in December) and Suzuki drive the offense, while Samuel Montembeault’s .918 SV% stabilizes the crease. Home form: 5-1-1 in last 7, averaging 3.8 goals.Philadelphia is 5-4-1 over their last 10, rebounding from a mini-slump with a 3-2 OT victory against Carolina. Konecny (8 points last 6) and Michkov keep them dangerous, but road defense leaks (3.4 GA in last 5 away). Carter Hart has been solid (.910 SV% recently).

Injury Report

Montreal deals with forward depth issues; Philly relatively healthy on the blue line. Updates as of December 16 morning skate.

Montreal’s big three (Suzuki, Caufield, Cole) healthy; Philly leans on Konecny/Michkov/Frost line.

Key Player Matchups

Forward stars and physical battles highlight this one.

Nick Suzuki (Canadiens C, 16 G, 40 PTS) vs. Sean Couturier (Flyers C): Suzuki’s two-way dominance (8 points last 5) vs. Couturier’s shutdown role; Suzuki wins 55% faceoffs. Edge: Canadiens.

Cole Caufield (Canadiens RW, 20 G) vs. Travis Sanheim (Flyers D): Caufield’s one-timer (9 PPG) exploits Philly’s 77.3% PK; Sanheim must contain edges. Edge: Canadiens.

Travis Konecny (Flyers RW, 18 G) vs. Mike Matheson (Canadiens D): Konecny’s speed (6 points last 4) tests Matheson’s gaps; Montreal allows 30 shots/game. Edge: Even.

Samuel Montembeault (Canadiens G, .915 SV%) vs. Carter Hart (Flyers G, .908 SV%): Montembeault’s home dominance (.922 SV%) vs. Hart’s road consistency (.912 in last 5 away). Edge: Canadiens.

Matvei Michkov (Flyers rookie) vs. Canadiens Bottom Pair: Michkov’s vision could generate chaos if Montreal turns over.

Special teams: Montreal’s 25.2% PP feasts on Philly’s 22nd-ranked PK; Flyers’ physicality threatens shorthanded.

Series History

Longtime rivals meet for the 198th time (Montreal leads all-time 104-68-25). This season’s prior game:

Nov. 8, 2025: Philadelphia 3-2 win @ Philadelphia

Montreal strong at home (6-4 last 10 in Bell Centre vs. Flyers). Trends: Overs in 6 of last 10 meetings (avg. 6.4 goals); one-goal decisions in 4 of last 6.

Betting Trends

Trends: Canadiens 6-4 ATS last 10 as favorites; Flyers 5-5 ATS on road. Overs 6-4 in Montreal’s last 10 home; 5-5 in inter-conference.

Historical: Home teams 7-3 ATS in last 10 series games.

Game Odds

Philadelphia Flyers         5.5

Montreal Canadiens       – 120

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 15, 2025

An Original Six rivalry renews at Scotiabank Arena as the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Chicago Blackhawks in a Tuesday night inter-conference clash. Toronto (14-12-5, 33 points) clings to wildcard contention in the Atlantic, fueled by elite skill up front but undermined by defensive inconsistencies and goaltending questions. Chicago (13-13-9, 35 points) has exceeded expectations with a near-.500 mark, driven by Connor Bedard’s brilliance and opportunistic scoring, though road woes and depth scoring remain hurdles. This matchup pits Toronto’s high-powered offense (top-10 goals per game) against Chicago’s resilient transition play—special teams and star performances will likely dictate the result in a building notorious for its passionate, pressure-cooker atmosphere.

Venue

Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON (19,800-capacity iconic venue in downtown Toronto, famous for its steep bowl, “Leafs Nation” banners, and deafening goal horns; a fortress for Original Six games)

Puckdrop: 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT)

Broadcast: Sportsnet/TVA Sports (Toronto); NBC Sports Chicago; streaming on ESPN+ and SN Now; radio on TSN 1050 (Toronto) and WGN 720 (Chicago)

Scotiabank’s holiday decorations and pre-game fan zone on Bremner Blvd add festive energy for Chicago’s lone regular-season visit to Toronto this year.

Team Records

Chicago edges Toronto in points despite more overtime losses, ranking mid-pack in shots generated but bottom-third in goals against. Toronto excels offensively but struggles to close games (5 OT/SO losses at home).

Toronto ranks No. 8 in power-play goals; Chicago No. 14 in even-strength scoring.

