The NHL season is in full swing, and tonight’s schedule is packed with exciting matchups and intriguing storylines. From legendary players facing their former teams to dueling winning streaks and milestone chases, there’s something for every hockey fan. This Thursday night, get ready for 11 thrilling games, including two nationally televised contests in the United States. Plus, catch “NHL Coast to Coast” on Prime Video in Canada for live look-ins, highlights, and expert analysis.
Tonight’s main event sees Jonathan Toews, the iconic captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, facing his old team for the very first time as a member of the Winnipeg Jets. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Dallas Stars will put their winning streaks on the line in a clash at Benchmark International Arena. Sebastian Aho aims to extend his point streak for the Hurricanes, while Macklin Celebrini seeks to continue his impressive run for the Sharks. Let’s dive into the key storylines and what to expect from tonight’s NHL action.
Strange Toews are here: A Captain Returns
Jonathan Toews, forever etched in Blackhawks history, will experience a surreal moment tonight as he faces Chicago for the first time in his career. Now with the Winnipeg Jets (7-3-0), Toews will host his former team at Canada Life Centre (8 p.m. ET; TSN3, CHSN). The veteran forward has been a solid contributor for the Jets, tallying five points (two goals, three assists) in 10 games while averaging 15:54 of ice time. For Blackhawks fans, seeing Toews in a different uniform will be a bittersweet experience.
Adding another layer to this emotional game is the presence of Connor Bedard, the highly touted rookie leading the Blackhawks (5-3-2). Bedard recently notched his first NHL hat trick and has Chicago on a 5-1-1 run. This matchup symbolizes the passing of the torch, with Toews representing the Blackhawks’ glorious past and Bedard embodying their promising future. Expect a charged atmosphere in Winnipeg as the past meets the future.
“It’s going to be an emotional night for Jonathan, no doubt,” says Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson. “He gave everything to this organization, and we owe him a great deal of respect. But once the puck drops, it’s all business.”
Dueling Streaks: Lightning vs. Stars
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Dallas Stars enter tonight’s game at Benchmark International Arena (7 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, truTV, TNT) riding three-game winning streaks, adding extra intensity to their matchup. Both teams overcame recent four-game losing skids to find their rhythm, setting the stage for a compelling showdown.
Nikita Kucherov has been instrumental in the Lightning’s resurgence, amassing eight points (two goals, six assists) during a five-game point streak. His offensive prowess will be crucial against a tough Stars defense. On the other side, Mikko Rantanen has been a key contributor for Dallas, recording an assist in their recent 1-0 victory over the Washington Capitals, extending his point streak to four games. With both teams eager to continue their winning ways, expect a hard-fought battle with plenty of offensive fireworks.
“We went through a rough patch, but we’re starting to find our game,” says Lightning captain Steven Stamkos. “Dallas is a tough opponent, but we’re confident in our ability to compete and get the win.”
Aho Tries to Extend Streak
Sebastian Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes (6-3-0) will aim to prolong his impressive season-opening nine-game point streak (11 points; four goals, seven assists) as they host the New York Islanders (7:30 p.m. ET; HULU, ESPN+). The Hurricanes are looking to rebound after a 6-3 defeat against the Vegas Golden Knights, their third loss in four games. Aho’s consistency has been a bright spot for Carolina, and his performance will be crucial as they seek to regain their winning form.
The Islanders (4-4-1), on the other hand, have lost two consecutive games after enjoying a four-game winning streak. Bo Horvat leads the Islanders with 11 points (six goals, five assists), including a goal and an assist in a 5-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Tuesday. Horvat’s offensive contributions will be vital as the Islanders try to snap their losing skid and get back on track.
Holy Macklin: Celebrini’s Hot Streak
Macklin Celebrini, the highly touted No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, will look to extend his five-game point streak as the San Jose Sharks (2-6-2) seek their first home win of the season against the New Jersey Devils (8-2-0) at SAP Center (10 p.m. ET; MSGSN, NBCSCA). Celebrini has been a revelation for the Sharks, amassing 11 points (five goals, six assists) in his five-game streak after an assist in a 4-3 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday.
The Devils, meanwhile, are hoping to regroup after an 8-4 loss to the Colorado Avalanche that ended their eight-game winning streak. Jack Hughes, the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, has been on fire with 11 points in his past six games (eight goals, three assists). This matchup promises an exciting clash between two of the league’s brightest young stars.
No Place Like Home for the Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers (5-3-1) are riding a four-game home winning streak after a 3-2 shootout victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday. Trevor Zegras, acquired in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks on June 23, has been a key factor in their success, boasting a six-game season-opening home point streak (eight points; two goals, six assists). Zegras is the first Flyer to achieve this feat since Claude Giroux and Wayne Simmonds in 2016-17.
The Flyers will aim to continue their home dominance when they host the Nashville Predators (7 p.m. ET; FDSNSO, NBCSP). The Predators (4-5-2) are coming off a 5-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, marking the eighth time in 11 games this season that they have scored two or fewer goals. Ryan O’Reilly has been a consistent performer for Nashville, recording six points (three goals, three assists) in his past five games. With the Flyers playing well at home and the Predators struggling to find offense, expect a tight contest in Philadelphia.
The Schedule for Tonight’s Games
- Buffalo Sabres at Boston Bruins (7 p.m. ET; NESN, MSG-B, SNO, SNE, TVAS)
- Calgary Flames at Ottawa Senators (7 p.m. ET; RDS, SNW, TSN5)
- Dallas Stars at Tampa Bay Lightning (7 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, truTV, TNT)
- Nashville Predators at Philadelphia Flyers (7 p.m. ET; FDSNSO, NBCSP)
- New York Islanders at Carolina Hurricanes (7:30 p.m. ET; HULU, ESPN+)
- Vancouver Canucks at St. Louis Blues (8 p.m. ET; FDSNMW, SNP)
- Pittsburgh Penguins at Minnesota Wild (8 p.m. ET; FDSNWIX, FDSNSO, SN)
- Chicago Blackhawks at Winnipeg Jets (8 p.m. ET; TSN3, CHSN)
- New York Rangers at Edmonton Oilers (9 p.m. ET; TVAS, SN1, MSG)
- New Jersey Devils at San Jose Sharks (10 p.m. ET; MSGSN, NBCSCA)
- Detroit Red Wings at Los Angeles Kings (10:30 p.m. ET; FDSNSW, FDSNDET)
Final Thoughts on Tonight’s NHL Action
Tonight’s NHL schedule promises a thrilling night of hockey, highlighted by Jonathan Toews facing his former team, the Chicago Blackhawks, for the first time. Key matchups include the Tampa Bay Lightning versus the Dallas Stars, where both teams will put their winning streaks on the line. Sebastian Aho aims to extend his point streak, while Macklin Celebrini looks to continue his impressive run. The Philadelphia Flyers will try to maintain their home dominance against the Nashville Predators.
With a full slate of games and captivating storylines, hockey fans are in for an exciting evening. Be sure to tune in and catch all the action as these teams battle it out on the ice. Whether you’re following the emotional return of a legend, witnessing the rise of young stars, or enjoying intense rivalry matchups, the NHL tonight will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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