Category: NHL

After breaking out in a big way, seeing career breakouts from many players across the roster and sitting far ahead in the standings above what everyone expected, the Washington Capitals took everyone by surprise last season. 

They finished with a 51-22-9 record, the second-best in the NHL, but have since regressed into a subpar hockey club. Washington now sits outside the playoff picture with a 25-22-7 record, while another team has captured the same magic the Capitals experienced last season in the Detroit Red Wings.

The Motor City hockey club has been sensational this year in many of the same ways Washington dominated the league a season ago, with one key difference. Detroit’s roster is significantly younger and appears far better positioned for sustained success beyond this season. 

Still, the Capitals aren't a team to take lightly as they still have the makings of the team they had last season. Despite their record, Washington has beat the likes of the Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild and Tampa Bay Lightning at different points this season. It should make for an exciting clash and could end up being a historic night. 

Line Combinations: Red Wings vs. CapitalsCapitals' surprising decline meets Red Wings' ascendance. Kane nears record as Detroit battles for consistency against a potent Washington offense.

Lineup Storylines

Wednesday could be another historic night in this Red Wings season as veteran winger Patrick Kane is one point away from breaking Mike Modano's record for most points by an American-born player. It was confirmed by John Buccigross that Modano will not be in attendance despite being a Livonia, Michigan native but he did confirm that when they would honor the record at the following home game, that Modano would make sure that he was there.

Detroit has been starting to show signs of mortality lately as they've been narrowly edging out wins over their last eight games with three overtime wins, two regulation losses and one overtime loss.

They've won just two games in regulation during this span with narrow margins going in the favor of the Red Wings but that could quickly change and flip against them. Washington hasn't been so lucky as they are long overdue for a shift in momentum with a 7-13-4 record over their last 24 games with the sixth-worst goals against per game average at 3.63 during this span. 

If the Red Wings offense can drive the offense, they should be able to win this game and it starts with the bottom-six forwards. We know over Detroit's recent hot streak that the top six will do their part as the Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond duo have a combined 11 goals over the last 11 games while the lethal second line trio of Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane and the surprising breakout of the season Andrew Copp have also combined the same mark at 11 goals over the same 11-game stretch. 

We know these units will produce but if they don't the bottom of the lineup outside of the recently hot James van Riemsdyk needs to find their spark. The third line is starting to make significant moves as rookie Emmitt Finnie has assists in two of his last three games, center J.T. Compher chipped in two goals during the Wings 5-1 rout over the Winnipeg Jets while van Riemsdyk has helped drive the offense for the unit with points in eight of his last 11 games, totaling four goals and eight assists for 12 points. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

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This line chipping in would be a massive help and although scoring isn't expected from them, the fourth line getting a goal would be a massive help as well. The trio of forwards have all been riding lengthy point droughts with Mason Appleton at 13 games, Elmer Soderblom at 11 games and Michael Rasmussen saw a burst in production when playing with van Riemsdyk but has since gone ice cold with no points in ten games. If this unit can muster together even just one goal, it would go a long way. 

On the opposing end, hockey legend Alex Ovechkin is always a threat to score, even at 40 years old. The league's greatest goal scorer is still doing his thing with 22 goals and 23 assists for 45 points in 54 games. His production at such a young age is miraculous but also speaks to the skill of his teammates. 

Dylan Strome has emerged in Washington as a late career breakout with a career-best 82 points last season but has seen a step back this season with 42 points in 52 games. The surprise for this Capitals team this season has been winger Tom Wilson, who turned his physcial, gritty style of play into a true difference-making kind of player with a team-leading 46 points and plus-20 rating in 45 games and even earned himself a spot on Team Canada for the 2026 Winter Olympics. 

Wilson has done very well playing with a relatively unknown 23-year-old kid named Justin Sourdif. The former Florida Panthers third-round pick has quietly broken out in a big way this season with 11 goals and 13 assists for 24 points and a plus-13 rating in 50 games.

The numbers may not seem impressive but Sourdif is a rookie, who entering this season hadn't played more than four NHL games. His rise into a top-six player for Washington has come out of nowhere and he will need to be watched by the Red Wings defense. 

Goalie Matchup

Detroit: John Gibson (Season: 21-10-1 record, 2.60 GAA, .906 SV% | VS WSH: 4-6-4 record, 2.92 GAA, .906 SV% in 15 games)

Washington: Charlie Lindgren

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The Edmonton Oilers welcome the San Jose Sharks to Rogers Place on Thursday, January 29, and all eyes will be on superstars Macklin Celebrini and Connor McDavid.

While San Jose is treading water in the Western Conference playoff race, my Sharks vs. Oilers predictions and top NHL picks expect Edmonton to win convincingly.

Sharks vs Oilers prediction

Sharks vs Oilers best bet: Oilers -1.5 (+120)

The San Jose Sharks are turning heads, but they’re sinking against the NHL contenders and have lost each of their past three games against teams occupying a postseason position by a combined score of 15-5.

