January 20th is shaping up to be a thrilling night for NHL fans, with three marquee matchups that promise excitement, drama, and perhaps a few surprises on the ice. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a strategic bettor, these games are not to be missed.

NHL Game Preview

Ottawa Senators vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

First up, we have the Ottawa Senators heading to Columbus to face the Blue Jackets. Our model predicts a tight game, with Columbus edging out Ottawa with a 3.6 to 3.2 scoreline. The Blue Jackets have a slight advantage with a 52% win probability, suggesting this could be anyone's game.

Key players to watch include Zach Werenski, who is predicted to contribute significantly with 1.1 points, and Tim Stutzle of the Senators, expected to add 0.8 points to his team's effort. Check the full game prediction here.

Minnesota Wild vs. Montreal Canadiens

Next, the Minnesota Wild travel to Montreal to take on the Canadiens. The Canadiens are favored with a 52% chance of victory, according to our simulations, predicting a 3.1 to 2.7 finish.

Look out for Cole Caufield, expected to shine with a projected 1.0 points, and Kirill Kaprizov of the Wild, who is also slated to deliver a strong performance with 1.0 points. Dive into the detailed prediction here.

San Jose Sharks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

The final game to highlight is the clash between the San Jose Sharks and the Tampa Bay Lightning. With a 55% win probability, the Lightning are predicted to triumph 3.1 to 2.4.

Nikita Kucherov is expected to be a key performer for Tampa Bay with 1.2 points, while William Eklund leads the Sharks' charge with a projected 1.0 points. For more insights, explore the game prediction here.

As the games unfold, the storylines will write themselves. Will the favorites hold their ground, or will the underdogs emerge victorious? Join us as we delve into the action-packed world of NHL hockey.

For those who crave detailed player stats and deeper analysis, remember that full projected player performances are available exclusively to GameSim+ subscribers. Learn more about GameSim+ and subscribe here.