This week, NHL games are back with exhilarating matchups. They show a great deal of competitive spirit to qualify for the playoffs. Every move is costly, carrying the Stanley Cup probability. No team is ready to lose; they are poised to win somehow. The Dallas Stars clash with the Montreal Canadiens. Similarly, the Blue Jackets face the Penguins, while the Panthers face the Avalanche. The Devils and the Hurricanes clash at Prudential Center, while the Blackhawks and the Golden Knights engage face-to-face. For all these matchups, we have given detailed predictions and a preview. With five clashes heading on January 04, 2026, we have broken down each clash’s possible outcomes. It has detailed team strengths, their current form, and winning chances. If you want more of such NHL predictions, follow Bettingpremier.
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NHL 2025-26 Previous Games Highlights
This week was full of interesting matchups and exciting outcomes. Notably, the Penguins vs. the Red Wings game was a close contest. Despite being a good team, the Red Wings lost the game by a small margin. The Penguins scored dominantly in the first period and went goalless in the second period. Meanwhile, the Red Wings were consistent across all periods, ultimately leading to overtime. However, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the game.
The Montreal Canadiens secured a commanding victory against the Carolina Hurricanes. After dominating the Canadiens in the first period, the Hurricanes lost their lead in the second period. Eventually, their 1-goal deficit turned into two in the last quarter. Consequently, the Montreal Canadiens won by a huge margin. For extended ice hockey game insights, click here.
NHL Schedule and Predictions
Dallas Stars vs Montreal Canadiens
The Dallas Stars and the Montreal Canadiens will face off in the upcoming NHL game on 04 January 2026. This NHL event is scheduled to occur at American Airlines Center at 02:00 p.m. ET. Know more about Bettingpremier’s sports insights.
Standings
The Dallas Stars are ranked in the 2nd spot in the Central Division.
The Montreal Canadiens are ranked in the 3rd in the Atlantic Division.
Prediction
The Montreal Canadiens bring a solid form to the game. They have been more consistent in their last five games, winning three of them. Conversely, the Dallas Stars had four consecutive losses in their last five games. But the Dallas Stars take the overall lead in the standings, with 25 wins of their41 games. The Canadiens have won only 22 of the 40 games. This clearly highlights the difference between the two teams. However, the Montreal Canadiens have a strong momentum with a two-game winning streak. Given their current form, the Montreal Canadiens are more likely to win this match. They have a 6-1-3 record from their last ten games, whereas the Stars have 4-4-2. Moreover, the Dallas Stars’ defense is more solid than the Canadiens’. The Stars have a positive points differential of +30, whereas the Canadiens have a +1 points difference. Overall, the Dallas Stars are the favorite.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins will visit the Columbus Blue Jackets on 04 January 2026. This NHL game will start at 03:00 p.m. ET at Nationwide Arena.
Standings
The Columbus Blue Jackets are last in the Metropolitan Division.
The Pittsburgh Penguins secured a 5th spot in the Metropolitan Division.
Prediction
The Columbus Blue Jackets have no real luck in the current league, having lost nearly 16 games. Their last match was a failure, having lost the game, and they are struggling with inconsistency. If we looked at their last ten games, they have won only four games and lost six. On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Penguins have a slightly better record with four wins, four losses, and two draws. Despite having an average defense, they have enough strength to block the Blue Jackets. On the contrary, the Penguins’ defense is weak, with a -13 points differential. Technically, the Columbus Blue Jackets have an underwhelming form, evidenced by their poor coordination and puck control. The Pittsburgh Penguins are good at this and have a good offensive output. They generate more frequent goals than the Blue Jackets. So, the Pittsburgh Penguins are the favorite to win in this game. (6)
Florida Panthers vs Colorado Avalanche
The Florida Panthers and the Colorado Avalanche will battle in the upcoming NHL game at Amerant Bank Arena. This ice hockey game is scheduled to begin at 05:00 p.m. ET on 04 January 2026.
Standings
The Florida Panthers are ranked 5th in the Atlantic Division.
The Colorado Avalanche leads the Central Division.
Prediction
The Florida Panthers’ game has always been good enough to rank consistently in the top ten. Out of 40 games, they have won 21 of them and have aggregated around 45 points. But their defense is a major deal breaker. They have allowed about 129 goals, resulting in a negative goal difference of -2. This is exactly the strength of the Colorado Avalanche. The Colorado Avalanche has the strongest defense in the league and is good at scoring, too. They have scored about 159 goals in 39 matches, which is a stunning scoring average. Especially, their positive goal differential of +71 is the major winning factor here. The Avalanche has won around nine of their last ten games, along with a draw. This shows how strong the Colorado Avalanche team is. So, this NHL game will lean towards the Colorado Avalanche’s favor.
New Jersey Devils vs Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes will visit the New Jersey Devils on 04 January 2026 at the Prudential Center, Newark. This NHL matchup will begin at 07:00 p.m. ET.
Standings
The New Jersey Devils are 7th in the Metropolitan Division.
The Carolina Hurricanes are ranked first in the Metropolitan Division.
Prediction
The New Jersey Devils are currently having a bad time. Their overall quality has drastically dropped after initial hopes in the opening games. Currently, they are struggling to find momentum and have issues with inconsistency. But their last game was a solid win. Defensively, they are not reliable, with a negative goal differential of -11. In contrast, the Carolina Hurricanes have won in 24 games out of 40 total matches. Throughout the games, they have acquired 51 points, earning an elite status. They also have a solid defensive side, with a +13 goal differential. Particularly, their goaltending is a significant strength. The New Jersey Devils’ offense might not be capable of breaching the Hurricanes’ defensive threshold. Additionally, they are not strong enough to stop the Hurricanes’ offensive invasion either. Therefore, the Carolina Hurricanes have the obvious winning probability in this NHL matchup on January 4.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Vegas Golden Knights
The Chicago Blackhawks will welcome the Vegas Golden Knights on 04 January 2026 at the United Center. This NHL game will kick off at 07:00 p.m. ET.
Standings
The Chicago Blackhawks are 7th in the Central Division.
The Vegas Golden Knights are ranked 2nd in the Pacific Division.
Prediction
The Chicago Blackhawks are currently in an unfavorable situation. All their efforts went downhill after some initial signs of hope. They severely lack consistency and quality. Notably, their last ten games show their inadequacy, as they have won only two of them. Their -18 goal differential indicates their struggling defense. With 37 points in the table, the Chicago Blackhawks are taking a big risk, clashing against the Golden Knights. Conversely, the Vegas Golden Knights are in better form and have a good league record. They are far better than the struggling Blackhawks. Their -1 goal differential is comparatively better than the Blackhawks’ deteriorated defensive side. Moreover, they won and drew more games than the Blackhawks. Lastly, the Vegas Golden Knights have strong puck control and goaltending. They will have an easy time defending while scoring more often. So, the Vegas Golden Knights are the favorite to win this NHL game.