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As the calendar flips to a new year, NHL fans are treated to a trio of thrilling matchups that promise to set the ice ablaze. From the nation's capital to Canada's beloved hockey havens, here’s what to watch for in the marquee games kicking off 2026.
Hockey fans in Ottawa will be welcoming the Washington Capitals, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Our GameSim prediction gives the Ottawa Senators a 56% chance of skating away with the victory, forecasting a 3.7 to 2.8 edge over the Capitals. With a Vegas over/under set at 6.5, expect goals to be aplenty.
All eyes will be on Alex Ovechkin, who continues to defy age with his relentless pursuit of the net. Projected to notch 0.5 goals and 0.4 assists, Ovi remains a force. Meanwhile, Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk is set to lead his team with a projected 0.6 goals and 0.3 assists, ready to exploit any defensive lapses in the Capitals' armor.
Heading to the East Coast, the Utah Mammoth face the New York Islanders in what promises to be a tightly contested game. Our simulations favor the Islanders with a narrow 52% win probability and a predicted score of 2.9 to 2.6. With a Vegas spread of -1.5, the Islanders are slight favorites in this matchup.
Watch out for Mathew Barzal, whose playmaking prowess is expected to shine with 0.3 goals and 1.0 assists. On the other side, the Mammoth’s Dylan Guenther is expected to make a significant impact, projected to score 0.5 goals. This matchup is poised to be a showcase of young talent and strategic gameplay.
Lastly, the Montreal Canadiens travel to take on the Carolina Hurricanes, where our model predicts a 58% chance of a Hurricanes win, with a scoreline of 3.5 to 2.3. Sebastian Aho leads the charge for Carolina, with an expected stat line of 0.4 goals and 0.5 assists.
Montreal's hopes will rest on the shoulders of Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, both projected to score 0.4 goals each. As they battle a formidable Hurricanes lineup, the Canadiens will need to capitalize on every opportunity to keep pace.
For those looking to dive deeper into the numbers, GameSim+ subscribers can access detailed projected stats for every player in these matchups. Learn more about our exclusive insights by visiting GameSim+ and elevate your game-day experience.
