NHL January 20, 2026

Tuesday's 8-game slate offers a compelling mix of playoff implications, star power, and divisional battles. The headline matchup sends the New Jersey Devils to Edmonton to face Connor McDavid and the Oilers, a game featuring two of the league's most potent offenses. McDavid's historic 20-game point streak ended recently, but he still leads the NHL with 85 points through 50 games, and the Oilers have won four straight at home. Meanwhile, the Devils bring the league's second-ranked offense (170 goals) and lead the NHL in power play goals with 46.

The goaltending matchups tonight are particularly intriguing. In Tampa, Andrei Vasilevskiy has been on a tear, posting an 18-7-2 record with a 2.33 GAA and .913 save percentage. His recent six-game winning streak saw him allow just 15 goals on 155 shots, a dominant stretch that's reminded everyone why he's a two-time Stanley Cup champion. The Lightning's high-danger save percentage at 5v5 leads the entire NHL, making their defense statistically elite when it matters most.

The slate also features significant rest and schedule advantages. The Bruins, winners of five straight including a 10-2 demolition of the Rangers, travel to Dallas for a potential playoff preview. Both teams rank among the league's best defensively, setting up a potential grind. Keep an eye on totals across the board, as several matchups profile as lower-scoring affairs based on team styles and goaltending.

Contrasting Philosophies Meet at the Bell Centre

Here's an intriguing clash of styles. The Minnesota Wild (27-13-9) have built their identity on suffocating defense and elite goaltending, ranking 7th in the NHL with just 137 goals allowed. They've allowed the fewest high-danger chances at 5v5 among Western Conference contenders, and their systematic approach under John Hynes travels extremely well, evidenced by their 13-6 road record. Filip Gustavsson has been rock solid between the pipes, and the Wild's commitment to structure means they rarely beat themselves.

Montreal (27-15-7) is the polar opposite. The Canadiens have embraced an aggressive, high-event style that's produced the 4th-most goals in the league (166) while also allowing the 26th-most (160). Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki anchor an attack that averages 3.31 goals per game, and the power play has been cooking at 23.8%, ranking 8th league-wide. The Bell Centre has been electric this season, with the Habs creating a genuine home-ice advantage that's fueled their surprising contention in the Atlantic.

The ATS Angle

Minnesota's 59.4% ATS success rate overall is impressive, but what really jumps out is their 64.3% mark as underdogs. That's not a fluke, that's a team that consistently plays tighter games than the market expects. Meanwhile, Montreal's 47.1% success rate as home favorites suggests they don't always cover the bigger numbers the market assigns them. The Wild came into this matchup off a 5-4 win over Buffalo, while Montreal took care of Ottawa 6-5 in their last outing. Both teams can score, but Minnesota's defensive discipline could keep this closer than Montreal backers want.

Total Breakdown

The 6.5 total is set correctly based on scoring averages, but the juice tells the story: the under is favored at -135. Minnesota drags games into the mud, ranking among the league's lowest in pace when playing with a lead. Their defensive structure clogs the neutral zone and limits transition opportunities. If the Wild can grab a lead in the second period, they have the blueprint to sit on it. Montreal's defensive deficiencies make them vulnerable to quick counters, but the Wild need the puck to score, and the Canadiens' forecheck can be relentless at home.

Vasilevskiy's Dominance Continues

The Tampa Bay Lightning (30-13-4) are absolutely rolling right now, and the catalyst is Andrei Vasilevskiy returning to his Vezina-caliber form. After a concerning 0-3-2 start to the season where he allowed 17 goals, Vasilevskiy has been untouchable. His current six-game winning streak has seen him allow just 15 goals on 155 shots, a save percentage well above .900 during that stretch. The Lightning lead the NHL in high-danger save percentage at 5v5, meaning when teams do break through their structure, Vasilevskiy is there to bail them out.

The Sharks (25-20-3) have exceeded expectations this season behind the development of Macklin Celebrini, but they're still a rebuilding franchise facing a championship-caliber opponent. San Jose's expected goals against has been problematic all season, and their road Corsi For percentage drops below 45%, indicating significant territorial struggles away from home. The Sharks have managed to hang around games with strong special teams play, but against Tampa's elite penalty kill, that avenue may be closed off.

Historical Context and Situational Angles

Tampa has been dominant against rebuilding opponents at home, and their +46 goal differential (second-best in the NHL) demonstrates the margin they typically create. The Lightning's 164 total goals (3.5 per game) rank 6th in the league, giving them the firepower to cover spreads against inferior competition. San Jose's -18 goal differential and 30th-ranked goals against (168 allowed) suggest they're not equipped to hang with the league's elite for 60 minutes.

Total Analysis

The 6.5 total with slight under juice (-113) reflects Tampa's defensive dominance more than offensive concerns. The Lightning allow just 2.5 goals per game, the second-fewest in the NHL. San Jose scores 3.1 per game but will face a wall in Vasilevskiy. The under has been the trend in Tampa home games recently, as they've tightened defensively during their winning stretch. If the Lightning build an early lead, expect them to sit back and protect it rather than run up the score.