Going into Rogers Place to face the Edmonton Oilers and superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl is another huge uptick in class for the Sharks.

Edmonton has scored 13 times across its past two games, and San Jose has allowed the third-most goals per game this season.

Sharks vs Oilers same-game parlay

In addition to the highlighted San Jose defensive shortcomings, Edmonton has had its own trouble keeping the puck out of its net, allowing 15 goals over the past three games.

Turning to Oilers winger Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, he’s been a consistent scoring source and plays with McDavid in all offensive situations.

Nugent-Hopkins has marked the scoresheet in nine of his past 13 games, and he’s been on the ice with McDavid for a monster 6.84 goals per 60 minutes.

Sharks vs Oilers SGP

• Oilers -1.5
• Over 6.5
• Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Over 0.5 points

Sharks vs Oilers odds

• Moneyline: Sharks +175 | Oilers -215
• Puck Line: Sharks +1.5 (-130) | Oilers -1.5 (+110)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-135) | Under 6.5 (+115)

Sharks vs Oilers trend

The Edmonton Oilers have hit the Over in 17 of their last 25 home games (+8.10 Units / 28% ROI), and the San Jose Sharks have played to the Over in 13 of their last 20 games (+6.15 Units / 26% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Sharks vs. Oilers.

How to watch Sharks vs Oilers

Sharks vs Oilers latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

With forward Bryan Rust serving a three-game suspension and defenseman Jack St. Ivany now sidelined following surgery, there was going to be a roster move coming for the Pittsburgh Penguins before they begin their current three-game home stand. That roster move came on Thursday morning, and it is the return of forward Rutger McGroarty.

The Penguins officially announced the recall of McGroarty after a four-game stop in Wikes-Barre/Scranton following his recovery from a concussion. He was injured during a collision with a teammate in practice. During his four-game stay in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton he recorded five assists, furthering his impressive AHL numbers for the season. He has four goals, eight assists and 12 total points in nine games at the AHL Level.

He has two goals and an assist in 16 games with the Penguins.

With McGroarty back, the question now becomes what sort of role he take with the Penguins and where he will slot back into the lineup.

The Penguins have really settled their forward line combinations and have four lines that are working extremely well together at the moment. The easiest solution would be to simply plug McGroarty into Rust’s spot on the top line and keep the Evgeni Malkin-Tommy Novak-Egor Chinakhov line together, the Ben Kindel-Anthony-Mantha-Justin Brazeau line together and the Connor Dewar-Blake Lizotte-Noel Accairi line together.

Why disrupt multiple lines that are all working if you do not have to do so?

Crosby and McGroarty also produced well together in their brief ice-time together at the end of the 2024-25 season.

The other option could be a potential reunion of McGroarty with Ben Kindel, with one of the veteran forwards (Brazeau or Mantha) getting bumped to the top line.

Based on the lines at the morning skate, the Penguins are going to go with the latter option as Brazeau has skated on the right side of the Crosby-Rakell line, while McGroarty is on the left side with Kindel and Mantha.

At the end of the day, just so it is not Kevin Hayes drawing back into the lineup there really is not a bad decision here. The important thing is just putting a good lineup out there that can keep this run going. The other important thing is McGroarty making the most of this opportunity and making a good impression no matter what line he plays on. Making the playoffs is now a very realistic goal for this season, and perhaps even an expectation at this point, but seeing growth from young players and positive development there is also a big priority. Bryan Rust’s suspension is unfortunate for the Penguins, but it is still a big opportunity for McGroarty to get another look with the NHL team.

The New Jersey Devils may have lost to the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night, but before the game began, news broke that forward Ondrej Palat was inactive.

​Later on in the night, it was announced that Palat had been traded to the New York Islanders along with New Jersey’s third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and the club’s sixth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft in exchange for forward Maxim Tsyplakov.​

The trade was finalized right before the game began, head coach Sheldon Keefe explained.

​"It's challenging. It's not ideal. It happened so close to the game. He's there saying goodbye to all the guys,” Keefe said to NJD.tv.  “It's challenging, but it's part of the business, part of the deal. You have to press on and get ready for the game. You have to be a pro in those moments. That's the reality of it."​

​The team played without the left winger and fell 4-3 to the Jets. ​Lenni Hameenaho scored his second NHL goal, but it was not enough for a comeback.

​While the team suffered another loss, Tsyplakov's addition took the headlines that night. ​

Tsyplakov is in his second season in the NHL, having recorded 2 points in 27 games. ​

The Devils were able to offload Palat’s entire $6 million salary cap hit for this season and next. ​

The team had reportedly been discussing trading Palat for some time; his hefty contract was not aligning with his production for the Devils this season.

In return, the Devils acquired Tsyplakov, a younger, less expensive player. ​Captain Nico Hischier shared how he felt about Palat’s sudden departure.

​"Definitely not easy. Everybody in here knows what Palat meant to this team, to this organization. He's a guy who won it. He taught us a lot. A great teammate. It's never easy to see a guy go like that, but we wish him all the best. We all know it's part of the business."​

The Devils now prepare to face the Nashville Predators on Thursday at 7 PM.

Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

The New Jersey Devils have made a move, acquiring Maxim Tsyplakov from the New York Islanders on Tuesday.

Who is the newest Devil, and what should you know? Everything about Tsyplakov is below.

Tysplakov joined the Devils in exchange for Devils’ Ondrej Palat and a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and the club’s sixth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

Tsyplakov was undrafted but has played 104 NHL games in two seasons with the New York Islanders.

He joined the Islanders on May 16, 2024, as a free agent.

In his entire career, the 27-year-old has recorded 26 assists and 11 goals, totaling 37 points.

This season, Tsyplakov has played 27 games, earning 2 points, 1 assist, and 1 goal.

The right wing joins the Devils in the midst of his second NHL season. The 6’3” Russian is currently in the first year of a two-year contract worth a total of $4.5 million.

He spent seven seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League before joining the Devils.

Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

The Montreal Canadiens will host the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, January 29. This marks the second matchup between these two teams this season after Colorado claimed a 7-2 victory back in November.

My Avalanche vs. Canadiens predictions and NHL picks suggest a different outcome tonight as the Avs have come down to earth, losing to the lowly Ottawa Senators last night.

Avalanche vs Canadiens prediction

Avalanche vs Canadiens best bet: Cole Caufield anytime goalscorer (+135)

Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield, the hottest goal scorer on the planet right now, has nine goals across a current six-game goal streak.

It seems he's made it his mission to make Team USA General Manager Bill Guerin look like a fool for omitting him from their Olympic roster.

Caufield has been on an absolute tear for the last two weeks. He may not be able to throw hits or play defense, according to some, but he sure knows how to put pucks behind goaltenders.

The only players who've scored more than the Wisconsin native are Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid.

Avalanche vs Canadiens same-game parlay

Canadiens captain and Team Canada representative Nick Suzuki is on pace for 67 assists. He's racked up nine in his last eight games and has shown tremendous chemistry with Caufield, especially on the man advantage.

On the topic of Habs players hot in the assist department, look no further than Mike Matheson. Once a flaky bet due to the presence of Lane Hutson, he's racked up a helper in five consecutive games and has one on a Caufield goal in three straight.

Avalanche vs Canadiens SGP

• Cole Caufield anytime goalscorer
• Nick Suzuki Over 0.5 assists
• Mike Matheson Over 0.5 assists

Avalanche vs Canadiens odds

• Moneyline: Avalanche -130 | Canadiens +110
• Puck Line: Avalanche -1.5 (+175) | Canadiens +1.5 (-215)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-125) | Under 6.5 (+105)

Avalanche vs Canadiens trend

Montreal has won three of the last five against Colorado. Find more NHL betting trends for Avalanche vs. Canadiens.

How to watch Avalanche vs Canadiens

Avalanche vs Canadiens latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

The Winnipeg Jets are quietly turning the corner ahead of a true test against the electric Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena on Thursday, January 30.

While Tampa Bay has lit it up to the tune of a 15-1-1 heater, my Jets vs. Lightning predictions and top NHL picks are calling for Winnipeg star Connor Hellebuyck to keep this game close throughout.

Jets vs Lightning prediction

Jets vs Lightning best bet: First period Under 1.5 (-110)

Winnipeg Jets star Connor Hellebuyck is beginning to string together solid starts, and he sports a .913 save percentage and 2.47 GAA across his past six games. 

The Jets will need saves tonight, too, because the Tampa Bay Lightning are on a 15-1-1 heater with a league-low 2.29 goals against per game and second-fewest expected goals against per 60 minutes at 5-on-5.

With Winnipeg allowing the eighth-fewest xGA per 60 at 5-on-5 during the same timeframe, and Hellebuyck turning his play around, a low-scoring first period is in the cards tonight.

Jets vs Lightning same-game parlay

The Lightning have an unsustainably high 104.6 PDO during the highlighted heater, and the Jets are turning the corner with their own 6-2-2 stretch. Add Hellebuyck rounding into form, and Winnipeg can hang in Tampa tonight.

There’s been an uptick in shot volume from Winnipeg winger Cole Perfetti out of the holiday break, with his 8.36 shots and 17.47 attempts per 60 minutes pacing the Jets. He’s also recorded 2+ shots in 12 of the 17 games.

Jets vs Lightning SGP

• Jets +1.5
• First period Under 1.5
• Cole Perfetti Over 1.5 shots

Jets vs Lightning odds

• Moneyline: Jets +165 | Lightning -200
• Puck Line: Jets +1.5 (-145) | Lightning -1.5 (+125)
• Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (+100)

Jets vs Lightning trend

The Jets have hit the first-period moneyline in seven of their last 14 games for +7.05 units and a 43% ROI. Find more NHL betting trends for Jets vs. Lightning.

How to watch Jets vs Lightning

Jets vs Lightning latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

Dylan Larkin has piled up the shots of late, averaging 3.8 per game over his last 10 contests.

