Friday night in the National Hockey League promises a thrilling slate of matchups, headlined by the highly anticipated clash between the surging Minnesota Wild and the returning Pittsburgh Penguins. But that’s not all – fans will also witness Connor Bedard’s quest for redemption, David Pastrnak’s pursuit of a career milestone, and an emotional homecoming for Nikolaj Ehlers. Let’s dive into the five biggest storylines set to unfold across North America.
Wild vs. Penguins: A Battle of Momentum and Homecoming
The spotlight shines brightly on PPG Paints Arena as the Pittsburgh Penguins make their triumphant return home after a successful European adventure. Fresh off their 2025 NHL Global Series Sweden stint, where they earned three out of four points against the Nashville Predators, the Penguins (10-5-4) are looking to re-establish their dominance on home ice. They haven’t played in Pittsburgh for 12 days and haven’t secured a home win in 15 – a streak they’re eager to snap. A win tonight would also see them reach the 25-point mark through 20 games for the first time since their last Stanley Cup-winning season in 2016-17.
However, standing in their way are the red-hot Minnesota Wild (10-7-4), a team playing with undeniable momentum. The Wild arrive in Pittsburgh having won three straight, going 5-0-1 in their past six, and an impressive 7-1-1 in their last nine outings. U.S. Olympic hopeful Matt Boldy is on fire with seven points in his last five games, while rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt has been nothing short of sensational, boasting a 5-0-2 record with a 2.20 GAA and .926 save percentage. The Wild’s habit of scoring first, a team-record 10 consecutive times, will test the Penguins’ resolve. This Wild vs. Penguins showdown is a must-watch!
Bedard’s Redemption Arc: Blackhawks Face Sabres
After a tough 3-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, where they squandered a two-goal lead and Bedard found himself in the penalty box for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks (10-6-4) are ready to bounce back. The young phenom admitted he needs to respond better, and his chance comes tonight as the Blackhawks visit the struggling Buffalo Sabres (7-9-4) at KeyBank Center. Chicago’s recent 5-0-1 run was snapped, and they’ll be eager to start a new streak against a Sabres team that has dropped five of their past seven games. All eyes will be on Bedard to see how he leads his team.
Pastrnak’s Pursuit: Bruins Star Chases 100-Point Milestone
In Los Angeles, David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins (12-10-0) is on the cusp of an elite milestone. Just four points shy of recording 100 points in a calendar year for the third time in his illustrious career, Pastrnak leads the NHL with 96 points in 2025. Achieving this feat tonight against the Los Angeles Kings (10-6-5) would place him in exclusive Bruins company, joining legends like Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr. The Bruins, currently on a two-game slide, desperately need Pastrnak’s magic to turn their fortunes around at Crypto.com Arena.
Ehlers’ Emotional Return: Hurricanes Visit Jets
Get ready for a poignant moment at Canada Life Centre as Nikolaj Ehlers makes his first return as an opponent to face his former team, the Winnipeg Jets (12-7-0). Ehlers, who spent 10 seasons with the Jets and ranks sixth on their all-time scoring list, signed with the Carolina Hurricanes (13-5-2) last summer. His emotional return promises to be a highlight of the evening, as he skates against many familiar faces. Fans are sure to give him a warm, albeit bittersweet, welcome.
Friday Night NHL Schedule (All Times ET):
- 7:00 PM: Chicago Blackhawks at Buffalo Sabres
- 7:00 PM: Minnesota Wild at Pittsburgh Penguins
- 8:00 PM: Carolina Hurricanes at Winnipeg Jets
- 10:30 PM: Boston Bruins at Los Angeles Kings
From high-stakes divisional battles to personal milestones and emotional reunions, Friday’s NHL schedule is packed with drama. Ensure you don’t miss a minute of the action! For more detailed schedules and live updates, visit the Official NHL Website.