A True Toss-Up in Columbus

The betting market has spoken loud and clear: this is a pick'em. Both the Senators (22-21-7) and Blue Jackets (22-19-7) are set at -110 on the moneyline, reflecting the uncertainty around two similarly talented but maddeningly inconsistent squads. Ottawa has the superior offensive personnel, Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle form one of the league's most dynamic duos, and their 156 goals (11th in NHL) plus 281 assists (6th) demonstrate the raw firepower available. But the Senators have been their own worst enemy defensively, allowing 157 goals (22nd).

Columbus presents a nearly identical profile. The Blue Jackets have shown flashes of competitive hockey but lack the consistency to string together extended runs. Their home record has been middling, and they've struggled to generate quality chances at 5v5 against structured opponents. However, Nationwide Arena has been a difficult building for visitors, and the Blue Jackets' younger players have shown more fight at home than on the road.

The Over/Under Story

The 6.5 total with slight over juice (-108) reflects both teams' defensive vulnerabilities. Columbus games have gone over 6.5 combined goals in 23 of 48 games this season, nearly half, and Ottawa's leaky defensive structure only adds to the potential for a high-scoring affair. Neither team has shown the ability to lock down opponents consistently, and both have offensive talent capable of exploiting mistakes. If you're looking at this game from a totals perspective, the over has merit based on the combined 314 goals allowed by these teams.

Recent Form Check

Ottawa is coming off a tough 4-3 loss to Detroit despite two power play goals, while Columbus has been hovering around .500 for weeks. The Senators have been more consistent away from home, but their road defense remains questionable. This profiles as a high-variance game where either team could win by two or lose by two depending on which version of their roster shows up. The pick'em line is appropriate, and the total deserves serious consideration for over bettors.

Playoff Preview in Dallas

This is the kind of game that separates pretenders from contenders. The Dallas Stars (27-13-9) have been one of the Western Conference's most consistent teams, riding an elite goaltending tandem of Jake Oettinger and Casey DeSmith to one of the league's best home records. The Stars rank among the top 10 in goals against per game, and their defensive structure under Pete DeBoer is extremely difficult to break down. Dallas creates turnovers in the neutral zone and converts them into quality chances at an impressive rate.

The Boston Bruins (28-19-2) are surging at exactly the right time. Their five-game winning streak includes that jaw-dropping 10-2 victory over the Rangers, a statement that this team still has the firepower to compete with anyone. Jim Montgomery's system emphasizes discipline and structure, and the Bruins' penalty kill has been elite all season. David Pastrnak continues to produce at a top-10 rate, and the supporting cast has stepped up during this hot streak.

The Defensive Chess Match

The 5.5 total is the lowest on tonight's slate, and for good reason. Both teams defend the slot extremely well, both have elite goaltending options, and both prefer to play structured hockey that limits high-danger chances. The under at +108 is the sharpest look on this game based on how these teams have played all season. Dallas home games have trended toward lower totals, and Boston's defensive effort during their winning streak has been exemplary.

Situational Context

Dallas had recent setbacks against Tampa Bay and Utah, but home has been a safe haven all season. The Stars are 15-5-4 at American Airlines Center, and their crowd provides a legitimate boost. Boston, meanwhile, is riding confidence but facing a brutal travel situation from the East Coast. The Bruins have been road warriors, but this is a step up in competition from their recent opponents. The market has this right: Dallas as a moderate favorite with the expectation of a tight, low-scoring game decided by goaltending and special teams.

Buffalo's Road Dominance vs Nashville's Home Struggles

Here's a fascinating situational angle: Buffalo (26-18-5) is 8-2 SU in their last 10 road games, demonstrating legitimate improvement away from KeyBank Center. Tage Thompson leads an offense that's been clicking, and the Sabres have shown the ability to compete with playoff-caliber teams on the road. Their 15-4 SU mark over their last 19 games represents a significant turnaround for a franchise that's been playoff-absent for over a decade.

Nashville (23-21-4) is fighting for playoff positioning, but they've been inconsistent at Bridgestone Arena this season. The Predators have all the pieces to be dangerous, with Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi anchoring a talented roster, but the results haven't matched the talent level. Nashville has struggled to put together complete 60-minute efforts, and their defensive structure has been porous during losing stretches.

The Over Trend

The total has gone OVER in 7 of Buffalo's last 8 games, an extremely hot streak that reflects their improved offensive production. The Sabres have been scoring at an unsustainable pace during this run, but they've also been allowing goals at a higher rate as they push the pace. Nashville's defensive vulnerabilities only add fuel to the over fire. Historically, when these teams meet, high-scoring affairs have been the norm, and both of their 2025 encounters went over the posted total.

Head-to-Head History

Buffalo is 1-4 SU in their last 5 meetings with Nashville, a trend worth noting despite their current form. The Predators have owned this series recently, and Bridgestone Arena has been a difficult building for the Sabres. However, Buffalo's confidence is at an all-time high, and their road success suggests they're no longer intimidated by hostile environments. The market has Nashville as a slight favorite (-132), which feels right given the home-ice advantage, but this is closer to a pick'em than the line suggests.