My Capitals vs. Red Wings predictions and NHL picks expect the volume to remain strong in an advantageous matchup against Washington on Thursday, January 29.

Don't miss puck drop at 7:30 p.m. ET on Hulu.

Capitals vs Red Wings prediction

Capitals vs Red Wings best bet: Dylan Larkin Over 2.5 shots on goal (-138)

Dylan Larkin has posted impressive shot outputs all season. He's gone Over this total in 63% of his appearances while averaging 3.0 shots on 6.1 attempts.

We’ve seen a further spike in recent weeks. Larkin’s averages have soared to 3.8 shots on 7.2 attempts over his past 10 games.

He should have a ton of shooting opportunities in this one. The Washington Capitals are a below-average shot suppression team, and Larkin has faced them twice. He cleared 2.5 shots in both games while generating 6+ attempts in each.

Larkin has already shown he can make noise against the Capitals. That should remain the case, given they've allowed more shots to centers than anybody over the last 10 games.

The Capitals also rank Bottom 10 in shot suppression vs. forwards this season. Larkin has played nine home games against such opponents, averaging 3.9 shots on target and going Over in eight of those games.

Five of them came following a day of rest. Larkin’s numbers increased even further, jumping to 4.2 shots per contest.

Capitals vs Red Wings same-game parlay

Larkin has scored in 41% of his games this season and 48% after a day of rest. His hit rate jumps to 56% when recording 3+ shots, which we’re banking on in this game.

Lucas Raymond leads the Detroit Red Wings in helpers by a country mile and skates with Larkin at 5-on-5 as well as on the power play. He's most likely to help facilitate a goal.

Going the other way, Jakob Chychrun is poised to make noise. He's recorded 12 shots on 22 attempts over two games against Detroit and attempted 8+ shots in three of his past four overall.

Capitals vs Red Wings SGP

• Dylan Larkin Over 2.5 shots on goal
• Dylan Larkin anytime goal
• Lucas Raymond Over 0.5 assists
• Jakob Chychrun Over 2.5 shots on goal

Capitals vs Red Wings odds

• Moneyline: Capitals +106 | Red Wings -128
• Puck Line: Capitals +1.5 (-230) | Red Wings -1.5 (+190)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-118) | Under 6.5 (-104)

Capitals vs Red Wings trend

Dylan Larkin has recorded 3+ shots in six of his past seven games against the Capitals. Find more NHL betting trends for Capitals vs. Red Wings.

How to watch Capitals vs Red Wings

Capitals vs Red Wings latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

Mathew Barzal is one of the more dynamic playmakers in the NHL.

He’s on pace to lead his team in assists, and my Islanders vs. Rangers predictions expect Barzal to create some magic against a team unable to keep the puck out.

Let’s dive into my NHL picks for Thursday, January 29.

Islanders vs Rangers prediction

Islanders vs Rangers best bet: Mathew Barzal Over 0.5 assists (+110)

Mathew Barzal is an assist machine in good matchups. He has picked up an apple in 13 of 21 games and seven of his past 10 against teams that rank Bottom-12 in goals against.

The New York Rangers certainly fit the criteria. They have allowed 50 goals — yes, 50 goals! — over 10 games since Igor Shesterkin went down with an injury.

The opposing team scored at least three in each of the 10, so it’s not as if they’re going through peaks and valleys. Every night is a steady dose of goals against.

Now playing without Artemi Panarin, who will remain on the sidelines until a trade is found, the Rangers have even less starpower in their lineup and are likely to spend more time on their heels.

We saw that Wednesday night, with the Islanders outshooting the Rangers 36-16 despite playing with a lead for 45 of the 60 minutes.

The New York Islanders are likely to have a ton of the puck again in this one. It’ll often be on the stick of Barzal, who is the team’s leader in assists and their best facilitator.

With Jonathan Quick struggling to stop pucks, one of the opportunities Barzal creates should lead to a goal.

Islanders vs Rangers same-game parlay

Anthony Duclair played 16:40 against the Rangers last night. Just under 15 minutes came attached to the hip of Barzal, whom Duclair is skating with at 5-on-5 and on the power play.

He has 12 points over his last 11 and correlates greatly with Barzal, so I like his chances of getting involved in this plus-matchup.

Without Panarin in the lineup, Alexis Lafreniere jumped up to the top power play. He had a pair of shots on goal and two of the team’s three scoring chances on the man advantage.

An increased role should improve his shooting floor and ceiling each night.

Islanders vs Rangers SGP

• Mathew Barzal Over 0.5 assists
• Anthony Duclair Over 0.5 points
• Alexis Lafreniere Over 1.5 shots on goal

Islanders vs Rangers odds

• Moneyline: New York -125 | New York +105
• Puck line: New York -1.5 (+190) | New York +1.5 (-230)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+115) | Under 6.5 (-135)

Islanders vs Rangers trend

Mathew Barzal has assists in seven of his past nine road games. Find more NHL betting trends for Islanders vs. Rangers.

