IHM NHL DAILY RECAP – January 23, 2026
Date: January 23, 2026
League: NHL
Author: IceHockeyMan Editorial Team
Final Scores
Boston Bruins 4 - 3 Vegas Golden Knights | Carolina Hurricanes 3 - 4 Chicago Blackhawks (SO) | Columbus Blue Jackets 1 - 0 Dallas Stars | Montreal Canadiens 2 - 4 Buffalo Sabres | Nashville Predators 5 - 3 Ottawa Senators | Winnipeg Jets 1 - 2 Florida Panthers (SO) | Edmonton Oilers 2 - 6 Pittsburgh Penguins | Minnesota Wild 4 - 3 Detroit Red Wings (OT)
Game-by-Game Breakdown
Boston Bruins vs Vegas Golden Knights
Boston converted efficiently and held on despite Vegas controlling shot volume.
- Shots on Goal: 28 - 32
- Shooting %: 14.29% - 9.38%
- Saves: 29 - 24
- PIM: 15 - 13
Carolina Hurricanes vs Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago prevailed in the shootout after absorbing extended pressure.
- Shots on Goal: 31 - 22
- Shooting %: 9.68% - 13.64%
- Saves: 19 - 28
- PIM: 7 - 15
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Dallas Stars
A low-scoring game decided by goaltending and defensive discipline.
- Shots on Goal: 22 - 28
- Shooting %: 4.55% - 0%
- Saves: 28 - 21
- PIM: 4 - 2
Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo capitalized on limited chances and controlled the goaltending battle.
- Shots on Goal: 34 - 17
- Shooting %: 5.88% - 23.53%
- Saves: 13 - 32
- PIM: 8 - 10
Nashville Predators vs Ottawa Senators
Nashville’s finishing efficiency separated the teams at even strength.
- Shots on Goal: 26 - 26
- Shooting %: 19.23% - 11.54%
- Saves: 23 - 21
- PIM: 8 - 12
Winnipeg Jets vs Florida Panthers
Florida edged Winnipeg in the shootout behind steady goaltending.
- Shots on Goal: 18 - 20
- Shooting %: 5.56% - 5%
- Saves: 19 - 17
- PIM: 8 - 10
Edmonton Oilers vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh dominated finishing and punished defensive breakdowns.
- Shots on Goal: 32 - 22
- Shooting %: 6.25% - 27.27%
- Saves: 16 - 30
- PIM: 4 - 4
Minnesota Wild vs Detroit Red Wings
Minnesota secured the overtime win in a high-tempo matchup.
- Shots on Goal: 39 - 34
- Shooting %: 10.26% - 8.82%
- Saves: 31 - 35
- PIM: 4 - 8
Coach Mark Comment
This slate reinforced the importance of shot quality over volume. Several teams generated high totals without interior access, while opponents converted off controlled entries and rebound opportunities. Goaltending stability and defensive structure remained decisive in both shootout and overtime outcomes.
Q&A
Q: Why did multiple teams win despite being outshot?
A: Shot location and release quality outweighed total volume, particularly in slot-area efficiency.
Q: What tactical factor stood out in shootout games?
A: Conservative overtime positioning reduced transition risk and preserved energy for execution skills.
Q: How did defensive structure influence scoring variance?
A: Teams limiting second-chance opportunities forced single-shot possessions and controlled rebound exposure.