Kings @ Panthers

December 18, 2025 | 7:00 PM ET | Amerant Bank Arena
Line: FLA -145 | O/U: 6.0 | LA: 14-9-9 | FLA: 17-13-2

The Kings travel to South Florida to face the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. LA's overtime loss problem continues, but their defensive structure remains sound with Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar leading by example.

Florida enters with championship confidence. The Panthers know how to win tight games and their experience shows in crunch time. Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart create matchup nightmares for any opponent.

Florida's home ice and championship pedigree makes them favorites. The Kings will compete, but the Panthers have earned the right to be trusted in these spots.

Utah @ Red Wings

December 18, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET | Little Caesars Arena
Line: DET -150 | O/U: 5.5 | UTA: 16-16-3 | DET: 19-12-3

Utah continues their inaugural NHL road trip in Detroit. The Hockey Club have been competitive beyond expectations, with their young roster playing fearless hockey. Every game is a learning experience for this expansion team.

Detroit's resurgence continues under Derek Lalonde. Dylan Larkin has the Red Wings playing meaningful hockey again, and the mix of veterans and young talent is working. Little Caesars Arena has great energy for a team on the rise.

Detroit's experience and home advantage should carry them. Utah will compete, but the Red Wings are further along in their development and should capitalize on the expansion team's mistakes.

Jets @ Blues

December 18, 2025 | 8:00 PM ET | Enterprise Center
Line: WPG -125 | O/U: 5.5 | WPG: 15-15-2 | STL: 12-15-7

Winnipeg travels to St. Louis for a Central Division clash. The Jets are healthier now with Connor Hellebuyck back at peak form. When Hellebuyck is on, Winnipeg can beat anyone. Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele provide offensive punch.

The Blues continue to underperform despite having talented players. St. Louis needs consistency from their young players and better goaltending. Their playoff hopes are fading without a significant turnaround.

The Jets' goaltending advantage is massive here. Hellebuyck can steal games singlehandedly, while St. Louis lacks a reliable answer. Winnipeg should win a tight, defensive contest.

Hurricanes @ Predators

December 18, 2025 | 8:00 PM ET | Bridgestone Arena
Line: CAR -155 | O/U: 5.5 | CAR: 21-9-2 | NSH: 13-15-4

The Hurricanes bring one of hockey's best teams to Nashville. Carolina's relentless forecheck and defensive structure make them a nightmare to play against. Sebastian Aho leads an offense that can score in many ways.

Nashville's struggling season continues. The Predators have the star power with Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi, but the team around them hasn't delivered. Their playoff hopes are effectively over without a massive turnaround.

Carolina should handle this one. The Hurricanes are simply a better, more cohesive team. Nashville might hang around, but Carolina's execution in the third period typically closes out opponents.

Devils @ Golden Knights

December 18, 2025 | 10:00 PM ET | T-Mobile Arena
Line: VGK -166 | O/U: 5.5 | NJ: 18-14-1 | VGK: 16-6-9

The Devils head to Vegas for a cross-conference clash. New Jersey's young stars Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier continue developing into elite talents. The Devils have Cup aspirations and need to win games like this.

Vegas welcomed Mitch Marner via trade in July 2025, adding more offensive firepower to an already dangerous team. The Golden Knights are built to win now, and their home environment is electric.

T-Mobile Arena is one of hockey's toughest venues. The Knights' addition of Marner makes them even more dangerous, and their home record supports taking them as favorites. New Jersey has the talent to compete, but Vegas should prevail.