BY: IHM News Date: 26 January 2026
FINAL SCORES
- Toronto Maple Leafs 1 - Colorado Avalanche 4
- Seattle Kraken 4 - New Jersey Devils 2
- Ottawa Senators 7 - Vegas Golden Knights 1
- Vancouver Canucks 2 - Pittsburgh Penguins 3
- Chicago Blackhawks 1 - Florida Panthers 5
- Calgary Flames 3 - Anaheim Ducks 4 (OT)
GAME-BY-GAME BREAKDOWN
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Colorado Avalanche
Final Score: 1-4
Colorado controlled the pace through strong puck movement and defensive discipline. Toronto generated volume but struggled to convert chances, while the Avalanche punished mistakes with efficient finishing.
- Shots on Goal: 33 - 37
- Shooting %: 3.03% - 10.81%
- Goalkeeper Saves: 33 - 32
- Save %: 91.67% - 96.97%
- Penalties: 2 - 3
- PIM: 4 - 6
Seattle Kraken vs New Jersey Devils
Final Score: 4-2
Seattle capitalized on high-danger chances and controlled net-front battles. New Jersey created pressure but lacked finishing consistency, especially at even strength.
- Shots on Goal: 19 - 29
- Shooting %: 21.05% - 6.9%
- Goalkeeper Saves: 27 - 15
- Save %: 93.1% - 83.33%
- Penalties: 5 - 6
- PIM: 13 - 23
Ottawa Senators vs Vegas Golden Knights
Final Score: 7-1
Ottawa dominated all three zones with aggressive forechecking and sharp execution. Vegas struggled defensively and was unable to slow down Ottawa’s transition game.
- Shots on Goal: 31 - 20
- Shooting %: 22.58% - 5%
- Goalkeeper Saves: 19 - 24
- Save %: 95% - 77.42%
- Penalties: 2 - 1
- PIM: 4 - 2
Vancouver Canucks vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Final Score: 2-3
Pittsburgh relied on experience and situational awareness to edge a tight contest. Vancouver carried stretches of play but failed to convert sustained pressure into goals.
- Shots on Goal: 32 - 25
- Shooting %: 6.25% - 12%
- Goalkeeper Saves: 22 - 30
- Save %: 88% - 93.75%
- Penalties: 0 - 2
- PIM: 0 - 4
Chicago Blackhawks vs Florida Panthers
Final Score: 1-5
Florida imposed physical play and controlled the middle of the ice throughout the game. Chicago struggled defensively and spent long stretches chasing the puck.
- Shots on Goal: 20 - 25
- Shooting %: 5% - 20%
- Goalkeeper Saves: 20 - 19
- Save %: 83.33% - 95%
- Penalties: 1 - 3
- PIM: 2 - 6
Calgary Flames vs Anaheim Ducks
Final Score: 3-4 (Overtime)
Anaheim showed resilience and capitalized on overtime space. Calgary generated volume but defensive gaps proved costly in extra time.
- Shots on Goal: 35 - 21
- Shooting %: 8.57% - 19.05%
- Goalkeeper Saves: 17 - 32
- Save %: 80.95% - 91.43%
- Penalties: 2 - 1
- PIM: 4 - 2
COACH MARK COMMENT
This game day highlighted how structure, transition discipline and net-front execution define results. Teams that managed defensive spacing and limited rebounds controlled momentum, while lapses in coverage were punished immediately.
Q&A
What decided most games on this slate?
Efficiency in high-danger scoring areas and goaltending performance.
Which teams showed the biggest tactical advantage?
Ottawa and Florida stood out by controlling the neutral zone and forcing turnovers that led directly to scoring chances.
How important was shooting efficiency in these games?
Several teams won despite being outshot, proving that shot quality and net-front execution mattered more than pure volume.
What role did goaltending play on this game day?
Strong save percentages in key moments helped teams like Colorado and Anaheim maintain control even under pressure.
What trends can be taken forward from this slate?
Fast transition hockey, disciplined defensive spacing and quick puck movement remain decisive factors across the league.
Where can readers get deeper tactical insights?
Inside the IHM Academy and Premium Analysis sections.