As the NHL season heats up, April 14, 2026, presents us with a trio of tantalizing matchups that could have significant implications in the playoff race. Whether it's the high-flying New Jersey Devils taking on the storied Boston Bruins, or the relentless Washington Capitals facing the gritty Columbus Blue Jackets, fans are in for a treat. Let's dive into what makes each of these games a must-watch, and what our simulations are predicting for each clash.

NHL Game Preview

New Jersey Devils vs. Boston Bruins

Kicking off the action, the New Jersey Devils head into Boston with a razor-thin edge according to our simulations. With a predicted score of 3.3 to 3.2 in favor of New Jersey, the Devils have a 51% win probability in this matchup. Jesper Bratt, leading the Devils with an expected 1.5 points, will be crucial in navigating the team past Boston's defensive setups. Meanwhile, Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier are both set to add depth to New Jersey’s offensive strategy.

The Bruins, known for their resilience, will counter with David Pastrnak, who is poised to be a key player, projected to contribute nearly a point. The game's dynamics might hinge on the ability of Boston's defense to contain New Jersey's multi-faceted attack.

Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

Next up, the Washington Capitals are set to visit the Columbus Blue Jackets, with our model favoring the Capitals with a 3.8 to 2.7 predicted score. Washington holds a 57% chance of victory, making this game a pivotal moment for them this season.

Alex Ovechkin, as always, remains a formidable force, expected to rack up 1.2 points. But it's the supporting cast, like Ryan Leonard and Aliaksei Protas, who might tip the scales with their combined offensive output. Columbus, on the other hand, will rely heavily on Zach Werenski’s leadership and scoring potential to stay competitive.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Islanders

In the final marquee matchup of the night, the Carolina Hurricanes head to the island to face the New York Islanders. With the Islanders favored by a 57% chance to win, this game is expected to end 3.3 to 2.3 according to our simulations. Mathew Barzal and Matthew Schaefer are anticipated to be the anchors of New York's attack, each projected to score about a point.

Carolina’s hopes will partially rest on the shoulders of Nikolaj Ehlers, who is expected to lead their scoring efforts. The Islanders' defensive strategy will need to account for the versatile talents of both Taylor Hall and Brandon Bussi, who can change the game's tempo with their playmaking abilities.

As the night unfolds, fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see if the predictions hold true. For those looking to dive deeper into each matchup, detailed projected player stats are available exclusively to GameSim+ subscribers. Find out more and gain a competitive edge by subscribing at MyGameSim.com.