Recent Team Forms

Toronto has found rhythm with a 5-4-1 stretch, including a 5-4 shootout thriller over Tampa—Auston Matthews (9 points in last 6) and William Nylander drive the attack, but Anthony Stolarz’s .895 SV% in December exposes vulnerabilities. Home form: 4-2-1 in last 7, averaging 3.7 goals.Chicago holds steady at 4-4-2 in their last 10, stealing points in overtime despite a 4-1 loss to Dallas last outing. Bedard’s playmaking (7 points in last 5) keeps them afloat, but road defense falters (3.8 GA in last 6 away). Petr Mrazek has stabilized the crease (.912 SV% recently).

Analytics models give Toronto a 60% win probability (MoneyPuck), projecting a median total of 6.1 goals.

Injury Report

Toronto’s blue line takes hits; Chicago monitors forward depth. Latest as of December 16 morning skate (per team notes/NHL.com).

Toronto’s big four (Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Tavares) healthy; Chicago relies heavily on Bedard/Reichel.

Key Player Matchups

Star forwards dominate the spotlight, with goaltending and physicality secondary factors.

Auston Matthews (Leafs C, 18 G, 38 PTS) vs. Connor Bedard (Hawks C, 12 G, 35 PTS): Generational talents collide—Matthews’ shot volume (4.2 SOG/game) vs. Bedard’s vision (68% zone entries). Home ice favors Matthews. Edge: Leafs.

William Nylander (Leafs RW, 16 G) vs. Alex Vlasic (Hawks D): Nylander’s speed (6 points last 4) exploits gaps; Vlasic’s reach (115 hits) disrupts. Edge: Leafs.

Mitch Marner (Leafs RW, 42 PTS) vs. Chicago Secondary Scoring: Marner’s playmaking draws Chicago’s PK (76.9%); Hawks struggle containing top lines. Edge: Leafs.

Petr Mrazek (Hawks G, .908 SV%) vs. Anthony Stolarz (Leafs G, .902 SV%): Mrazek’s road rebound (.918 in last 4 away) vs. Stolarz’s home struggles (3.20 GAA). Edge: Push.

Ryan Donato (Hawks F) vs. Leafs Bottom Pair: Donato’s forecheck could generate chaos if Toronto turns over.

Special teams: Toronto’s 24.8% PP feasts on Chicago’s 23rd-ranked PK; Hawks’ speed threatens shorthanded.

Series History

Historic rivals meet for the 679th time (Toronto leads all-time 343-258-77). This season’s lone prior game:

Oct. 28, 2025: Chicago 4-3 OT win @ Chicago (Bedard GWG)

Toronto dominates at home (7-3 last 10 in Scotiabank vs. Hawks). Trends: Overs in 8 of last 10 meetings (avg. 6.9 goals); one-goal games in 5 of last 7.

Betting Trends

Trends: Leafs 4-6 ATS last 10 as -150+ favorites; Hawks 7-3 ATS as road dogs. Overs 7-3 in Toronto’s last 10 home games; 6-4 in Original Six inter-conference.

Historical: Favorites 8-2 SU in last 10 series meetings.

Game Odds

Chicago Blackhawks                       5.5

Toronto Maple Leafs                      – 200

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 15, 2025

The Boston Bruins host the Utah Mammoth in a cross-conference clash at the historic TD Garden, pitting Original Six tradition against the league’s newest franchise in its second season. Boston (19-14-0, 38 points) sits solidly in the Atlantic Division wildcard hunt, riding elite goaltending and David Pastrnak’s scoring prowess despite injury setbacks. Utah (16-15-3, 35 points) fights for a Pacific playoff spot, leaning on Clayton Keller’s playmaking and a balanced attack but hampered by key absences up front. This inter-conference tilt features contrasting styles: Boston’s structured defense and power play vs. Utah’s speed and transition game. With both teams trending up, expect a tight, physical affair in front of a raucous Boston crowd.

Venue

Location: TD Garden, Boston, MA (17,565-capacity arena known for its steep seating, championship banners, and electric atmosphere—site of 17 Stanley Cup clinchers)

Puckdrop: 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT)

Broadcast: NESN (Boston local); Utah broadcast on The Spot/Utah 16; streaming on ESPN+; national radio on SiriusXM NHL Network

TD Garden’s holiday decorations and pre-game light show set the stage for this non-divisional matchup, with Utah making its second visit to Boston since relocation.

