Key Highlights
- NHL action on Sunday with five games scheduled.
- Schaefer and Makar face off for the first time in a game between the Colorado Avalanche and New York Islanders at Ball Arena.
- The Avalanche aim to extend their winning streak, while the Islanders seek to continue their strong performance.
- Larkin is close to reaching 600 career points for the Detroit Red Wings against the New York Rangers.
NHL Schedule Highlights: Sunday’s Matches Set Stage
With five games on tap, Sunday promises an exciting day in NHL action. The spotlight shines on a matchup between the Colorado Avalanche and New York Islanders at Ball Arena (9 p.m. ET; MSGSN, SN, TVAS).
Schaefer vs Makar: A Rookie-Top Defenseman Showdown
Matthew Schaefer, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and a leading contender for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie, will face off against Cale Makar, the reigning Norris Trophy winner as the League’s top defenseman and the 2020 Calder Trophy recipient. Schaefer, who scored an overtime winner in his team’s victory over the Utah Mammoth, is leading rookies with 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 18 games.
Makar, known for his consistent performance, leads NHL defensemen with 24 points (six goals, 18 assists) in the same span. The game will not only be a clash of talents but also carries multiple streaks at stake. Colorado aims to secure its sixth consecutive win, while Nathan MacKinnon seeks to extend his 11-game point streak.
Islanders’ Hot Streak Continues
The New York Islanders have won four games in a row and are currently on an eight-game point streak. Led by Bo Horvat with 12 points (six goals, six assists), the Islanders are set to challenge Colorado’s dominant form.
Other Notable Games on Sunday
In other games, the Minnesota Wild host the Vegas Golden Knights at Grand Casino Arena (6 p.m. ET; FDSNWI, FDSNSO, SCRIPPS, SNW, SNO, SNE, TVAS). Both teams are looking to maintain their recent winning streaks.
Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings is close to becoming the sixth player from the 2014 NHL Draft to reach 600 career points.
He needs just two more points to achieve this milestone in a game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden (7 p.m. ET; NHLN, FDSNDET, MSG).
The Vancouver Canucks and Tampa Bay Lightning face off at Benchmark International Arena (5 p.m. ET; The Spot, SNP) as both teams look to continue their strong performances.
Penguins vs Predators in Global Series
In the 2025 NHL Global Series Sweden, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators clash for the second time at Avicii Arena in Stockholm (9 a.m. ET; NHLN, SN, FDSNSO, SN-PIT). The series features key players like Filip Forsberg of the Predators, who will play his 800th NHL game.
The Penguins seek to even the series after losing three straight games and five out of six recently.
The Predators are looking for their second home win this season as they continue their push in the regular season.
This comprehensive schedule showcases the diverse talent and competitive spirit across the league, with key players and teams aiming to build on their performances or break new ground. Fans can expect an engaging day of hockey filled with excitement and anticipation.
