Get ready for an action-packed night in the NHL! Tonight’s schedule features eight exciting games, including a nationally televised showdown in the United States. From rookie records to impressive streaks, there’s plenty to keep an eye on. This article will preview the key storylines and provide the complete game schedule.
The main focus will be on Matthew Schaefer’s pursuit of another rookie record as the Islanders face the Stars. We’ll also look at the Rangers’ impressive road record, William Nylander’s point streak, Macklin Celebrini’s Olympic aspirations, and the Devils’ quest for the top spot in their division. The information provided will ensure you are well-informed about tonight’s NHL action.
Schaefer’s Historic Pursuit: Islanders vs. Stars
Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders has an incredible opportunity tonight to etch his name further into NHL history. As the Islanders (10-7-2) clash with the Dallas Stars (12-4-3) at the American Airlines Center, Schaefer aims to break yet another rookie record. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET; you can catch the action on Victory+ and MSGSN2.
The Islanders rookie currently leads all first-year players with 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 19 games. He’s within striking distance of tying Phil Housley’s record of 16 points (two goals, 14 assists from Oct. 6 to Nov. 26, 1982) for the most points by an 18-year-old defenseman through his first 20 games. Schaefer, the top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, already holds the title of the youngest player in League history to score an overtime goal (18 years, 70 days), a feat he accomplished in a 3-2 win against the Utah Mammoth on Nov. 14, surpassing Sidney Crosby’s previous record.
Meanwhile, on the Stars’ side, forward Jason Robertson could make history himself. If he manages to score back-to-back hat tricks for the second time in his NHL career (previously achieved in March 2022), he’ll become the first player in Dallas/Minnesota North Stars history to accomplish this. Robertson is coming off a three-goal performance in a 5-1 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.
Rangers’ Road Dominance: Golden Knights Await
The New York Rangers (10-8-2) have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the road this season, boasting an impressive 9-1-1 record away from home. They’ll look to continue their stellar road form as they face the Vegas Golden Knights (10 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, MSG, SNP, SNO, SNE, TVAS). A win tonight would extend their road winning streak to seven games, a positive sign as they embark on a three-game road trip.
Key to the Rangers’ success on the road has been the performance of their star players. Forward Artemi Panarin has tallied 14 points (two goals, 12 assists) in 11 road games, while defenseman Adam Fox has contributed 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in the same number of games. This contrasts sharply with their struggles at Madison Square Garden, where they hold a League-worst 1-7-1 record and have been shut out five times.
Nylander’s Point Streak: Maple Leafs vs. Blues
William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs has the chance to extend his personal point streak to an impressive 14 games tonight. The Maple Leafs (8-9-2) are set to host the St. Louis Blues (6-9-4) at Scotiabank Arena (7 p.m. ET; TVAS, TSN4, FDSNMW), and Nylander will be a key player to watch.
The Maple Leafs forward has recorded at least one point in each of his past 13 games (seven goals, 15 assists), despite missing three games due to injury. In 16 games this season, he has accumulated 26 points (eight goals, 18 assists) and has only been held off the score sheet once, in a 3-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 13. However, Toronto has struggled recently, losing five straight games (0-4-1).
Celebrini’s Olympic Bid: Sharks vs. Mammoth
Macklin Celebrini will be aiming to further strengthen his case for a spot on Team Canada at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 as the San Jose Sharks (8-8-3) take on the Utah Mammoth (10-7-2) at SAP Center at San Jose (10 p.m. ET; Utah16, NBCSCA). Celebrini has been a standout performer for the Sharks this season.
The Sharks forward currently ranks third in the NHL with 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) in 19 games and has accumulated nine points (three goals, six assists) in his past six games. If he manages to score three points against Utah, the 19-year-old will become only the fourth teenager in NHL history to reach 30 points in 20 games or fewer. The others are Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Sidney Crosby.
Celebrini, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, had an impressive rookie season, recording 63 points (25 goals, 38 assists) in 70 games.
Devils’ Division Lead: Lightning Loom
The New Jersey Devils (13-4-1) have the opportunity to seize sole possession of first place in the Metropolitan Division tonight. They face the Tampa Bay Lightning (9-7-2) at Benchmark International Arena (7 p.m. ET; The Spot, MSGSN, NHLN, SNP, SNO, SNE). The Devils are currently tied with the Carolina Hurricanes (13-5-1) with 27 points but have a game in hand.
The Devils are expected to have Connor Brown back in the lineup for the first time since suffering an upper-body injury on Oct. 30. Forwards Evgenii Dadonov and Dougie Hamilton will also travel with the team on the three-game road trip, though their playing status is uncertain.
Tonight’s Complete NHL Schedule
- St. Louis Blues at Toronto Maple Leafs (7 p.m. ET; TVAS, TSN4, FDSNMW)
- Seattle Kraken at Detroit Red Wings (7 p.m. ET; FDSNDETX, KHN/Prime, KONG)
- New Jersey Devils at Tampa Bay Lightning (7 p.m. ET; The Spot, MSGSN, NHLN, SNP, SNO, SNE)
- New York Islanders at Dallas Stars (8 p.m. ET; Victory+, MSGSN2)
- Columbus Blue Jackets at Winnipeg Jets (8 p.m. ET; TSN3, FDSNOH)
- Calgary Flames at Chicago Blackhawks (8:30 p.m. ET; CHSN, SNW)
- New York Rangers at Vegas Golden Knights (10 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, MSG, SNP, SNO, SNE, TVAS)
- Utah Mammoth at San Jose Sharks (10 p.m. ET; Utah16, NBCSCA)
Tonight’s NHL schedule is jam-packed with exciting storylines and potential record-breaking performances. Keep an eye on Matthew Schaefer as he chases history with the Islanders, the Rangers as they aim to continue their road dominance, and William Nylander as he looks to extend his point streak. Plus, don’t miss Macklin Celebrini’s quest for an Olympic roster spot and the Devils’ battle for the top spot in their division.
Whether you’re following one team or watching the entire league, tonight promises to be a night of thrilling NHL action. Be sure to tune in and witness the excitement unfold!
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