@
Tampa Bay Lightning (14-7-2) @ New York Rangers (12-11-2)
2:00 PM ET
Madison Square Garden
TBL -196
NYR +162
O/U 6.5
The early Saturday matinee at MSG brings two Original Six rivals together, and Tampa Bay enters as heavy road favorites despite New York's home ice advantage. The Lightning have been one of the league's most consistent teams this season with their 14-7-2 record placing them firmly in the playoff picture. Tampa's been getting elite goaltending from Andrei Vasilevskiy, who's posted a .921 save percentage with three shutouts in November alone.
Rangers Struggling for Consistency
The Rangers at 12-11-2 have been inconsistent all season long, struggling to find their identity under Peter Laviolette. Igor Shesterkin has been solid but not spectacular, and the offense has been streaky at best. Artemi Panarin leads the team with 28 points but has gone cold over the last week. The Rangers' power play has dropped to 18th in the league at 18.5%, which is unacceptable for a team with this much offensive talent. Chris Kreider has just eight goals through 25 games after potting 39 last season.
Lightning Depth Too Much
Tampa brings four lines that can score and a defensive structure that's allowed the seventh-fewest goals in the league. Nikita Kucherov has 32 points in 23 games and continues to be one of the NHL's elite playmakers. Victor Hedman is quarterbacking a power play that's clicking at 24.1%, third best in the league. The Lightning have won four of their last five and are 6-3-1 on the road. At -196, the juice is heavy, but Tampa's been worth laying it on this season when they're favored by this much.
@
Montreal Canadiens (10-13-2) @ Colorado Avalanche (18-8-1)
3:00 PM ET
Ball Arena
COL -245
O/U 6.5
Montreal travels to Denver where the thin air and the Avalanche's high-powered offense create a nightmare matchup for struggling teams. The Canadiens are 10-13-2 and have been getting destroyed on the road, going just 3-8-1 away from the Bell Centre. Sam Montembeault has been decent in net with a .907 save percentage, but he's going to face an absolute barrage in this one.
Avalanche Rolling at Home
Colorado is 11-2-0 at Ball Arena and averaging 3.8 goals per game on home ice. Nathan MacKinnon is having another MVP-caliber season with 39 points in 27 games, and Cale Makar has been elite on both ends with 31 points and a plus-16 rating. The Avalanche power play is lethal at 26.3%, second in the NHL, and Montreal's penalty kill is struggling at just 76.4%. Expect Colorado to get multiple power play opportunities and cash in.
Montreal's Youth Movement
The Canadiens are playing a lot of young talent as they continue their rebuild. Lane Hutson has been impressive as a rookie defenseman with 14 points, and Nick Suzuki leads the team with 24 points. But this is a massive step up in competition, and Montreal has been outscored 37-22 on the road. The -245 line is expensive, but Colorado should dominate puck possession and create high-danger chances all game long. This is a spot where the Avalanche can cruise to a comfortable win.
@
Edmonton Oilers (15-9-1) @ Seattle Kraken (11-12-2)
4:00 PM ET
Climate Pledge Arena
EDM -165
O/U 6.0
The Oilers head to Seattle looking to continue their strong play after a slow start to the season. Edmonton has won seven of their last nine games and is finally starting to look like the team that made the Stanley Cup Final last year. Connor McDavid has 34 points in 25 games and is heating up after a relatively quiet October. Leon Draisaitl has 18 goals and leads the team with 37 points, and the duo is absolutely unstoppable when they're both clicking.
Kraken Inconsistent at Home
Seattle sits at 11-12-2 and has been wildly inconsistent, especially at Climate Pledge Arena where they're just 6-5-1. Jordan Eberle leads the team with 22 points, but the Kraken lack the firepower to keep up with Edmonton's top-heavy offense. Philipp Grubauer has been average in net with a .904 save percentage, and he's going to need to be perfect to slow down McDavid and Draisaitl.
