NHL February 2, 2026

Here's a fascinating matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions. The Sabres at 31-18-5 have been one of the league's most pleasant surprises this season, finally showing signs of the team that Buffalo fans have been promised for years. Meanwhile, the Panthers at 28-22-3 are the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions but have struggled to find the consistency that made them so dominant over the past two seasons. Florida's defense has looked vulnerable at times, allowing 3.0 goals per game.

Alex Lyon gets the start for Buffalo against his former team, and there's always extra motivation in those situations. The Sabres have been clicking offensively, averaging 3.2 goals per game, and their young core led by Tage Thompson has finally started to put it all together. Thompson's 28 goals lead the team, and his ability to create offense from anywhere on the ice gives Buffalo a legitimate top-line threat.

Sergei Bobrovsky is expected between the pipes for Florida, and the two-time Vezina winner has been solid but not spectacular this season. The Panthers need to find another gear if they want to make it three straight Cups. Buffalo has gone over 6.5 goals in 25 of their 53 games this season, while Florida has seen this number exceeded in 27 games. With both teams capable of scoring in bunches, this could be a track meet in South Florida.

The Penguins at 28-14-11 have been a model of consistency this season, collecting points at an impressive rate even when not winning in regulation. Pittsburgh's ability to stay in games late and steal overtime points has kept them firmly in the playoff picture. Sidney Crosby continues to defy Father Time, and the supporting cast around him has stepped up in a big way this season.

Ottawa at 26-21-7 remains a maddeningly inconsistent team. The Senators have the talent to compete with anyone in the league, but they've struggled to put together sustained stretches of quality hockey. Tim Stutzle has been electric when he's on, and Brady Tkachuk provides the grit and leadership this young team needs. However, their defensive structure has been questionable, allowing 3.1 goals per game.

This is essentially a pick 'em game with Pittsburgh at -114 on the home ice. The Penguins are 16-5-6 at PPG Paints Arena this season, making them one of the better home teams in the Eastern Conference. The 6.5 total reflects both teams' ability to score, with the over hitting at +104 and under at -128. Both squads have played high-scoring affairs recently, and this divisional battle could follow suit.

A Metropolitan Division clash between two teams with vastly different trajectories this season. The Capitals have been one of the league's best stories, with Alex Ovechkin continuing his relentless chase of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record. Washington has been excellent at home, and their balanced attack has made them one of the most dangerous teams in the East.

The Islanders continue to search for an identity under head coach Patrick Roy. New York has flashes of the defensive juggernaut they were under Barry Trotz, but the offense has been inconsistent. Brock Nelson and Mathew Barzal need to carry more of the scoring load for the Isles to stay in playoff contention. Their road record has been a particular concern, and Capital One Arena presents a hostile environment.

The 5.5 total is the lowest on tonight's board, reflecting the defensive capabilities of both teams. Washington's home ice advantage is significant, as they've been one of the better home teams in the league. The Capitals' power play has been clicking lately, and if the Islanders continue to take penalties at their current rate, it could be a long night for the visitors.

The Wild have been a pleasant surprise this season, playing a structured defensive system that has kept them competitive night after night. Minnesota is one of the stingiest teams in the league, allowing just 2.6 goals per game. Kirill Kaprizov continues to be the engine that drives the offense, and Marc-Andre Fleury has turned back the clock with some outstanding performances in goal.

Montreal's rebuild is starting to show results, with young players like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki emerging as legitimate stars. However, the Canadiens remain inconsistent, particularly on the road where they've struggled to match the intensity of home teams. Their 2.7 goals per game on the road is concerning against a Minnesota defense that excels at limiting high-danger chances.

The Xcel Energy Center is one of the toughest buildings to play in, and the Wild's home record reflects that. Minnesota's ability to control pace and play their suffocating defensive style makes them difficult to beat at home. The under has been the play in Wild home games this season, with Minnesota limiting opponents to under 2.5 goals in their last seven home contests.

