<p>Rest can make or break a game in the NHL. For fans with skin in the game—whether betting or playing <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/fantasy-hockey-2024-25-weekly-strength-of-schedule-and-streaming-targets-week-9">fantasy</a>—it’s just as important to consider a team’s schedule as it is to look at stats. Every week, we break down the matchups to spot where rest could give teams an edge or create problems.</p>



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<p>The table below shows how home-ice advantage was affected by rest last season:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Rest Diff</strong></td><td><strong>Games</strong></td><td><strong>Home Win %</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Home &gt;</td><td>373</td><td>59.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Home =</td><td>690</td><td>53.8%</td></tr><tr><td>Home &lt;</td><td>249</td><td>47.8%</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Data from the 2023-24 regular season.</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Here’s how rest has affected home-ice advantage this season:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Rest Diff</strong></td><td><strong>Games</strong></td><td><strong>Home Win %</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Home &gt;</td><td>115</td><td>59.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Home =</td><td>210</td><td>52.4%</td></tr><tr><td>Home &lt;</td><td>66</td><td>47.0%</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Data from the 2024-25 regular season.</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>As you can see, rest’s impact on home-ice advantage this season is similar to last year. Home teams win about 53 percent of the time, but that can swing more than five percent depending on whether they’re rested or tired.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Monday, December 2nd</h2>



<p>Monday’s NHL schedule features three games following a busy weekend. Dallas looks to extend its winning streak to three games, while Chicago aims to avoid a third consecutive loss. The Stars, coming off a 3-1 win over the Jets at home, head to Utah to begin a three-game road trip—Utah’s third game in four days.&nbsp;</p><div class="injected-ad injected-video" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="0" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="172"></div>



<p>Meanwhile, the Blackhawks will face the <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/nhl-power-rankings-leafs-are-getting-healthier-but-staying-red-hot">red-hot Maple Leafs</a> in <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/im-back-and-excited-maple-leafs-auston-matthews-says-hes-returning-saturday">Toronto</a> after their 6-3 loss to the Blue Jackets. The Maple Leafs will have had one day off. The Devils and Rangers clash in a matchup that will be the third game in four days for both teams.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Other</strong></td><td><strong>Rest Days</strong></td><td><strong>Visitor</strong></td><td><strong>Home</strong></td><td><strong>Rest Days</strong></td><td><strong>Other</strong></td></tr><tr><td>3/4</td><td>1</td><td>NJD</td><td>NYR</td><td>1</td><td>3/4</td></tr><tr><td>2/2</td><td>0</td><td>CHI</td><td>TOR</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2/2</td><td>0</td><td>DAL</td><td>UTA</td><td>1</td><td>3/4</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday, December 3rd</h2>



<p>Tuesday’s games feature mostly rested teams, with no back-to-back matchups. Montreal is the only “tired” team, playing its third game in four days against the Islanders, who will have had two days off. That said, the Bruins are in the process of playing six games in nine days. The Calgary Flames and <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/wild-acquire-david-jiricek-from-blue-jackets">Minnesota Wild</a> each hold a one-day rest advantage, facing Columbus and Vancouver, respectively.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Other</strong></td><td><strong>Rest Days</strong></td><td><strong>Visitor</strong></td><td><strong>Home</strong></td><td><strong>Rest Days</strong></td><td><strong>Other</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>DET</td><td>BOS</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2</td><td>COL</td><td>BUF</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2</td><td>NYI</td><td>MTL</td><td>1</td><td>3/4</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2</td><td>FLA</td><td>PIT</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2</td><td>SJS</td><td>WSH</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2</td><td>SEA</td><td>CAR</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>VAN</td><td>MIN</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2</td><td>STL</td><td>WPG</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>CBJ</td><td>CGY</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2</td><td>EDM</td><td>VGK</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday, December 4th</h2>



<p>Wednesday brings a quiet slate with just four games, but some intriguing schedule dynamics. <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/bruins-are-starting-to-show-some-life-again-after-coaching-change">Boston</a> will play its sixth game in nine days when visiting Chicago, though the <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/blackhawks-laurent-brossoit-to-be-re-evaluated-in-six-weeks-after-follow-up-surgery">Blackhawks</a> will also be playing their third game in four days. Nashville returns from a three-day break to face Toronto, holding a two-day rest advantage.&nbsp;</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="1" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="166"></div>



<p>Similarly, Los Angeles hosts the Stars, who will be on short rest, playing their third game in four days. Lastly, Anaheim enjoys a two-day rest advantage over Vegas when the Ducks host the Golden Knights after Tuesday’s home game against Edmonton.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Other</strong></td><td><strong>Rest Days</strong></td><td><strong>Visitor</strong></td><td><strong>Home</strong></td><td><strong>Rest Days</strong></td><td><strong>Other</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>3</td><td>NSH</td><td>TOR</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>6/9</td><td>0</td><td>BOS</td><td>CHI</td><td>1</td><td>3/4</td></tr><tr><td>2/2</td><td>0</td><td>VGK</td><td>ANA</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3/4</td><td>1</td><td>DAL</td><td>LAK</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday, December 5th</h2>