Special Teams Battle
The key to this game is special teams. Edmonton's power play is operating at 28.7%, best in the NHL, while Seattle's penalty kill is middle of the pack at 79.8%. The Oilers excel at drawing penalties with their speed and skill, and Seattle has been undisciplined at times this season. If Edmonton gets three or four power plays, they should cash in on at least one or two. The Kraken will try to play tight defensively and limit chances, but that's easier said than done against the league's two best players. Edmonton at -165 is solid value.
@
Detroit Red Wings (13-10-1) @ Boston Bruins (14-11-0)
7:00 PM ET
TD Garden
DET -144
BOS +120
O/U 6.0
This is a fascinating matchup between two Original Six teams headed in opposite directions. Detroit at 13-10-1 has been one of the surprise teams in the East, exceeding expectations behind strong goaltending and improved defensive structure. The Red Wings are getting elite play from Alex Lyon, who's posted a .918 save percentage and has been a wall in close games. Lucas Raymond leads the team with 27 points, and Dylan Larkin has rediscovered his scoring touch with 16 goals already.
Bruins Missing Key Pieces
Boston is dealing with some significant injuries, and their depth is being tested. The Bruins are 14-11-0 but have lost three of their last five games and haven't found consistent goaltending. Jeremy Swayman has been inconsistent with an .898 save percentage, well below his career norms. David Pastrnak has 26 points and remains one of the league's elite snipers, but he needs more help. Brad Marchand at 37 years old has slowed down considerably, and the secondary scoring hasn't materialized.
Red Wings Road Warriors
Detroit has been excellent on the road at 7-4-0, playing a structured defensive game and capitalizing on mistakes. Their power play is clicking at 22.1%, and they've been excellent at killing penalties at 82.3%. The Red Wings play a fast, north-south game that creates odd-man rushes, and Boston's defense has struggled with speed all season. Getting Detroit at -144 as a road favorite feels like a gift. The Red Wings are the better team right now, and they should take care of business at TD Garden.
@
Philadelphia Flyers (11-11-3) @ New Jersey Devils (16-9-1)
7:00 PM ET
Prudential Center
NJD -178
O/U 6.5
The Battle of the Turnpike goes down in Newark, and the Devils are heavy home favorites against their division rivals. New Jersey at 16-9-1 has been one of the East's best teams, playing an up-tempo style that generates a ton of offense. Jack Hughes has been spectacular with 35 points in 26 games, and Nico Hischier has 29 points playing outstanding two-way hockey. The Devils are averaging 3.5 goals per game, fourth best in the league.
Flyers Hanging Around
Philadelphia sits at 11-11-3 and has been competitive but lacks the firepower to hang with elite teams. Travis Konecny leads the team with 24 points, and Carter Hart has been solid in net with a .910 save percentage. The Flyers play a physical, grinding style and try to muck up games, but that doesn't work well against New Jersey's speed. The Devils excel at creating transition chances and forcing defenders to make quick decisions under pressure.
Devils Dominant at Home
New Jersey is 9-3-1 at Prudential Center and has outscored opponents 48-32 on home ice. Their power play is dangerous at 23.8%, and Philadelphia's penalty kill is just 77.6%. The Devils should get multiple power play opportunities in this rivalry game, and their skill should shine through. At -178, the juice is a bit heavy, but New Jersey is clearly the better team. They should control puck possession, dictate pace, and wear down the Flyers over 60 minutes.
@
Toronto Maple Leafs (15-8-2) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (10-13-2)
7:00 PM ET
PPG Paints Arena
TOR -155
O/U 6.5
Toronto travels to Pittsburgh to face a Penguins team that's struggling to stay relevant in the playoff race. The Maple Leafs at 15-8-2 have been one of the East's best teams, led by Auston Matthews who has 22 goals in 25 games. William Nylander has 30 points and continues to be one of the league's most underrated playmakers. Toronto's power play is humming at 25.4%, and their top-six forward group is as talented as any in the league.
