Save of the year? Yaroslav Askarov makes a showstopping save (0:35)

ESPN staff Oct 23, 2026, 07:00 AM ET

It's a typically light Friday schedule in the NHL, but both games are well worth the watch (for different reasons).

Both games pit interconference foes against one another, so technically either could be a way-too-early Stanley Cup Final preview.

One, as you'll see, is quite a bit more likely than the other.

And the other good news is that none of the four clubs played Thursday, so everyone should be as fresh as possible.

Here's a look at what you need to know for each of tonight's contests, including betting info and broadcast details:

Odds are provided by DraftKings and subject to change.

Montreal Canadiens at Chicago Blackhawks

8 p.m. ET (NHL Network) | MTL -142, O/U: 6.5

The Blackhawks are not a strong bet to make the Cup Final this season -- or even the playoffs, if public projections are to be believed.…