How to watch Islanders vs Rangers

Islanders vs Rangers latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

• The Matchup: Nashville Predators (24-23-5) @ New Jersey Devils (27-24-2)
• The Time: 7:00 pm EST
• The Broadcast: MSGSN, Devils Hockey Radio

Last Devils Game

On Tuesday, the Devils lost their second game in a row to the 29th place Winnipeg Jets. Yes my friends, the Devils lost to a team that only has a better record than 3 other teams and more win than 2 other teams.

The teams went goal for goal in the first period to end the 1st tied at 1. Winnipeg would score 3 goals in a row in the 2nd period, before Jesper Bratt scored his 12th of the season to bring the Devils to within 2 heading into the final period. The Captain scored his 17th goal of the season late in the 3rd period, but by that point, it was too little too late.

Speaking of too little, too late, Ondrej Palat did not play on Tuesday. As you know by now, he was traded to the New York Islanders, along with a 2026 3rd round draft pick and a 2027 6th round pick for…checks notes…Maxim Tsyplakov. Not that it really matters, as it was simply time for the Devils to move on from Palat.

Jake Allen did another one of his spot on Markstrom impressions, letting up 4 goals on 26 shots, and the Devils showed yet again, that they are really not a good team.

Last Predators Game

On Tuesday night, the Predators lost to the Boston Bruins, 3-2. Boston jumped out to a 2-0 lead with goals in the first and second periods, before Nashville scored late in the 2nd period to make it 2-1. Nashville scored again, midway through the 3rd period to send the game to OT, where David Pastrnak won the game in OT for the Bruins.

Like the Devils, (and Winnipeg) the Predators are another team that is struggling this season, playing basically .500 level hockey. Or, as I like to call it, not good enough. Like the Devils, Nashville has also lost their last 2 games in a row. One of these teams will break their losing streak tonight.

Considering he has started 11 of the last 13 games for Nashville, I would expect Juuse Saros to play tonight. Though, if there is any team in the NHL to get your backup goalie a win against, it’s the Devils. Maybe Justus Annunen will get some ice time tonight in a rare start. It doesn’t get any easier for a goalie than facing the Devils offense!

Injuries, Roster for Tonight, Yada, Yada, Yada.

Ondrej Palat won’t be playing ever again for the Devils, so at least we can stop talking about whether the Devils should bench him or not.

Luke Hughes is not due to be back any time soon. Cody Glass left the game in the 2nd period on Tuesday and did not return. Hopefully he is back in action tonight against Nashville. However, based on a post from Amanda Stein from Tuesday, it doesn’t look promising for his return tonight.

Considering Jake Allen has only started back to back games 3 times, going back to November, I would expect Jacob “I’m not an NHL goalie any longer” Markstrom to get the start tonight.

Grimace’s Prediction and 2025-2026 Record Tracker

Grimace dipped his toes back in the water recently in making another prediction and like the Devils, came up short. Like them, he is a .500 level predictor. Not. Good. Enough.

Grimace’s 2025-2026 Season Prediction record currently stands at 12-11-0.

Your Take

The big news in Devils land is the Palat trade. He may be a winner, and a great teammate, but his time here had run its course. Honestly, other than the game 7 assist against the Rangers, I can’t think of any other memorable plays involving him in his time here. The way this season is going, he has a better chance with the Islanders anyway, and I wish him good luck. Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below and thanks for reading!

In a shameless bit of non hockey related self promotion (approved by Chris – thanks Chris), I wanted to plug my brand new podcast on here, if any of you are interested in listening. We have a light hearted, fun discussion about any movies, music or video games mostly from the 1980s and 1990s. Please feel free to listen to us on any of the formats below and any feedback is welcome (positive and negative). Also, please follow us and subscribe, even if you think we stink. 🙂

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Isn’t it funny how much things can change in a relatively short amount of time?

It wasn’t that long ago when the Florida Panthers were struggling to come up with any kind of consistent success when playing away from home.

Lately, it’s been quite the opposite.

Over the past several weeks, all but two of the Panthers most recent 11 games have come outside of South Florida.

Not to worry, though, as the Cats enter play on Thursday having won six of their past seven games on the road, including all three on last week’s trip that featured stops in Winnipeg, Minnesota and Chicago.

Now the Panthers will look to make it four straight road wins when they visit the St. Louis Blues.

The Blues started the month with a pair of wins and were just one game below .500 when the wheels started falling off.

Since Jan. 7, St. Louis has lost eight of their 10 games, including each of the past five.

Entering play Thursday, there is only one team in the NHL that has fewer points in the standings than the Blues’ 47, and that’s the Vancouver Canucks with 39.

Florida, meanwhile, still has a bit of work to do if they want to climb back into a playoff spot.

Currently, the Cats are six points behind the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins, who hold the two Eastern Conference Wild Card spots, and the Buffalo Sabres, who sits third in the Atlantic Division, all with 65 points.

Florida has two games in hand on Boston, one on Montreal and the same amount of games played as Buffalo.

One thing that may help the Panthers pick up two points on Thursday would be a big night from star forward Matthew Tkachuk.