Penguins Showing Their Age
Pittsburgh at 10-13-2 is struggling mightily and looks like a team on its last legs. Sidney Crosby at 38 years old still has 25 points and is playing well, but he can't do it alone. Evgeni Malkin has slowed down considerably, and the supporting cast is weak. The Penguins are getting below-average goaltending from Tristan Jarry, who has an .891 save percentage and has been pulled multiple times already this season. Pittsburgh is allowing 3.4 goals per game, 24th in the league.
Leafs Road Success
Toronto has been excellent on the road at 8-3-1, winning with offense and timely goaltending from Joseph Woll. The Maple Leafs create high-danger chances at an elite rate and should get plenty of looks against Pittsburgh's leaky defense. The Penguins have been outscored 42-31 at home and don't have the depth to match Toronto's firepower. At -155, the Maple Leafs offer solid value as road favorites. They're the better team in every facet and should handle business in Pittsburgh.
@
Winnipeg Jets (17-7-1) @ Nashville Predators (9-13-3)
7:00 PM ET
Bridgestone Arena
WPG -170
O/U 6.0
Winnipeg heads to Nashville as road favorites, and this line feels generous given how dominant the Jets have been this season. At 17-7-1, Winnipeg is one of the West's elite teams with a deep roster and excellent goaltending. Eric Comrie has stepped up admirably in Connor Hellebuyck's absence, posting a .915 save percentage over his last eight starts. Kyle Connor leads the team with 31 points, and Mark Scheifele has 27 points while playing strong two-way hockey.
Predators Disappointing Season
Nashville entered the season with playoff aspirations but sits at 9-13-3 and is rapidly falling out of contention. The Predators spent big money in the offseason but haven't gotten results. Steven Stamkos has just 14 points in 25 games and looks like he's lost a step at 34 years old. Jonathan Marchessault has been decent with 19 points, but the chemistry isn't there. Juuse Saros has been the only bright spot with a .912 save percentage, but even he's been inconsistent.
Jets Depth Too Much
Winnipeg brings four balanced lines and a defensive structure that's allowed the eighth-fewest goals in the league. The Jets are excellent at controlling the neutral zone and limiting odd-man rushes against. Their power play is clicking at 21.9%, and Nashville's penalty kill is struggling at 75.8%. The Jets should dictate pace, win the special teams battle, and grind out a road win. At -170, Winnipeg is a strong play against a Nashville team that's going nowhere fast.
@
Utah Hockey Club (11-11-3) @ St. Louis Blues (12-12-1)
8:00 PM ET
Enterprise Center
STL -135
O/U 6.0
Two middle-of-the-pack teams square off in St. Louis in what should be a tight, competitive game. Utah at 11-11-3 has been inconsistent in their inaugural season, showing flashes of competitiveness but lacking finishing ability. Clayton Keller leads the team with 26 points and has been their most dynamic player. Karel Vejmelka has been solid in net with a .908 save percentage, giving Utah a chance in most games.
Blues Finding Identity
St. Louis sits at 12-12-1 and is trying to figure out if they're buyers or sellers at the deadline. Robert Thomas leads the team with 28 points and has developed into a legitimate top-line center. Jordan Kyrou has 24 points but has been inconsistent, going through long stretches without making an impact. Jordan Binnington has been average in net with a .903 save percentage, neither winning nor losing games for the Blues.
Home Ice Advantage
St. Louis is 7-5-0 at Enterprise Center and plays better in front of their home crowd. The Blues have a slight edge in depth scoring and should control puck possession for stretches. Utah plays hard but lacks the talent to dominate games, especially on the road where they're just 4-6-2. At -135, St. Louis offers decent value as a home favorite. This should be a low-scoring game decided by one or two goals, and the Blues have the edge in close games at home.
@
Buffalo Sabres (10-13-2) @ Minnesota Wild (14-8-3)
8:00 PM ET
Xcel Energy Center
MIN -180
O/U 6.0
Buffalo travels to Minnesota in what looks like a mismatch on paper. The Sabres at 10-13-2 have been one of the league's biggest disappointments, unable to take the next step despite a talented young core. Tage Thompson has 23 points but has been inconsistent, and Rasmus Dahlin leads the defense with 22 points. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has struggled in net with a .896 save percentage, and the Sabres have been bleeding goals all season.