The Jets' Season of Extremes

What a wild ride it's been in Winnipeg. The Jets (18-22-5) started the season historically well, with Connor Hellebuyck posting an 11-win, 1.83 GAA, .935 save percentage stretch through his first 12 games. The power play was clicking at an absurd 41.9%, the best in the league. Then everything collapsed. An 11-game losing streak (0-7-4) dropped them from contender to pretender, and Hellebuyck's numbers since returning from injury went 1-6-4 over an 11-start stretch.

The good news? Winnipeg has won four straight following that brutal slide, suggesting they may have found their footing again. Hellebuyck is a Vezina-caliber talent capable of single-handedly stealing games when he's locked in. The question is which Jets team shows up: the one that started the season as the NHL's best, or the one that looked like a lottery team during that 11-game skid.

St. Louis Struggles

The Blues (19-22-8) have been one of the league's disappointments this season. Their 157 goals allowed ranks 22nd, and they've struggled to find consistency from any area of their roster. Joel Hofer has been solid in goal (.907 save percentage, 2.72 GAA career), but the defensive support in front of him has been lacking. St. Louis lacks the high-end talent to compete with elite teams, and their road numbers have been particularly concerning.

Total Outlook

The 6.0 total is set lower than most games on the slate, but the over has been trending in Jets games lately. Winnipeg's last 10 games have gone over 7-3, and four of their last five have cleared the posted number. Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities, and the pace of play in Central Division matchups tends to be higher. The Blues have allowed 157 goals (22nd), while Winnipeg has given up 141 (13th). This has the makings of a 4-3 or 5-4 type game rather than a tight defensive battle.

Offensive Firepower Collision

This is the game of the night. The Edmonton Oilers (25-17-8) feature Connor McDavid, who just completed a historic 20-game point streak (46 points: 19G, 27A) and leads the NHL with 85 points through 50 games. McDavid's been even more dominant at Rogers Place, where the Oilers have won four straight and the altitude seems to fuel his skating. Leon Draisaitl provides the perfect complement, and Edmonton's power play remains one of the league's most dangerous units.

The New Jersey Devils (25-22-2) counter with the league's second-ranked offense (170 goals) and lead the entire NHL with 46 power play goals. Jack Hughes has been working his way back from hand surgery, and while he hasn't scored in 11 straight games, he's collected 9 assists during that stretch, including 4 on the power play. Jacob Markstrom has been solid in goal with 576 saves through 25 games, but the Devils' defensive structure has been inconsistent, particularly on the road.

The Devils' Playoff Problem

New Jersey sits 6th in the Eastern Metro Division, outside the playoff picture. This road trip through Western Canada is critical for their postseason hopes, but the schedule is brutal. The Oilers have been excellent at home recently, and their back-to-back shutout wins against St. Louis and Vancouver demonstrate they can lock down when motivated. For the Devils to have a chance, their power play must capitalize, as they're facing an Edmonton penalty kill that's been shaky at times.

Total Analysis

With 170 goals scored by New Jersey and Edmonton's reliance on high-event hockey, the 6.5 total feels about right. Both teams prefer to play with pace, both have elite offensive players capable of taking over games, and neither has shown the defensive consistency to consistently suppress scoring. The Devils won their last outing 2-1 against Calgary, but that's likely an outlier. Expect fireworks when two of the league's most talented offenses share the ice at 10 PM ET.

Rangers in Free Fall

The New York Rangers (21-22-6) are in full-blown crisis mode. Their 10-2 loss to the Bruins wasn't just a blip; it was a symptom of a team that's completely lost its identity. The firing of Peter Laviolette and subsequent coaching change to Mike Sullivan hasn't provided the jolt they hoped for, and the roster that went to the Eastern Conference Finals two seasons ago now looks like it needs a complete overhaul. Their 119 power play opportunities have produced just 27 goals (22.69%), and their .490 points percentage is nowhere near playoff-worthy.

Los Angeles (19-17-13) isn't exactly thriving either, but they're playing meaningful games in Anze Kopitar's farewell season. The Kings legend announced this will be his final campaign, and the team has rallied around him at home. Their 121 goals scored ranks 30th in the NHL, but their defense has been respectable (128 goals against, 4th). The Kings' 51 points and .531 points percentage keep them in the Western Conference wild card conversation.

Cross-Country Travel Factor

The Rangers are traveling from Boston to Los Angeles, a brutal cross-country trip that includes a three-hour time zone change and a late start. New York has struggled to find any rhythm on the road, and their defensive lapses have been magnified away from Madison Square Garden. The Kings have maintained a decent home record at Crypto.com Arena, and their crowd has been energized by Kopitar's retirement tour.

The Fade Angle

At some point, the Rangers will figure it out. They have too much talent to be this bad all season. But tonight doesn't feel like the night. The travel disadvantage, the lack of confidence, and the Kings' motivation to send Kopitar off with a win all point toward LA covering the -188 moneyline. The 6.0 total reflects the Kings' defensive structure and the expectation that this won't be a high-event game. The under has merit if you believe both teams will play cautious, grind-it-out hockey in the late window.