A Central Division rivalry game between two teams that know each other extremely well. The Predators made significant moves in the offseason to bolster their roster, and Nashville has been playing with an edge this season. Juuse Saros remains one of the most underrated goaltenders in the league, and his ability to steal games gives the Preds a chance every night they take the ice.

The Blues have been a rebuilding team trying to remain competitive, and the results have been mixed. Robert Thomas has emerged as a legitimate top-line center, and Jordan Kyrou's offensive talent is undeniable. However, St. Louis has struggled defensively, particularly on the road where they've allowed over 3.2 goals per game. Their penalty kill has been a particular weakness at 76.8%.

Bridgestone Arena is one of the loudest buildings in hockey, and the Predators feed off that energy. Nashville's power play has been clicking at 24.2% at home, and if the Blues continue to take penalties, it could be a long night. The 6.0 total reflects the offensive capabilities of both teams, and divisional games tend to be physical affairs where anything can happen.

Two rebuilding teams meet in Chicago with playoff dreams long since faded. However, both the Sharks and Blackhawks have young talent that makes these games worth watching from a developmental standpoint. San Jose's Macklin Celebrini, the first overall pick in the 2024 draft, has shown flashes of the elite player he can become, and the Sharks are building around their young core.

The Blackhawks are in year two of their rebuild, and Connor Bedard continues to be the centerpiece of everything they do. Bedard's creativity and hockey IQ are already elite, and he's surrounded by a supporting cast that's growing together. Chicago has been competitive at home, making the United Center a tough place for visitors despite the team's struggles.

Neither team will be confused with contenders, but these games often produce entertaining hockey. Young players have something to prove, and the lack of playoff pressure can lead to wide-open, high-scoring affairs. The 6.0 total is appropriate, and both teams have shown they can put the puck in the net when clicking offensively. Expect a fun game with plenty of chances at both ends.

Utah Hockey Club continues their inaugural season with a visit from the talented Vancouver Canucks. The former Arizona Coyotes have embraced their new home in Salt Lake City, and the Delta Center has been rocking for every home game. Utah has been competitive but inconsistent, with a young roster still learning how to win at the NHL level.

The Canucks came into this season with high expectations after their impressive 2024-25 campaign, and they've largely delivered. Vancouver's top line of Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, and Brock Boeser is one of the most dangerous in the league, and their depth scoring has been solid. Thatcher Demko's health will be crucial down the stretch, and the Canucks need to manage his workload carefully.

Vancouver is the more experienced and talented team, but road games in the Western Conference are never easy. The altitude in Salt Lake City can be a factor for visiting teams, and Utah's passionate fanbase creates a hostile environment. The Canucks are favored at -145, and their offensive firepower should be the difference in this game.

The nightcap features a Canadian rivalry between the Maple Leafs and Flames. Toronto at 25-21-9 has been frustrating to watch this season, with the talent to be a contender but the inconsistency to be a wild card. The Leafs are 1-6 in their last 7 games, yet somehow remain 7-0 in their last 7 games against Calgary and 7-1 in their last 8 road games against the Flames. Go figure.

Calgary at 22-26-6 is in the midst of a difficult season, sitting well outside the playoff picture. The Flames are 1-5 in their last 6 games and have struggled to score, averaging just 2.5 goals per game, which ranks 32nd in the NHL. Their defense has been respectable, but without offensive support, it's hard to win hockey games.

Despite Toronto's recent struggles, they've completely owned this matchup against Calgary. The Maple Leafs are 8-2 on the moneyline in the last 10 meetings against the Flames, a dominant trend that's hard to ignore. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, wait, Marner was traded to Vegas, so Matthews will need to carry more of the load. The total has gone over in 8 of Toronto's last 11 games, while it's gone under in 5 of Calgary's last 6. This game could go either way on the total, but Toronto should find a way to win.