Four NHL games are on the slate this Friday, featuring key matchups and exciting storylines for fans to follow. Among these games is one being broadcast nationally in the United States and another in Canada. Here’s a closer look at the highlights and the full schedule.
Key Players to Watch This Friday
JJ Peterka has made an immediate impact since joining the Utah Mammoth. The forward has recorded three points in four games, scoring in each of Utah’s last two outings. The Mammoth, currently with a record of 2-2-0 overall, aim to improve to 2-0-0 at the Delta Center as they host the San Jose Sharks, who are struggling at 0-1-2.
The Vancouver Canucks have a chance to match the longest winning streak against a single opponent in franchise history when they visit the Chicago Blackhawks. Vancouver has won 10 straight against Chicago since January 31, 2022, and a victory would tie them with previous 11-game runs against San Jose (2020–2023) and Toronto (2006–2013). The Canucks’ offense has been energized by Brock Boeser, Filip Chytil, and Kiefer Sherwood, each contributing three goals this season.
Meanwhile, Alex Ovechkin’s quest for his next goal remains unfulfilled through the Washington Capitals’ first four games, but he is already making history. After netting 44 goals last season to surpass Wayne Gretzky, Ovechkin currently sits at 897 career goals, the most in League history. He also has two assists so far this season, bringing his total to 1,625 career points, ranking him 11th all-time. Washington (3-1-0) will host the Minnesota Wild (2-2-0), where Minnesota’s top forwards are driving their offensive momentum. Kirill Kaprizov is tied for second in League scoring with nine points (four goals, five assists) in four games, while Matt Boldy has also been impressive with eight points (four goals, four assists).
Nikita Kucherov is nearing a significant milestone for the Tampa Bay Lightning, just three points shy of 1,000 for his career. With 997 points (359 goals, 638 assists) in 807 games, reaching 1,000 on Friday would make him the fourth-fastest player born outside North America to achieve this feat. In the same matchup, Detroit’s Patrick Kane is just six goals away from 500 and is pursuing Mike Modano’s record for the most points by a U.S.-born player; Kane currently has 1,348 points, which is 26 short of Modano’s 1,374.
Here’s the Friday schedule (ET):
- Tampa Bay Lightning at Detroit Red Wings, 7 p.m.; The Spot, FDSNDET, TVAS
- Minnesota Wild at Washington Capitals, 7 p.m.; FDSNWI, FDSNNO, MNMT
- Vancouver Canucks at Chicago Blackhawks, 8:30 p.m.; CHSN, SN1, TVAS
- San Jose Sharks at Utah Mammoth, 9 p.m.; HULU, ESPN+
Fans can expect thrilling action as these matchups unfold, showcasing some of the NHL’s most talented players and historic moments. Be sure to tune in and catch all the excitement!