Team Records

Boston holds a slight edge in standings points, boasting the league’s No. 8 penalty kill (84.2%), while Utah ranks top-10 in goals per game (3.15) but struggles on the road (7-8-2).

Boston ranks No. 12 in goals allowed; Utah No. 15 in shots per game (30.8).

Recent Team Forms

The Bruins have surged with a 6-4-0 mark in their last 10, capped by a 4-2 win over Winnipeg despite injuries—Jeremy Swayman stole the show with 32 saves, and the forecheck generated 15 high-danger chances. Their form screams resilience: 4-1-0 in December, averaging 3.4 goals while allowing 2.2. Weakness? Power play dipped to 18% recently.Utah sits at .500 over their last 10 (5-4-1), rebounding from a three-game skid with back-to-back wins, including a 5-3 victory over Vancouver. Clayton Keller (4 points in last 3) drives the offense, but road defense leaks (3.8 GA in last 5 away). Strength: Transition goals (12 in last 8 games).

Head-to-head models project Boston 58% win probability (MoneyPuck), with a median total of 5.8 goals.

Injury Report

Both teams battle absences, with Utah hit hardest in forward depth. Updates as of December 15 evening practice (per team reports and NHL.com).

Boston’s core (Pastrnak, Marchand) is healthy; Utah leans heavier on Keller and Guenther.

Key Player Matchups

This game hinges on star power and special teams: Boston’s top line vs. Utah’s depleted forwards, and goaltending duels.

David Pastrnak (Bruins, 22 G, 48 PTS) vs. Utah Defense (No. 22 PK) — Pasta’s one-timer (8 PPG) exploits Utah’s 79.5% kill; he’s 6 points in last 4. Utah’s Sean Durzi (pairing) must contain edges. Edge: Bruins.

Clayton Keller (Mammoth, 15 G, 38 PTS) vs. Boston Top Pair (McAvoy-Lindholm) — Keller’s speed (5 points last 3) tests Boston’s transition D; McAvoy’s 24:30 TOI shuts down entries. Edge: Even.

Jeremy Swayman (Bruins G, .912 SV%, 2.45 GAA) vs. Karel Vejmelka (Mammoth G, .905 SV%) — Swayman’s home dominance (.920 SV%) vs. Vejmelka’s road struggles (3.40 GAA away). Edge: Bruins.

Brad Marchand (Bruins captain, 14 G) vs. Mikhail Sergachev (Mammoth D) — Marchand’s pest factor draws penalties; Sergachev’s physicality (120 hits) counters. Edge: Bruins.

Nick Cousins (Mammoth agitator) vs. Bruins Bottom-6 — Cousins’ grit could spark Utah if physicality escalates.

Power play: Boston 22.1% vs. Utah’s middling PK; Utah’s speed favors even-strength.

Series History

This marks the fourth all-time meeting (Utah leads 2-1-0 since 2024-25 relocation). Recent:

Oct. 19, 2025: Utah 3-2 (OT) @ Utah

Nov. 21, 2024: Boston 1-0 @ Boston (Swayman shutout)

Earlier 2024: Utah win

Trends: Unders hit in all three (avg. 4.3 goals); Boston 1-1 at home vs. Utah. No overtime in Boston meetings.

Betting Trends

Trends: Bruins 6-4 ATS last 10 as favorites; Utah 5-5 ATS on road. Unders 7-3 in Boston’s last 10; 6-4 in Utah’s inter-conference.

Historical: Home teams 6-4 ATS in December inter-conference.

Game Odds

Utah Mammoth               6.5

Boston Bruins                    – 110

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 15, 2025

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have reassigned goaltender Brandon Halverson and forward Scott Sabourin to the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League, Vice President and General Manager Julien BriseBois announced today. 

Halverson, 29, has played in 13 games with Syracuse this season, logging a 9-4-0 record with a .901 save percentage, 2.58 goals-against average and two shutouts. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound netminder has collected wins in each of his last four AHL contests, including a 37-save performance in his last start, a 5-3 win November 29 versus Utica. 

An AHL All-Star in 2024-25, Halverson has played in 122 career AHL games between the Crunch, Tucson Roadrunners and Hartford Wolf Pack, registering a 56-47-15 record with a .901 save percentage, 2.75 GAA, eight shutouts and two assists. He recorded his first career NHL start with the Lightning last season, a 6-4 loss March 22 at Utah.  