It’s been ten days since Tkachuk made his season debut last Monday against San Jose. During that time he’s racked up three assists, 11 shots on goal, eight penalty minutes and a minus-3 on-ice rating while averaging 18:37 of playing time.

Perhaps returning to his hometown will provide a nice boost for the gritty forward. 

It's certainly worked in the past. 

During his career, Tkachuk has played 15 games back in St. Louis.

He’s accumulated an impressive nine goals and 26 points when playing in the Blues’ barn, but he’s really taken it up a notch in the three visits since joining the Panthers.

Before he was traded to Florida, Tkachuk had four goals and 17 points in 12 games in St. Louis.

Not bad at all.

In the three games he’s played in St. Louis while wearing a Panthers sweater, Tkachuk has an eye-popping five goals and nine points.

Needless to say, if you’re into hockey props, it may be a good night to lean on ol’ Chucky.

Here are the Panthers projected lines and pairings for Thursday’s matchup with the Blues:

Carter Verhaeghe – Evan Rodrigues – Sam Reinhart

Mackie Samoskevich – Sam Bennett – Matthew Tkachuk

Eetu Luostarinen – Anton Lundell – Brad Marchand

A.J. Greer – Cole Schwindt – Sandis Vilmanis

Gus Forsling – Aaron Ekblad

Niko Mikkola – Uvis Balinskis

Tobias Bjornfot – Jeff Petry

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Aleksander Barkov Joined By Three Other Injured Florida Panthers Players As They Skate Privately

Photo caption: Feb 6, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) looks on during the first period against the St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center. (Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)

Who:Chicago Blackhawks (21-23-9, 51 points, 6th place Central Division) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (26-14-11, 63 points, 2nd place Metropolitan Division)

When: 7:00 p.m. eastern

How to Watch: Locally broadcast on Sportsnet Pittsburgh and CHSN in the local markets, streaming on ESPN+

Pens’ Path Ahead: It’s a week-long sprint to the Olympic break finish line for the Pens. They’ll stay at home on Saturday to see the Rangers in a 3:30pm game, then Ottawa comes to the ‘Burgh on Monday night. After that, the Pens quickly jet over to a game against the Islanders on Tuesday night and stay in the Empire State for a tilt with Buffao on Thursday heading into the three-week break.

Opponent Track: Chicago fell 4-3 in a shootout on Tuesday night in their last game, extending their current losing streak to three games (0-1-2). Their last five games have been very tight ones: a 2-0 win over Winnipeg last Monday (sealed with an ENG), then a pair of shootout games (winning against Carolina followed by losing to Tampa). On Sunday they did suffer a 5-1 loss to Florida (but even that was 3-1 late until an ENG and last minute goal) and the last shootout game against Minnesota. Down to the wire types of games decided very late for the most part, Chicago has been able to manage a 2-1-2 record to show for it.

Season Series: The Penguins put a 7-3 beating on the Blackhawks in Chicago on December 28th in the first game back from the break to get their current strong run of play going, tonight will be the final PIT/CHI game of the season.

Hidden Stat: Good luck to the power plays tonight. Since Christmas, Chicago is second in the NHL with a 90.5% success rate on their PK. The Penguins are just behind them at 90.0%. A key to success has been staying out of the penalty box in the first place, Chicago has only been shorthanded 2.47 times per game in this stretch (6th best in NHL) which has helped them to allow only four goals in their last 17 games playing shorthanded.

Hidden Stat 2.0: The Penguins have points in 17 of their 23 games against Western Conference Opponents this season (11-6-6), courtesy of Pens PR. 

Getting to know the Blackhawks

Projected lines

FORWARDS

Frank Nazar – Connor Bedard – Teuvo Teravainen

Ryan Greene – Oliver Moore – Andre Burakovsky

Tyler Bertuzzi – Jason Dickinson – Ilya Mikheyev

Ryan Donato – Nick Foligno – Landon Slaggert

DEFENSEMEN

Alex Vlasic / Louis Crevier

Wyatt Kaiser / Artyom Levshunov

Matt Grzelcyk / Connor Murphy

Goalies: Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom

Potential scratches: Sam Lafferty, Colton Dach

Injured Reserve: Shea Weber, Ryan Ellis

• Chicago plays again tomorrow night at home against Columbus, they might have a decision to make in net accordingly. Knight has started six of their last eight games.
• The Blackhawks certainly qualify as one of the youngest teams, 11 of the 22 players on the active roster are under 25 years old, including the majority of their current top-six forwards, the entirety of their top-4 defenders and a budding starting goalie. Foligno and Murphy are the only 31+ players around, and they don’t have huge on ice roles.
• Always a chuckle to see an actual Hall of Famer still on a team’s payroll as the contract winds out. This is the final season of Weber’s massive 14-year contract that Philadelphia tried to sign him to in 2012 but was matched by Nashville.

