Forwards Frank Nazar and Connor Bedard have started strong, combining for 23 points through 10 contests. On Tuesday night at the United Center, the Blackhawks earned their third win in four games with a 7–3 victory over the Ottawa Senators, moving to a 5-3-2 record and eighth place in the Western Conference.

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

The Washington Capitals have had a nice start to the 2025-26 season, as their 5-2-0 record demonstrates. One of the reasons for the Capitals' early-season success has been the play of former Chicago Blackhawks forward Dylan Strome.

After Marcus Johansson gave the Wild the lead for the first time of the night with a power play goal at 3:48 of the third, the Jets turned a corner. The new look line of Morgan Barron, Gustav Nyquist and Nino Niederreiter went to work at 11:35, the Swiss forward hammered home a loose puck behind Filip Gustavsson at 11:35.

Bleacher Report: Frank Seravalli, when asked if Artemi Panarin back to the Chicago Blackhawks could be a future option.

NEWARK, N.J. — A glance at the Wild roster will tell you that when backup goalie Marc-Andre Fleury retired earlier this year, Jesper Wallstedt took his place in the Minnesota crease. But Fleury’s jokes and pranks also kept him light-hearted off the ice. Tough guy winger Marcus Foligno has taken that position.

The Dallas Stars entered Tuesday’s national TV game on a 14-game point streak against the Minnesota Wild (9-0-5). Dallas made it 15 after an 8:50 pm puck drop on ESPN. It’s unwise to make sweeping generalizations about early results.