MLBGAMESIM.COM is moving soon. All of your favorite Game Sim sites are coming together at MyGameSim.com — with your login, your simulations, plus new features and a fresh look! Check out the MLB page here.
As we dive into the heart of the NHL season, December 30th brings us a trio of tantalizing matchups, each with significant implications for playoff positioning and team morale. Fans and bettors alike have plenty to dissect as the Montreal Canadiens face off against the Florida Panthers, the Carolina Hurricanes take on the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the New Jersey Devils clash with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Here’s what you can expect from these icy encounters.

The Montreal Canadiens head to the Sunshine State for a showdown with the Florida Panthers in a game that promises to be tight. According to our GameSim model, the Panthers hold a slight edge with a predicted score of 3.1 to the Canadiens’ 2.6, and a 53% win probability. Leading the charge for the Panthers will be the dynamic Brad Marchand, projected to contribute 0.4 goals and 0.6 assists. Meanwhile, Montreal’s defense will rely heavily on the young Lane Hutson, who’s expected to rack up 0.7 assists. The Panthers are favored by a 1.5 spread with an over/under set at 6.5, suggesting a potentially high-scoring affair.
In Pittsburgh, the Penguins welcome the Carolina Hurricanes in what might be the most evenly matched contest of the night. With both teams predicted to score 3.1 goals, our simulations give the Hurricanes a razor-thin advantage. This matchup is not just about team rivalry; it’s a face-off between two of the league's top centers, Sidney Crosby and Sebastian Aho, each forecasted to tally 1.2 points. Will Crosby’s leadership carry the Penguins past the Hurricanes, or will Aho’s finesse on the ice tip the balance? With the over/under also at 6.5, this game is bound to thrill fans and keep bookies on their toes. Dive deeper into this matchup here.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to host the New Jersey Devils in a game where the Leafs are favored with a 55% win probability and a predicted score advantage of 3.8 to 3.0. Toronto’s offensive arsenal, led by Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews, is expected to be in full force. Knies and Matthews are each projected to notch 1.2 and 1.1 points respectively, making them pivotal to the Leafs' strategy. On the Devils' side, Jack Hughes is poised to keep them competitive with expected contributions of 0.9 points. This matchup, favored by a 1.5 spread for Toronto, could see the Leafs solidifying their playoff posture. For a detailed breakdown, check out the full simulation.
As these teams take to the ice, each game offers its own narrative of skill, strategy, and sheer willpower. To see how your favorite players are projected to perform, GameSim+ subscribers can access detailed player stats and insights. Learn more about subscribing and gain an edge in understanding these thrilling matchups.