Sunday's NHL Games

Winnipeg's been in a rough patch, and this afternoon matinee against New Jersey represents a chance to right the ship. Connor Hellebuyck has struggled during the Jets' recent 13-game losing skid, posting a concerning 0-5-3 record with an .879 save percentage over his last eight starts. The reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner returned from a knee procedure and hasn't quite found his rhythm, but this guy's track record speaks for itself - you don't bet against him for long.

Cole Perfetti snapped a 16-game goal drought on January 6th against Vegas, and he's shown signs of breaking out with four points in his last five games. Winnipeg desperately needs secondary scoring to take pressure off their elite goaltender. The Jets have the talent to compete with anyone when they're clicking, but confidence is fragile, and New Jersey's been playing solid hockey on the road.

The Devils bring a balanced attack that can test any defense. Their transition game is quick, and they won't give Winnipeg many easy looks. Canada Life Centre should be buzzing for this afternoon start, and the Jets need to feed off that energy. Hellebuyck's bounce-back potential makes this interesting, but Winnipeg's got to find their identity again after a brutal stretch.

Sunday evening hockey at TD Garden with the Penguins in town - doesn't get much better than this. Boston's been quietly solid at home this season, and their defensive structure under new management has tightened up considerably. Joonas Korpisalo's been steady between the pipes, and this is exactly the type of game where veteran goaltending can steal the show in a low-scoring affair.

Pittsburgh continues to rely on Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to carry the offensive load. At their ages, the consistency is remarkable, but the supporting cast needs to step up in road games against quality opponents. The Penguins' power play can be lethal when clicking, but Boston's penalty kill has been among the league's best, limiting opportunities for opponents to capitalize.

These Original Six matchups always carry extra weight. The atmosphere at TD Garden will be electric for this Sunday showcase, and Boston's crowd gives them a genuine boost. Expect a tight-checking game with limited space - the team that wins the special teams battle likely wins the game. Pittsburgh's got the firepower to steal one on the road, but Boston's home ice is a significant factor.

Nashville's fighting for every point in a crowded Wild Card race, and home games against Eastern Conference opponents are must-wins. Roman Josi continues to anchor this defense with his elite skating and offensive instincts - the 2020 Norris Trophy winner remains one of the game's best all-around defensemen. Bridgestone Arena's electric atmosphere should give the Predators a boost in this primetime Sunday matchup.

Washington brings Alex Ovechkin's relentless goal-scoring pursuit to Nashville. The Great Eight is still chasing history, and every game matters in his quest for Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record. The Capitals' power play runs through Ovechkin, and Nashville's penalty kill will be tested. Dylan Strome's continued emergence as a legitimate top-six center has given Washington another dimension offensively.

Justus Annunen gets the call in net for Nashville, and the Finnish goaltender has shown flashes of potential this season. The Predators need consistent goaltending to complement their veteran-laden defense. This game could come down to which team wins the neutral zone battle - both clubs prefer to play a structured game that limits transition chances.

Utah's inaugural NHL season has been a learning experience, and hosting Columbus gives them a chance to build momentum against a fellow rebuilding franchise. The former Arizona Coyotes are establishing a new identity in Salt Lake City, and the early returns on fan support have been encouraging. Delta Center's hockey atmosphere is developing nicely, though the franchise is still finding its footing.

Dmitri Voronkov has emerged as a key piece for Columbus's future. The Russian winger's combination of size, skill, and compete level makes him difficult to contain. Jet Greaves has shown promise in the Blue Jackets' crease, giving Columbus hope that their goaltending pipeline is developing. Road games against Western Conference opponents are challenging, but these experiences build character for young teams.

Both franchises are in development mode, making this a fascinating matchup of young talent. Utah's transition from Arizona has been smoother than many expected, and the market has embraced NHL hockey. Columbus will try to impose their physical style, while Utah's speed can cause problems in transition. This feels like a game that could go to overtime, with both teams evenly matched.

Tomas Hertl returns to San Jose for the first time since Vegas acquired him, and you know the emotions will be running high. The Czech center was a beloved figure in the Sharks' organization, and SAP Center's crowd will give him a standing ovation. But once the puck drops, Vegas is all business - this team has championship aspirations, and Mitch Marner's addition from his former city has given them another elite playmaker alongside Jack Eichel.

San Jose's all-in on Macklin Celebrini's development, and every game is a classroom for the first overall pick. The kid's skill set is already NHL-ready - his vision, hands, and compete level project as a franchise cornerstone. The Sharks aren't winning much this season, but they're building something special around their generational talent. Celebrini's matchup against Vegas's talented forward group is another opportunity to grow.

Carl Lindbom gets the start for Vegas, continuing the Golden Knights' goaltending rotation. The team's depth is impressive - they can roll four lines and still match up favorably against most opponents. San Jose will compete and try to make this interesting for their home crowd, but the talent disparity is significant. Vegas should control this one, though Celebrini's highlight-reel potential makes every Sharks game worth watching.