As the regular season pushed deeper into January, playoff positioning and momentum were clearly at stake, and four of the five contests were decided by just one goal.
Canadiens Edge Stars in Dallas
The Montreal Canadiens claimed a hard-fought 4–3 road win over the Dallas Stars, showing resilience under pressure. Montreal struck at key moments, answering Dallas goals quickly and maintaining composure late in the third period. The Stars pushed hard in the closing minutes, but Montreal’s defensive structure and timely clears preserved a valuable away victory that kept them competitive in the Eastern Conference race.
Penguins Outlast Blue Jackets in Offensive Battle
In Columbus, the Pittsburgh Penguins emerged with a 5–4 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets in one of the most entertaining games of the day. Both teams traded goals throughout, with neither side able to establish sustained control. Pittsburgh’s ability to capitalize on defensive lapses proved decisive, while Columbus remained dangerous until the final horn. The result reinforced Pittsburgh’s reputation as a team capable of grinding out wins even when games open up offensively.
Panthers Win Defensive Duel Against Avalanche
The Florida Panthers secured a 2–1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in a matchup defined by structure and discipline. Florida limited Colorado’s transition game and closed shooting lanes effectively, forcing the Avalanche to battle for every scoring chance. The low-scoring affair highlighted Florida’s growing defensive confidence, while Colorado was left to rue missed opportunities in a game where margins were razor-thin.
Hurricanes Control Play in New Jersey
On the East Coast, the Carolina Hurricanes produced a composed 3–1 road win against the New Jersey Devils. Carolina dictated tempo for long stretches, combining disciplined forechecking with efficient puck movement. The Devils showed flashes of speed and creativity but struggled to convert chances, as Carolina’s structure and consistency ultimately carried the day.
Blackhawks Surprise Golden Knights
The final game of the Sunday schedule saw the Chicago Blackhawks pull off a notable 3–2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Chicago capitalized on key moments and defended well late, denying Vegas the equalizer in the closing stages. The result stood out as one of the day’s surprises, offering Chicago a confidence boost while reminding Vegas how unforgiving tight contests can be at this stage of the season.
Sunday Takeaways
January 4 underscored the NHL’s competitive balance. One-goal games dominated the schedule, highlighting the importance of discipline, special teams efficiency, and late-game execution. For teams in the playoff hunt, these narrow victories translated into critical points, while close losses carried added frustration.
As the league moved into the heart of January, Sunday’s results reinforced a familiar truth: in the NHL, momentum can swing quickly, and consistency in tight games often separates contenders from the chasing pack.