NHL February 4, 2026

Two rebuilding franchises collide in Columbus as the Blackhawks visit the Blue Jackets in what might be the most under-the-radar game on the slate. Connor Bedard continues to be the brightest spot in Chicago's resurgence, providing Hawks fans with must-see entertainment every night despite the team's struggles in the standings. The young phenom is carrying an enormous load for a franchise that's still finding its footing in the post-dynasty era.

Columbus hasn't exactly set the world on fire either, but the Blue Jackets have shown glimpses of progress with their own young core. The home ice advantage matters in games like this, where neither team is playing for anything more than development and draft positioning. The 6.5 total suggests oddsmakers expect both defenses to struggle, which tracks given where these franchises sit in the rebuilding cycle.

The Blackhawks as +120 underdogs have some appeal if you believe in Bedard's ability to take over games. Chicago's shown they can compete on any given night when their young star is cooking. Columbus needs to prove they can take care of business at home against beatable opponents. The puck line at +138 for Columbus feels like a stretch given how competitive these rebuild-on-rebuild matchups typically play out.

Winnipeg's road record has been nothing short of spectacular at 15-5-2, but tonight they get to play at home where they've been even more formidable. The Jets have established themselves as one of the Central Division's elite teams, combining elite goaltending with a balanced offensive attack that can strike from multiple lines. Connor Hellebuyck, when healthy, has been a Vezina Trophy candidate once again.

Montreal's rebuild continues to take shape with their young talent gaining valuable experience every night. The Canadiens have shown flashes of brilliance but haven't been able to string together enough consistency to climb the standings. A trip to Winnipeg represents one of the toughest road environments in hockey, and Montreal will need to be at their absolute best to have any chance in this one.

The -235 moneyline is steep, but Winnipeg has earned that price with their dominant body of work. The Jets at home against a rebuilding Montreal team should be able to control the pace and impose their will. The 6.0 total reflects Winnipeg's defensive structure, which has been elite all season. Montreal will need to find goals from somewhere to keep this competitive, and the Canada Life Centre isn't a forgiving place for opponents.

The Predators have been one of the season's biggest disappointments. Nashville entered the year with legitimate playoff aspirations after making several offseason moves, but the results have been brutal. The Predators find themselves fighting to stay relevant in the Central Division conversation, and time is running out to turn things around. Bridgestone Arena hasn't provided the fortress mentality it once did.

Minnesota has been quietly competitive throughout the season, hovering around the playoff picture without generating much national attention. The Wild play a structured, defensive-minded style that keeps them in games even against superior opponents. Their ability to grind out results on the road has been a hallmark of this season, and catching +115 against a struggling Nashville team has appeal.

The 5.5 total is the lowest on the board for the 8:00 PM games, reflecting both teams' ability to play tight defensive hockey. Nashville needs this one badly given their disappointing season, but the Predators have shown no ability to take care of business against playoff-caliber opponents. Minnesota should be able to execute their game plan and keep this close throughout.

Utah HC is living through their inaugural season in Salt Lake City after relocating from Arizona, and the hockey-starved Utah fans have embraced their new team with open arms. The Delta Center has provided an energetic atmosphere all season, even as the team has dealt with the typical growing pains of a franchise finding its footing in a new market. The fan support has been legitimate, creating a real home ice advantage.

Detroit's young core continues to develop, with the Red Wings showing flashes of the future while still inconsistent in the present. The Wings have talented pieces throughout their roster, but putting it all together game after game has been a challenge. Road trips out West are always difficult for Eastern Conference teams, and the altitude in Salt Lake City adds another layer of difficulty.

The Red Wings catching +125 on the road is intriguing given their talent level. Detroit has shown they can compete with anyone when their young players are engaged, and this feels like a game that could go either way. Utah being a -145 home favorite seems appropriate given the home ice boost, but the puck line at +165 suggests books aren't confident in a multi-goal Utah victory.

Dallas has been one of the Central Division's best teams all season, and the Stars at home have been particularly dominant. The American Airlines Center provides one of the best atmospheres in hockey, and the Stars have responded by protecting their home ice with an impressive record. Peter DeBoer's system has maximized the roster's talent, creating a team that can win in multiple ways.

St. Louis has been hovering around mediocrity, neither good enough to separate themselves from the pack nor bad enough to fully commit to a rebuild. The Blues have veteran talent that can compete on any given night, but the consistency hasn't been there to make a serious playoff push. Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas remain elite talents, but they need more support from the rest of the roster.

The -180 moneyline feels about right for Dallas at home against a middle-of-the-road Blues team. St. Louis has the firepower to make this competitive, but the Stars' defensive structure and home ice advantage should carry them. The 5.5 total is the lowest of the late games, reflecting both teams' ability to play structured, low-event hockey when needed. This could be a grind.

The Kings have been one of the Pacific Division's most consistent teams all season, combining veteran leadership with a talented core that can compete with anyone. Los Angeles at home has been particularly tough to beat, and the Crypto.com Arena provides a significant home ice advantage. Anze Kopitar continues to defy age, while the supporting cast has elevated their games to complement the franchise's legendary center.

Seattle has shown resilience despite missing all-time leading scorer Jared McCann for a substantial portion of the season. Jordan Eberle has stepped up admirably with 19 goals and 18 assists, providing the offensive punch the Kraken have needed. The team has found ways to stay competitive even without their best player, which speaks to the depth and character of this roster.

The Kings at -162 feels like fair value for a home game against a Seattle team missing key pieces. Los Angeles should be able to control the pace and use their home ice advantage to dictate terms. The Kraken catching +138 have some appeal as a live underdog, but the Kings' consistency at home makes this a tough spot for Seattle. The 5.5 total suggests a lower-scoring affair, which tracks with how both teams can play defensively responsible hockey.