The NHL playoff odds put Montreal Canadiens–Dallas Stars atop tonight’s slate: its expected impact is 10.9 points, the highest across the games provided. Dallas is 7-5 and Montreal 7-5; with only 13 of 84 games played, the early bands are useful context, not a settled forecast.
NHL: Canadiens, Stars and Senators lead the slate
Montreal Canadiens (7-5, 50–60%) visit the Dallas Stars (7-5, 50–60%). Montreal’s win-probability band is 30–40%; the listed playoff-probability swing runs from 40–50% after a loss to 50–60% after a win.
The Ottawa Senators (8-5, 40–50%) face the Los Angeles Kings (3-8, 40–50%) in a game with 10.5 points of expected impact. Ottawa’s win-probability band is 40–50%, and the listed playoff-probability swing is 30–40% after a loss to 50–60% after a win.
New York Islanders–Minnesota Wild carries 9.8 points of expected impact. The Islanders are 6-6 and Minnesota 9-5, both with current bands of 50–60%; the Islanders’ win-probability band is 30–40%, and the listed playoff-probability swing is 40–50% after a loss to 50–60% after a win.
NBA: Cleveland and Atlanta carry the strongest stakes
The NBA playoff odds give Atlanta Hawks–Cleveland Cavaliers the night’s largest basketball impact at 7.5 points. Atlanta is 2-3 and Cleveland 3-1; the Hawks’ win-probability band is 40–50%, while the listed playoff-probability band stays 70–80% after either a loss or a win. Five games into an 82-game season, that stability is more notable than the matchup’s early record contrast.
Portland Trail Blazers (3-0) meet the Memphis Grizzlies (4-0) with 1.8 points of expected impact. Portland’s win-probability band is 50–60%, and the listed playoff-probability band remains 90–100% after either result.
Root for the outcome with consequences: Ottawa Senators–Los Angeles Kings
Ottawa–Los Angeles has more leverage for the broader NHL picture than the NBA games listed: its 10.5 expected-impact points rank second overall, and the listed playoff band spans 30–40% after a loss and 50–60% after a win. The teams’ 8-5 and 3-8 records make the early-season contrast plain, but 13 games into the schedule, it is not a final verdict on either race.
Watch Montreal Canadiens–Dallas Stars
For one game, choose Montreal–Dallas. It leads the night at 10.9 expected-impact points, and Montreal’s 30–40% win-probability band sets up the slate’s most consequential listed NHL swing: 40–50% after a loss to 50–60% after a win.
Research sources
Additional reporting checked 2026-10-29T17:01:01.622Z.