Season stats
via hockeydb

• Bertuzzi is having an interesting season. It stands out in memory how much he was goal hanging and playing behind the defense looking for breakaways against the Penguins last month. His defensive impact is among the worst in the league, his finishing and scoring is near the very top. It might not be his intention but he looked like a guy just trying to pad his own personal stats. Might be something to keep an eye on tonight, at the very least Bertuzzi is cheating a lot to generate offense, which I guess you get some leeway with when a lot of goals are going in.
• Is Kevin Korchinski the next Ty Smith? Both made the NHL super early, then didn’t stick. In a perfect world and for Chicago’s development they would need former first round picks like Korchinski and Sam Rinzel to start becoming NHL regulars now in their draft+4 seasons. A rebuild will struggle to launch without pieces like that growing. On the plus side, 2024 second overall pick Artyom Levshunov has lived up to his draft placement so far.
• The trade of Seth Jones for Knight and a 2026 first rounder looks mighty good for the Blackhawks these days (didn’t work out so poorly for Florida, either) with the Panthers dabbling around the middle of the standings so far this season. The best part for Chicago is Knight running with the opportunity to be a quality option in net, the Blackhawks will eat a $2.5 million penalty for retaining a piece of Jones’s cap hit but that looks well worth it at this point.

Key to the game: Pittsburgh taking advantage of Chicago’s 5v5 struggles

Chicago has managed to paper over some bad results lately to the tun of a decent 7-5-2 record in calendar 2026 despite a horrible process ranking them at the bottom of the NHL in the new year. That record was boosted winning five of six games towards the beginning of January, including impressive wins over Dallas and Vegas and later some results with a victory over Carolina (shootout) and a shootout loss to Tampa. Chicago is living proof that in today’s NHL a team can truly get any result on any given night, illustrated by the Hawks also losing to Calgary this month.

The stingy PK mentioned above is a big factor in how Chicago has been able to string together some results despite a terrible 5v5 goal share and process behind it since the turn of the year. This should play into the Pens’ hands, Pittsburgh is out-scoring the opposition by a combined 50-26 at even strength since Christmas. The table should be set for them to keep that train rolling around against an opponent that is exceptionally weak in that area.

One other positive takeaway from that graphic about the Penguins is that their recent play doesn’t feature an unsustainable PDO-aided turn (which fellow 2026 standouts like Buffalo, Utah, Boston and Detroit can’t say as easily).

And now for the Pens

Projected lines 

FORWARDS

Anthony Mantha – Sidney Crosby – Rickard Rakell

Egor Chinakhov  – Tommy Novak – Evgeni Malkin

Kevin Hayes – Ben Kindel – Justin Brazeau

Connor Dewar – Blake Lizotte – Noel Acciari

DEFENSEMEN

Parker Wotherspoon / Erik Karlsson

Brett Kulak / Kris Letang

Ilya Solovyov / Ryan Shea

Goalies:  Arturs Silovs and Stuart Skinner

Potential Scratches: Bryan Rust (serving the first game of his three-game suspension), Connor Clifton

IR: Ryan Graves, Filip Hallander, Caleb Jones, Jack St. Ivany

• We’ll take a stab at the lines, the league-mandated absence of Rust will be one the Pens have to navigate over the next few games. Unlike going on the IR, Rust must still be kept on the 23-player roster during his suspension. That shouldn’t handcuff the team thanks to St. Ivany going on IR to open up a spot for a call-up, if they wanted to make one. Unless that news comes out today, it looks like Hayes will be back in the lineup as the only other available forward on the NHL roster currently, unless the team looks to go with 11 forwards and seven defenseman, because..
• Penguins presumably will get their first look at their most recent trade addition of Solovyov tonight, based on practice indications from Tuesday. So they could use Rust’s open spot in the lineup to dress Clifton and roll with 11 forwards if they so choose, we’ll have to see at morning skate today if Hayes or Clifton’s late participation suggests which one will be scratched. (Or, potentially both could be if the team does make that call-up from the AHL). Lots of potential scenarios to play out there.
• Interesting week for the Penguins. They flew home from Vancouver on Monday, had one of the season’s longest practices of well over an hour on Tuesday (plus the annual charity gala at night), an off day yesterday and now will try to hit the ground running with five games over the next eight nights.
• Now that Skinner has started in three of the last four games, does the team go back to him tonight? It would make sense based on the scheduling. Play Skinner tonight and then Silovs on Saturday afternoon and Skinner would have plenty of time to get ready to play again for two out of the final three games next week.
• Then again, Silovs hasn’t played in a full week now since his last action of a strong game against Edmonton, so it wouldn’t be a bad choice to get him back in there either. Any decision by the coaches looks like a good one when both goalies are playing well.
• Skinner, by the way, is a 5-0-0 lifetime against the Blackhawks with a 1.98 goals against and a .925 save percentage. 
• The whole second line have active three-game point streaks; Malkin (3G+2A) Novak (1G+3A) and Chinakhov (2G+1A). Ryan Shea (3A) also has points in three-straight games.

