As the NHL season heats up, January 22, 2026, promises a slate of thrilling matchups that are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats. With the Boston Bruins hosting the Vegas Golden Knights, the Carolina Hurricanes facing off against the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Columbus Blue Jackets taking on the Dallas Stars, there’s plenty of action to dive into. Let’s break down what makes these games so compelling.
Boston Bruins vs. Vegas Golden Knights
First up, the Bruins and the Golden Knights are set to clash in what promises to be a tightly contested battle. Our simulation model predicts a narrow victory for Boston, with a predicted score of 3.0 to 2.7, giving the Bruins a 52% chance of winning based on 160 simulations. The Bruins will rely heavily on David Pastrnak, projected to contribute 1.2 points with 0.4 goals and 0.7 assists. Meanwhile, the Knights will look to Mitch Marner to spearhead their attack, as he’s expected to tally 0.8 points, with contributions from Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore also pivotal.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Down south, the Hurricanes are primed to make a statement against the Blackhawks. According to our predictions, Carolina holds a 56% probability of securing the win with a final score forecast of 3.7 to 2.7. Seth Jarvis is expected to be a standout performer for the Hurricanes, with 1.3 points predicted, thanks to his knack for finding the net and setting up teammates. Chicago’s Frank Nazar will aim to counteract with his own offensive prowess, aiming for 0.8 points to keep his team competitive.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Dallas Stars
Finally, the Blue Jackets are set to host the Stars in a matchup that could have significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations. The GameSim projections favor Columbus with a 58% chance of victory, highlighted by a predicted score of 3.7 to 2.5. Kirill Marchenko is expected to lead the charge for the Blue Jackets, with an impressive 1.2 points projected. Dallas will look to Wyatt Johnston to make an impact, as he’s slated to produce 0.9 points in a bid to upset the home team.
As we anticipate these marquee matchups, remember that detailed projected stats for all players are available exclusively to GameSim+ subscribers. For more insights and to subscribe, visit GameSim+.
