The NHL regular season continues Wednesday night with two matchups featuring four teams looking to build momentum early in the 2026–27 campaign.
The Montreal Canadiens travel to Washington to face the Capitals, while the Dallas Stars visit the Colorado Avalanche in a Western Conference showdown.
Both games offer plenty to watch, from Montreal’s young talent to a familiar Central Division rivalry.
Canadiens vs. Capitals: Montreal Looks to Build Momentum
The Canadiens head into Washington looking to establish consistency after a mixed start to the season.
Montreal entered the week with a 2–2–1 record, having recently snapped a three-game winless streak with a shootout victory over Detroit.
The Canadiens have plenty of talent capable of changing a game. Nick Suzuki remains central to Montreal’s offensive attack, while the team’s younger players continue to take on important responsibilities.
Washington presents another difficult test.
The Capitals have the experience and offensive weapons to challenge Montreal, with Alex Ovechkin remaining one of hockey’s most recognizable scoring threats.
For the Canadiens, the challenge will be managing Washington’s offensive pressure while generating enough quality scoring opportunities at the other end.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET at Capital One Arena.
Stars vs. Avalanche: Central Division Rivals Meet in Colorado
The second matchup features two familiar Western Conference opponents as Dallas visits Colorado.
The Stars and Avalanche have developed one of the NHL’s most competitive recent rivalries, with both organizations regularly entering seasons expecting to contend in the Western Conference.
Dallas brings a balanced lineup led by Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz and Wyatt Johnston. Their ability to generate offense while maintaining defensive structure will be important against Colorado.
The Avalanche counter with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, two players capable of changing a game through speed, skill and offensive creativity.
Colorado’s transition game remains one of its biggest strengths. Dallas will need to limit turnovers and prevent the Avalanche from creating dangerous opportunities off the rush.
Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET at Ball Arena.
Two Games Worth Watching
Wednesday’s NHL schedule brings two different challenges.
Montreal is looking to find its rhythm against an experienced Washington team, while Dallas and Colorado renew a rivalry with plenty of recent history.
It’s still early in the season, but these are the kinds of matchups that can reveal how teams are developing and where improvements are needed.
With four talented rosters taking the ice, Wednesday night should offer hockey fans plenty to follow.