A native of Traverse City, Michigan, Halverson was originally drafted by the New York Rangers in the second round, 59^th overall, of the 2014 NHL Draft. He signed a two-year AHL contract with Syracuse on November 28, 2023 before inking a two-year, two-way contract with Tampa Bay on February 3, 2025. 

Sabourin, 33, has played in seven games with the Bolts this season, recording one goal and three points with 32 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound forward has skated in 54 career NHL games between the Lightning, San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs, registering three goals and 11 points with 90 penalty minutes.

A native of Orleans, Ontario, Sabourin has played in 17 games with Syracuse this season, logging four goals and six points with 22 penalty minutes and two game-winning goals. He has appeared in 549 career AHL games between the Crunch, San Jose Barracuda, Belleville Senators, Toronto Marlies, Stockton Heat, San Diego Gulls, Iowa Wild, Ontario Reign and Manchester Monarchs, recording 92 goals and 187 points with 1,245 penalty minutes. 

Sabourin was originally undrafted before being signed to a three-year, entry-level contract by the Los Angeles Kings on October 7, 2013. He signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent on July 13, 2025.

December 16, 2025

* Filip Forsberg scored his 11th career hat trick and climbed multiple Swedish lists as the Predators earned their fifth win of December – tied for the second most across the NHL.

* Cutter Gauthier, Sam Reinhart and Tim Stützle were among the players with multi-point outings Monday, with Stützle’s performance helping Ottawa secure the 36th instance this season of a game-tying goal in the final two minutes of regulation – the most at this stage of a campaign in NHL history.

* Tuesday’s 10-game slate includes the 16th all-time meeting between Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid in a national broadcast across the U.S. on TNT and in Canada on Sportsnet, the first of two head-to-heads before the pair become Team Canada teammates for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

FORSBERG, JOSI LEAD NASHVILLE TO VICTORY

Filip Forsberg scored his 11th career hat trick and Roman Josi collected two assists to lead the Predators to their fifth win of December – tied for the second-most victories among all clubs behind only the Islanders (6). Nashville has won five of its past seven games after entering the month having won eight of its previous 25.

* Forsberg recorded Nashville’s second hat trick in three games, after Steven Stamkos scored four on Dec. 11 – their three hat tricks this season is tied for the most among all teams (also CHI & UTA). Forsberg, who already led the Predators in three-goal performances and multi-goal outings, tied Markus Naslund (11) for the second-most hat tricks by a Swedish player behind Kent Nilsson (14).  

* Josi passed Borje Salming (176) for the fifth-most multi-point games by a defenseman born outside of North America in NHL history. The list is topped by Nicklas Lidstrom (264), Erik Karlsson (214), Victor Hedman (188) and Sergei Gonchar (178).

MORE MULTI-POINT PERFORMANCES MONDAY: GAUTHIER, REINHART, STÜTZLE

Anaheim’s Cutter Gauthier (2-0—2), Florida’s Sam Reinhart (2-0—2)and Ottawa’s Tim Stützle (0-3—3) each propelled their clubs to victory with multi-point performances Monday.

* Gauthier moved into his team-lead in goals after scoring his 17th and 18th of the season to help the Ducks become the first team in the Pacific Division to reach 20 wins. Anaheim required the fifth-fewest games in franchise history to 20 wins in a campaign (33 GP), trailing 2012-13 (26 GP), 2006-07 (28 GP), 2014-15 (31 GP) and 2013-14 (32 GP). Gauthier recorded his seventh career multi-goal outing, which is the fourth most by a Ducks player age 21 or younger behind Paul Kariya (13), Leo Carlsson (8) and Mason McTavish (8).

* Reinhart scored two of his team’s five goals as the Panthers earned their first win in the “Battle of Florida” this season. Reinhart, who has scored multiple times in three of his past six outing against the Lightning did so by finding the back of the net on the power play and shorthanded. His four career outings with both a power-play and shorthanded goal are already the most in franchise history and tied Sebastian Aho, Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad for the most among active players.

* Stützle collected three assists in his 399th career game, including the primary helper on Jake Sanderson’s game-tying goal with 1:54 remaining in regulation and on Brady Tkachuk’s overtime winner. Stützle, who has factored on each of Ottawa’s past five goals, extended his multi-point streak to four games and moved within one contest of the longest such stretch in franchise history (last: Jason Spezza in 2011-12). Only one player in Senators history has collected more assists prior to their 400th career game than Stützle (229) – Spezza (268).