Three days off gave the Pittsburgh Penguins plenty of time to shake off the jet lag from traveling out West and will now look to extend their four game winning streak by welcoming the Chicago Blackhawks to PPG Paints Arena later this evening. This is the second meeting between the sides in just about a months time, with the Penguins defeating the Blackhawks in their first game back from the Christmas break on December 28th. That victory helped spark the Penguins current run of form which has them at 11-2-2 since the holiday.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on Sportsnet Pittsburgh.

Pens Points…

Injuries have hit the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in force over the last two weeks as the team has seen its center depth depleted with Tristan Broz and Joona Koppanen out of the lineup. Still though, the Baby Penguins put together a 4-2-1 stretch over the last seven games. [Pensburgh]

Celebrating 20 years as teammates, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are joining forces with the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and local born artist Burton Morris to craft a special tribute artwork that will be sold to help raise money for local charities. [Penguins]

Blake Lizotte is not big by any means, but his impact on the Penguins this season has been unmistakably large. It’s not coincidence that when he was out of the lineup, the Penguins struggled mightily, winning just one of the nine games he was out with injury. [PPG]

Just two days until the 2016 Stanley Cup reunion and it’s time to look back on the Eastern Conference Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Trailing 3-2 in the series, the Penguins forced a Game 7 back in Pittsburgh where Bryan Rust played hero with a pair of goals. [Penguins]

NHL News and Notes…

In another inter-division Metro trade, the New York Islanders acquired Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Maxim Tsyplakov. To sweeten the deal, the Devils also sent over two draft picks to compensate the Islanders for taking on the Palat contract. [NHL]

It’s been 12 years since NHL players took part in the Winter Olympics, but that will change here very soon. For the first time, many NHL superstars will be lacing them up for their countries at the biggest tournament that international hockey has to offer and they will be looking to make a statement. [Yardbarker]

Adam Fox was back on the ice Wednesday morning with a handful of Rangers while wearing a red noncontact jersey during an optional morning skate ahead of their game at UBS Arena.

Head coach Mike Sullivan said before a 5-2 loss to the Islanders that it was “very” encouraging that Fox has taken this “next step” in his latest rehab and “it just suggests that he’s getting closer.”

Still, the 27-year-old Long Island native might run out of time to make it back to game action before the NHL shuts down next week for the Winter Olympics in Milan.

The Blueshirts only have three games remaining before the break — Thursday against the Isles at the Garden, Saturday in Pittsburgh and next Thursday at home against the Hurricanes.

“I don’t have an answer for you, but the fact that he’s joining the team obviously suggests that he’s in the last stages before his return to play,” Sullivan added.

Fox only has appeared in three games since Nov. 29 due to two separate stints on long-term injured reserve with an early shoulder injury and the lower-body issue the former Norris Trophy winner sustained on Jan. 5 against the Mammoth.

Goalie Igor Shesterkin, who suffered a lower-body injury in the same Jan. 5 game as Fox, worked out on the ice with goalie coach Jeff Malcolm Wednesday morning at the team’s Tarrytown training facility.

• CHECK OUT THE LATEST NHL STANDINGS AND RANGERS STATS

Sullivan said it’s “a fair statement” to say Fox is ahead of Shesterkin in their respective rehabs.

Forward Conor Sheary (lower-body) also took part in the optional skate wearing a noncontact jersey.

Spencer Martin got the start in net and allowed all five goals on 36 shots.

It marked his fourth start since Shesterkin was injured.

Sullivan has gone to more of a rotation lately between Martin and veteran Jonathan Quick.

“I think the biggest thing is just trying to set them both up for success,” Sullivan said. “We weren’t sure how the workload would be for a guy like Quickie and where he’s at in his career. So I think we get better versions of both guys when we share the work a little bit. That’s been my observation.”

Colorado Avalanche (35-7-9, in the Central Division) vs. Montreal Canadiens (29-17-7, in the Atlantic Division)

Montreal, Quebec; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Avalanche -136, Canadiens +115; over/under is 6.5

BOTTOM LINE: The Montreal Canadiens host the Colorado Avalanche after the Canadiens defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2 in overtime.

Montreal has a 15-11-1 record in home games and a 29-17-7 record overall. The Canadiens are third in NHL play with 178 total goals (averaging 3.4 per game).

Colorado has a 15-5-5 record in road games and a 35-7-9 record overall. The Avalanche are 20-4-6 in games they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponents.

Thursday's game is the second meeting between these teams this season. The Avalanche won 7-2 in the last matchup. Brock Nelson led the Avalanche with two goals.

TOP PERFORMERS: Nicholas Suzuki has scored 16 goals with 43 assists for the Canadiens. Cole Caufield has nine goals and three assists over the last 10 games.

Martin Necas has 22 goals and 39 assists for the Avalanche. Nathan MacKinnon has three goals and 11 assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Canadiens: 5-4-1, averaging 3.5 goals, six assists, 4.7 penalties and 11.6 penalty minutes while giving up 3.2 goals per game.

Avalanche: 4-4-2, averaging 3.5 goals, 6.3 assists, 2.8 penalties and 6.2 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game.

INJURIES: Canadiens: None listed.

Avalanche: None listed.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.