The NHL returns from its holiday break today with a full slate of 13 games, offering compelling action as teams jockey for playoff position in the second half of the season. From divisional clashes with postseason implications to heated rivalry matchups, saturday’s games promise intense competition across the league. analysts highlight several contests as must-watch, including a highly anticipated rematch between the New York Rangers and Islanders, and also a battle between the top teams in the Western and Eastern Conferences.
The NHL is back from its holiday break with a Saturday slate packed with compelling matchups, including several heated rivalry games and key contests with playoff implications.
Thirteen games are scheduled throughout the day, beginning at 6 p.m. ET, each promising intense action as teams battle for position in a tightly contested season. With playoff spots up for grabs, every game carries added weight as the regular season progresses.
NHL analysts are highlighting several games as must-watch, and here’s a closer look at the action.
New York state of mind
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The New York Rangers will look to avenge a stinging defeat when they visit the New York Islanders at UBS Arena (6 p.m. ET, MSGSN, MSG 2). The Islanders handed the Rangers a lopsided 5-0 loss at Madison Square Garden on November 8, a game where New York was shut out for the fifth time at home this season. The Rangers (19-16-4) will undoubtedly remember that result as they head to Long Island. Interestingly, the Rangers have found more success on the road, going 14-6-1 away from Madison Square Garden compared to a 5-10-3 record at home. All eyes will be on Bo Horvat, who scored twice in the previous meeting and continues to be a key player for the Islanders (20-13-4). Horvat is set to return to the lineup after missing five games with a lower-body injury.
Top-of-table showdown in Raleigh
A clash of division leaders is set for Lenovo Center (7 p.m. ET; FDSNDET, FDSNSO) as the Carolina Hurricanes (22-11-3) host the Detroit Red Wings (22-13-3). Detroit is aiming to end a nine-season Stanley Cup Playoffs drought, but they’ll face a tough test against Carolina, where they’ve lost their last four games (0-4-0) since a 3-0 win on April 14, 2022. The Hurricanes have been bolstered by the strong play of rookie goalie Brandon Bussi, who is 11-1-1 in 13 starts with a stellar 2.11 goals-against average and .913 save percentage. However, veteran Frederik Andersen could also get the start, bringing a wealth of experience to the crease. Andersen has a strong track record against the Red Wings, boasting a 13-1-1 record with a 2.12 GAA and three shutouts in 15 career starts.
Defense won’t rest in Winnipeg
A battle between two of the NHL’s top defensemen is on tap when Quinn Hughes and the Minnesota Wild visit Josh Morrissey and the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre (7 p.m. ET; SN1, SNW, FDSNNO, FDSNWIX). The Jets (15-17-3) will face the Wild (22-10-6) for the first time since acquiring Hughes in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks on December 12. Minnesota had been on a seven-game winning streak before a 5-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday. Winnipeg, meanwhile, was looking to rebound from a four-game losing streak (0-2-2) heading into the holiday break. The Central Division rivals have split their first two matchups this season, with Winnipeg winning 4-3 in overtime on October 28 and Minnesota securing a 3-0 victory on November 23.
Sunshine rivalry at a boil
Expect fireworks when the Battle of Florida renews at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida (7 p.m. ET; The Spot, SCRIPPS). The rivalry between the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning is one of the NHL’s most intense, fueled by years of playoff battles and a mutual dislike. These teams have combined to win four of the last six Stanley Cup championships and have participated in each of the past six Finals. The game could also feature five players who represented Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February and are potential candidates for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026: forwards Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel of the Lightning (20-13-3), and Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart of the Panthers (20-14-2).
Battle of Ontario turns up the heat
The Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs will renew their rivalry at Scotiabank Arena (7 p.m. ET; CBC, TVAS, CITY, SNE, SNO, SNP) in a game with significant playoff implications. Both teams find themselves on the outside looking in as the season approaches its midpoint. Toronto (16-15-5) secured a win against the Pittsburgh Penguins before the break but is still working to address inconsistencies that have left them near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Ottawa (18-13-5) will be looking to capitalize on Toronto’s struggles and potentially avenge their first-round playoff loss to the Maple Leafs last season. Expect a strong performance from Brady Tkachuk as the Senators aim to inflict more misery on their provincial rivals.
Stars look to keep shining
The Dallas Stars (25-7-5) will look to continue their impressive form when they host the Chicago Blackhawks (13-17-6) at American Airlines Center (8 p.m. ET; Victory+, CHSN). Dallas has been dominant in all facets of the game, boasting a strong power play, penalty kill, and one of the league’s stingiest defenses, allowing just 2.61 goals per game. The Blackhawks, however, have struggled recently after a promising start to the season, and will be without top centers Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar until after January 1.
Freeway frenzy in California
The annual Freeway Face-Off rivalry heats up as the Anaheim Ducks (21-14-2) and the Los Angeles Kings (15-12-9) face off at Crypto.com Arena (9 p.m. ET; FDSNW, KTTV, Victory+). Both teams are vying for playoff positioning in the Pacific Division, with Anaheim aiming for its first postseason appearance since 2018. The Ducks came back three times to defeat the Kings 5-4 in a shootout at Honda Center on November 28, improving to 77-63-17 (with 11 ties) against their Southern California counterparts. A playoff rematch between these two teams seems increasingly likely.
McDavid focus in latest Battle of Alberta
The Battle of Alberta continues as the Edmonton Oilers (19-13-6) travel to face the Calgary Flames (15-18-4) at Scotiabank Sadledome (10 p.m. ET; CBC, TVAS, SNE, SNO, SNW). The Oilers won the first game of the home-and-home series 5-1 on Tuesday, with Leon Draisaitl scoring a hat trick and Connor McDavid adding five assists. McDavid, currently leading the NHL scoring race with 67 points (23 goals, 44 assists) in 38 games, is on an 11-game point streak. Regardless of their standings, games between these provincial rivals are always fiercely contested.
Avalanche-Golden Knights in West showdown
A Western Conference clash is set for T-Mobile Arena (10 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, ALT) as the Colorado Avalanche take on the Vegas Golden Knights. The Avalanche are blazing through the first half of the season with a remarkable 27-2-7 record. Nathan MacKinnon leads the NHL with 30 goals before Christmas, while Cale Makar is the top-scoring defenseman with 43 points (11 goals, 32 assists). The Golden Knights, however, will be eager to prove themselves after a recent dip in form, even without Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore.