Wild Rolling at Home
Minnesota at 14-8-3 has been one of the league's pleasant surprises, playing structured hockey and getting excellent goaltending. Kirill Kaprizov leads the team with 32 points and continues to be one of the NHL's most electrifying players. Matt Boldy has 26 points and gives the Wild a dangerous one-two punch up front. Filip Gustavsson has been outstanding in net with a .919 save percentage and three shutouts.
Goaltending Mismatch
The biggest edge in this game is goaltending. Gustavsson has been one of the league's best netminders this season, while Luukkonen has been below average. Minnesota plays a tight defensive system that limits high-danger chances, while Buffalo gives up quality looks constantly. The Wild are 8-3-2 at Xcel Energy Center and should dominate this game from start to finish. At -180, the juice is a bit heavy, but Minnesota is clearly the better team and should cruise to a comfortable win over an overmatched Buffalo squad.
@
San Jose Sharks (8-16-2) @ Vegas Golden Knights (17-7-2)
10:00 PM ET
T-Mobile Arena
VGK -320
O/U 6.5
The late West Coast action brings one of the most lopsided matchups of the night as the Sharks visit the Golden Knights. San Jose at 8-16-2 is in full rebuild mode and has been getting destroyed most nights. The Sharks are averaging just 2.3 goals per game, dead last in the league, and allowing 3.7 goals against. Mackenzie Blackwood has been the only bright spot with a .909 save percentage, but he's facing 35-plus shots most nights.
Golden Knights Dominant at Home
Vegas sits at 17-7-2 and is one of the West's elite teams, especially at T-Mobile Arena where they're 10-2-1. The addition of Mitch Marner from Toronto has been transformative, giving Vegas another elite playmaker alongside Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. Marner has 18 points in 13 games since the trade and has fit seamlessly into Vegas' up-tempo system. Eichel leads the team with 36 points and is playing at an MVP level.
Puck Line Value
At -320 on the moneyline, Vegas offers no value. But the puck line at -1.5 around +120 is intriguing. The Golden Knights have won six of their last eight games by two or more goals, and San Jose has been getting blown out regularly. The Sharks have lost five straight road games by a combined score of 24-9. Vegas should dominate puck possession, create high-danger chances at will, and pull away in the third period. This is a spot where the Golden Knights can run up the score against an overmatched opponent.
@
Vancouver Canucks (14-9-3) @ Los Angeles Kings (15-9-2)
10:00 PM ET
Crypto.com Arena
LAK -142
O/U 5.5
The nightcap brings a Pacific Division showdown between two playoff contenders. Vancouver at 14-9-3 has been solid this season behind the elite play of Quinn Hughes, who leads all defensemen with 34 points. Elias Pettersson has 28 points but has been inconsistent, going through stretches where he disappears. Thatcher Demko has been excellent when healthy with a .916 save percentage, giving the Canucks a chance every night.
Kings Defensive Structure
Los Angeles sits at 15-9-2 and continues to play the tight defensive style that's been their identity for years. The Kings are allowing just 2.6 goals per game, third best in the league, and make life miserable for opposing forwards. Anze Kopitar at 38 years old still has 27 points and remains one of the league's best two-way centers. Adrian Kempe leads the team with 18 goals and has been dangerous all season.
Goaltending Battle
This game should be decided by goaltending and special teams. Cam Talbot has been solid for LA with a .913 save percentage, while Demko has been slightly better. Both teams have good penalty kills, so power play opportunities might be limited. The under 5.5 is intriguing given both teams' defensive structures, but the Kings at -142 as home favorites is the play. Los Angeles is 9-3-1 at Crypto.com Arena and plays better in front of their home crowd. They should control pace, limit Vancouver's transition chances, and grind out a low-scoring win in a tight checking game.