As the NHL season heats up on January 7, 2026, fans are in for a treat with a trio of thrilling matchups. The spotlight is on the Washington Capitals hosting the Dallas Stars, the Montreal Canadiens facing off against the Calgary Flames, and the Chicago Blackhawks taking on the St. Louis Blues. Each game offers its own storyline of grit, skill, and a dash of unpredictability.
Dallas Stars at Washington Capitals
In the nation's capital, the Washington Capitals are favored to emerge victorious over the Dallas Stars with a 55% win probability, according to our simulations. Washington's Alex Ovechkin, with a projected 0.4 goals and 0.4 assists, looks to continue his legendary scoring pace. Meanwhile, defenseman Jakob Chychrun is expected to play a pivotal role with 0.7 assists. For the Stars, Mikko Rantanen and Jason Robertson will be critical, both projected to contribute significantly with combined efforts of goals and assists.
With a predicted scoreline of 3.3 to 2.5 in favor of the Capitals, this game promises to be a tight contest. The Vegas over/under is set at 6.5, indicating a potential for fireworks on the ice.
Calgary Flames at Montreal Canadiens
North of the border, the Montreal Canadiens are slightly favored with a 52% chance of edging out the Flames. The predicted score is tight, with Montreal expected to win 2.9 to 2.6. Key to Montreal's success will be Cole Caufield, who is projected to score 0.4 goals and add 0.4 assists. Ivan Demidov and Brendan Gallagher are also poised to make significant contributions.
The Flames, however, will not go down without a fight. Nazem Kadri is projected to be a standout player for Calgary, with 0.4 goals and 0.5 assists. The game could very well hinge on these key performances, making this a must-watch for fans of tactical hockey battles. Check out the full prediction here.
St. Louis Blues at Chicago Blackhawks
Finally, the Chicago Blackhawks are set to host the St. Louis Blues in what is projected to be another close encounter. With a 53% chance of winning, Chicago's young star Teuvo Teravainen is expected to lead the charge, contributing 0.5 goals and 0.6 assists. Ryan Donato will complement Teravainen's efforts, adding depth to the Blackhawks' offensive push.
The Blues' hopes rest heavily on Robert Thomas, who is predicted to notch 0.4 goals and 0.6 assists. Despite the close 2.9 to 2.5 GameSim predicted scoreline favoring Chicago, the Blues are more than capable of pulling off an upset. More detailed insights can be found here.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or a keen bettor, these matchups offer a perfect blend of strategic gameplay and high stakes. For those looking to dive deeper into projected player stats and game outcomes, GameSim+ subscribers can access exclusive insights. Learn more and subscribe here.
