As the NHL season intensifies, fans are in for a treat with some top-tier matchups on March 26, 2026. Tonight's marquee games not only showcase fierce rivalries but also feature teams vying for crucial points as playoff races heat up. Here's a look at what makes each of these encounters must-watch TV.

NHL Game Preview

Minnesota Wild at Florida Panthers

When the Minnesota Wild travel to face the Florida Panthers, expect a clash of styles and some serious star power on display. Our model favors the Wild in a narrow 3-2.2 victory, giving them a 55% chance to skate away with the win (see full prediction).

Minnesota's Kirill Kaprizov is projected to be a game-changer, with predictions of 0.6 goals and 0.6 assists. Alongside him, Matt Boldy is expected to contribute significantly with 0.9 points. For Florida, Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett will need to be at their best to counter the Wild's offensive threats, with both players projected to tally 0.9 points each.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Montreal Canadiens

In another thrilling encounter, the Columbus Blue Jackets are set to visit the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens are slight favorites, with a predicted score of 3.8 to 3.4, according to our simulations, which give them a 53% chance to win (get detailed insights).

Montreal's Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield are expected to lead the charge offensively. Suzuki is poised for a strong showing with 1.5 points, while Caufield could light up the scoreboard with 1.3 goals. Columbus will look to Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko to provide the offensive punch, with Werenski projected to score 1.4 points.

Dallas Stars at New York Islanders

Finally, the Dallas Stars take on the New York Islanders in what promises to be a tightly contested game. The Islanders are slightly favored with a predicted 3.1 to 2.9 win, holding a 51% probability of victory (full game breakdown).

Watch for Jason Robertson of the Stars, who is expected to be a key player with a projected 1.3 points. On the other side, Mathew Barzal leads the Islanders' charge with 1.2 points, while defensive contributions from Tony DeAngelo could also prove pivotal.

These games not only promise edge-of-your-seat action but also pivotal points in the standings. Fans looking for an in-depth look at individual player projections can dive deeper with our GameSim+ subscription. Learn more and subscribe here to get exclusive access to all the stats you need to stay ahead of the game.