RANTANEN HITS 30 ASSISTS IN #NHLSTATS: LIVE UPDATES

Mikko Rantanen collected 1-1—2 to reach 30 assists on the season and help the Stars (22-7-5, 49 points) move within four points of the League-leading Avalanche (23-2-7, 53 points). Notes on Rantanen, who became the fastest player in Stars/North Stars history to 30 assists since Kent Nilsson in 1986-87, as well as every other team in action Monday can be found in themost-recent edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates.

QUICK CLICKS

* Thursday’s VGK-PHI game on ESPN delivered double-digit increases
* Connor McDavid, John Gibson and Joel Eriksson Ek named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week
* Tristan Jarry ready for ‘very weird’ homecoming in Pittsburgh with Oilers

* Jarmo Kekalainen named Sabres general manager, replaces Kevyn Adams

* Angela James’ Hall of Fame career celebrated at Player Inclusion Coalition girls hockey clinic

16TH ALL-TIME MEETING BETWEEN CROSBY, McDAVID ON TNT, SPORTSNET
Tuesday’s 10-game slate includes a TNT doubleheader in the U.S. that opens with the 16th all-time meeting between Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid – a contest also available on Sportsnet in Canada.

* The Team Canada teammates, who won a championship together at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February (with McDavid scoring the winning goal in overtime), were both named among Canada’s first six players for Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

* McDavid has averaged 2.00 points per game across his first 15 meetings against Crosby (9-21—30 in 15 GP) with an 8-4-3 record in those contests. Crosby has countered with 10 points in those contests (4-6—10 in 15 GP) with a 7-7-1 record.

ALL ORIGINAL SIX CLUBS TAKE TO THE ICE ON 10-GAME TUESDAY

Each of the NHL’s Original Six clubs will partake in a 10-game Tuesday, including a head-to-head meeting between the Blackhawks (13-13-6, 32 points) and Maple Leafs (14-12-5, 33 points) as Auston Matthews (414) continues his pursuit of Mats Sundin (420) for the franchise’s all-time goals record. 

* The Maple Leafs – whose all-time goals leader has already changed twice (from Dave Keon to Darryl Sittler, then Sittler toSundin) since the last time another Original Six goals leader changed – Rangers and Bruins are the only Original Six clubs to have a change to their all-time goals leader in the NHL expansion’s era (since 1967-68).

* Matthews is set to become the 15th player to hold an Original Six franchise record for career goals (outright or tied) during the NHL’s expansion era (since 1967-68). He will join Mats Sundin (TOR), Darryl Sittler (TOR), Dave Keon (TOR), George Armstrong (TOR), Frank Mahovlich (TOR), Rod Gilbert (NYR), Jean Ratelle (NYR), Andy Bathgate (NYR), Johnny Bucyk (BOS), Dit Clapper (BOS), Milt Schmidt (BOS), Bobby Hull (CHI), Gordie Howe (DET) and Maurice Richard (MTL).

* Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat has scored multiple goals in two of his past three games and boosted his 2025-26 totals to 18-19—37 (in 33 GP). With another multi-goal outing against Matthew Schaefer on Tuesday, DeBrincat can become the ninth player in franchise history to begin his tenure with three consecutive 20-goal seasons and first since Brendan Shanahan (9 from 1996-97 – 2005-06).

* Spencer Knight backstopped the Blackhawks past the Maple Leafs in their first meeting of the season (Nov. 15). Should the 24-year-old get the nod on Tuesday, he can become just the fifth Chicago netminder in 30 years with multiple wins against Toronto in a single season. Ed Belfour (5 in 1995-96), Jocelyn Thibault (3 in 1999-00), Arvid Soderblom (2 in 2023-24) and Scott Darling (2 in 2015-16) are the only ones to do so to date.

* Ivan Demidov leads all rookies with 18 assists this season and sits two shy of 20 in his career (8-19—27 in 34 GP). He can become the fourth rookie in Canadiens history to reach 20 career assists in 35 or fewer games and would join Lane Hutson (29 GP), Kjell Dahlin (33 GP) and Mats Naslund (33 GP).

* David Pastrnak, who sits four goals shy of tying Patrik Elias (408 in 1,240 GP) for the second most by a Czechia player in NHL history, can also climb a Bruins all-time list when Boston welcomes Utah to TD Garden. Pastrnak needs one power-play goal to tie franchise icon and current president and alternate governor, Cam Neely (129), for fifth place on the club’s all-time list.