NHL January 25, 2026

New Jersey's young core continues to mature, and the Devils sit at 27-22, fighting for playoff positioning in a brutally competitive Metro Division. Jack Hughes has elevated his game to superstar status, averaging 1.38 points per game while playing tough minutes against top lines. His chemistry with Jesper Bratt remains the backbone of New Jersey's offense, and the two combine for 25.7% of the team's total goals.

The Devils have struggled on the road, however, posting just a 12-9 record away from Prudential Center. Their goaltending tandem of Jacob Markstrom and Nico Daws has been inconsistent, with Markstrom showing signs of bounce-back but still prone to soft goals. The penalty kill has also been a problem area at 77.4%, ranking 24th in the league.

Seattle is the definition of average, sitting at 22-19 with no clear identity. The Kraken are 11-9 at home, where their aggressive forechecking system can wear down visitors. Their goaltending duo of Philipp Grubauer and Joey Daccord has been serviceable but unspectacular. Matty Beniers has continued his development with 38 points, though he's hit a cold stretch with just 4 points in his last 10 games.

The 5.5 total reflects expectations of a tight defensive game. Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena has been stingy, with home games averaging just 5.3 combined goals. New Jersey's travel from the East Coast for a 3 PM local start could factor into their energy levels. This feels like a coin-flip game where the moneyline value lies with Seattle at plus-money.

Vegas has quietly put together another strong season behind Mitch Marner's spectacular debut in the desert. The former Maple Leaf has embraced his new role, posting 61 points in 40 games while providing the playmaking ability Vegas lacked in previous seasons. His chemistry with Jack Eichel has created one of the NHL's most dangerous top lines, averaging 3.8 goals per game when they're on the ice together.

The Golden Knights' depth scoring has been equally impressive. Mark Stone has returned to elite form after battling injuries, while Shea Theodore continues to be one of the league's most underrated defensemen. Adin Hill has seized the starting job with a .918 save percentage, and Vegas's team defense ranks 7th in goals against per game. Their 27-14 record doesn't fully reflect how dominant they've been, as their expected goals share of 54.2% ranks 4th in the NHL.

Ottawa's rebuild has taken a step backward despite the talented core of Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk. The Senators sit at 23-21, their playoff hopes fading with each inconsistent stretch. They're 1-4 in their last five home games, and their defensive structure has completely collapsed, allowing 3.8 goals per game during that span. Goaltender Linus Ullmark has been hung out to dry behind a porous defense.

The 6.5 total is justified given Ottawa's defensive struggles and Vegas's offensive firepower. The Golden Knights are 14-7 on the road, and this feels like a spot where their veteran experience and two-way play should overwhelm a young, mistake-prone Senators team. Vegas has won four straight road games, and Ottawa doesn't have the goaltending to steal one.

Pittsburgh's remarkable resurgence has silenced the critics who called for a rebuild. At 25-14, the Penguins are firmly in the playoff picture, led by Sidney Crosby's seemingly ageless brilliance. At 38 years old, Crosby is still producing at a point-per-game pace, and his leadership has elevated the entire roster. Evgeni Malkin has found a second wind, contributing 47 points while mentoring the younger generation.

The Penguins are 11-7 on the road, and their power play has been devastatingly efficient at 27.8%. The addition of depth scoring from unexpected sources has made them a legitimate threat. Tristan Jarry has stabilized the goaltending situation, posting a .912 save percentage in January that's well above his season average.

Vancouver's season has been a disaster of epic proportions. At 17-29, they're dead last in the Pacific Division, and the 5-15 home record is franchise-historically bad. They've lost eight straight games at home, and the 1-11 stretch over their last 12 contests has led to growing calls for a coaching change. J.T. Miller's trade request has poisoned the locker room, and the remaining players look defeated.

The Canucks are 1-8 in their last nine home games, and nothing suggests they can snap out of this tailspin against a motivated Penguins team. Pittsburgh's veteran core won't take this game lightly, even against a struggling opponent. The 6.5 total could lean over despite Vancouver's general ineptitude, as their defensive structure is in shambles. Expect Pittsburgh to cruise in this one.

The back-to-back Stanley Cup champions are reminding everyone why they're still the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. At 26-20, the Panthers have navigated a challenging schedule and remain in strong playoff positioning. Aleksander Barkov continues to be one of hockey's best two-way centers, while Matthew Tkachuk brings the snarl and finish that defines Florida's identity.

The Panthers are 14-10 on the road, and their defensive structure under Paul Maurice remains elite despite personnel changes. Sergei Bobrovsky has bounced back from a slow start, posting a .922 save percentage since December 1st. Florida's championship experience gives them an edge in close games, as they've won 8 of 11 one-goal contests this season.

Chicago's rebuild is in full swing, but Connor Bedard is providing reasons for optimism. The 19-year-old superstar is leading the team with 52 points, showcasing the generational talent that made him the top pick. However, the supporting cast around Bedard remains thin, and the Blackhawks sit at 21-22 with little hope of playoff contention.

The 6.5 total accounts for Florida's high-event style and Chicago's defensive vulnerabilities. The Blackhawks are 11-12 at home, where they play more competitive hockey but still lack the goaltending to steal games. Florida should control possession and create quality chances, though Bedard has the ability to put on a show in front of the United Center faithful. The Panthers' depth should ultimately prevail.

Anaheim's rebuild is producing results faster than expected, with the young Ducks sitting at 27-21 and firmly in the playoff hunt. Leo Carlsson has exceeded all expectations in his second season, posting 41 points while showing he can be a legitimate first-line center. Mason McTavish's physical presence and scoring touch have made him a fan favorite, and the duo represents one of hockey's most exciting young cores.

The Ducks are a remarkable 15-8 on the road, playing with a fearlessness that belies their youth. Their power play has clicked at 23.6%, and John Gibson's resurgence in net has stabilized the entire operation. Gibson's .914 save percentage marks his best season since 2020, and his guidance of the young defensive corps has been invaluable.

Calgary is mired in mediocrity at 21-25, their playoff hopes effectively dead after a brutal January stretch. The Flames are 1-4 in their last five home games, and their 13-9 home record doesn't reflect their recent struggles. Nazem Kadri has been productive, but the roster construction around him lacks the depth to compete with playoff-caliber teams.

The near pick-em moneyline reflects how even this matchup is on paper. Anaheim's road prowess against Calgary's home struggles creates an interesting dynamic. The 6.5 total feels about right, as both teams can score but also have defensive vulnerabilities. The Ducks have won three of their last four road games and should enter with confidence despite playing their fourth game in six nights.