<p>Thursday’s schedule ramps up with nine games, including a few notable rest mismatches. The Predators will visit Montreal in the second half of a back-to-back, while the Canadiens play their fourth game in six days. Tampa Bay and Philadelphia hold three-day rest advantages over San Jose and Florida, respectively. Ottawa also has a two-day rest edge when hosting <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/red-wings-camp-talbot-leaves-game-against-canucks-with-lower-body-injury">Detroit</a>. The remaining games feature teams on equal rest.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Other</strong></td><td><strong>Rest Days</strong></td><td><strong>Visitor</strong></td><td><strong>Home</strong></td><td><strong>Rest Days</strong></td><td><strong>Other</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>WPG</td><td>BUF</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2/2</td><td>0</td><td>NSH</td><td>MTL</td><td>1</td><td>4/6</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>DET</td><td>OTT</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>SJS</td><td>TBL</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>FLA</td><td>PHI</td><td>4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>COL</td><td>CAR</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>SEA</td><td>NYI</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>STL</td><td>CGY</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>CBJ</td><td>EDM</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Friday, December 6th</h2>



<p>Seattle and Columbus are back in action on Friday with tough road matchups. The Kraken visit New Jersey, where the <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/devils-tomas-tatar-leaves-game-with-lower-body-injury">Devils</a> will be rested after three days off, while the Blue Jackets continue their Western road trip in Vancouver against a Canucks team with two days off. Vegas and Dallas square off, with Dallas playing its fourth game in six days and Vegas its third in four. Meanwhile, Washington and Minnesota each hold a one-day rest advantage over Toronto and Anaheim, respectively.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="2" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="190"></div>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Other</strong></td><td><strong>Rest Days</strong></td><td><strong>Visitor</strong></td><td><strong>Home</strong></td><td><strong>Rest Days</strong></td><td><strong>Other</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2</td><td>WSH</td><td>TOR</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2/2</td><td>0</td><td>SEA</td><td>NJD</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2</td><td>PIT</td><td>NYR</td><td>3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2/2</td><td>0</td><td>CBJ</td><td>VAN</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>4/6</td><td>1</td><td>DAL</td><td>VGK</td><td>1</td><td>3/4</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2</td><td>MIN</td><td>ANA</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Saturday, December 7th</h2>



<p>Saturday brings the busiest day of the week with 11 games. <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/washington-capitals/news">Washington</a> and Minnesota will both play the second half of a back-to-back. The <a href="https://x.com/Tarik_ElBashir/status/1863597762056520078">Capitals</a> continue their Eastern Canadian road trip in Montreal against the Canadiens, who will have had a day to rest, while Los Angeles holds a two-day rest advantage over the Wild.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Nashville wraps up a four-game road trip, playing its third game in four days against Ottawa. Utah enjoys the biggest rest advantage, coming off four days off before visiting Buffalo. Boston and Chicago also hold slight rest advantages in their matchups.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Other</strong></td><td><strong>Rest Days</strong></td><td><strong>Visitor</strong></td><td><strong>Home</strong></td><td><strong>Rest Days</strong></td><td><strong>Other</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>PHI</td><td>BOS</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>4</td><td>UTA</td><td>BUF</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>WPG</td><td>CHI</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>CAR</td><td>NYI</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>SJS</td><td>FLA</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2/2</td><td>0</td><td>WSH</td><td>MTL</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3/4</td><td>1</td><td>NSH</td><td>OTT</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>COL</td><td>DET</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2/2</td><td>0</td><td>TOR</td><td>PIT</td><td>0</td><td>2/2</td></tr><tr><td>2/2</td><td>0</td><td>MIN</td><td>LAK</td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>1</td><td>STL</td><td>EDM</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sunday, December 8th</h2>



<p>Sunday wraps up the week with a seven-game slate, where fatigue is likely to impact several teams. <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/ottawa-senators/line-combinations">Ottawa</a>, <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/winnipeg-jets/line-combinations">Winnipeg</a>, and Philadelphia highlight games involving tired squads. The Senators host the Islanders, the Jets face the Blue Jackets, and the Flyers take on Utah. Five of the six teams will be playing their second game in two days, while Columbus concludes a grueling stretch of three games in four days.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="3" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="165"></div>



<p>Seattle visits the Rangers, also playing their third game in four days. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay and Calgary enjoy slight rest advantages, with the Lightning facing Vancouver and the Flames meeting Dallas. <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/avalanche-acquire-scott-wedgewood-from-predators-for-justus-annunen-draft-pick">Colorado</a> and New Jersey square off on equal rest.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Other</strong></td><td><strong>Rest Days</strong></td><td><strong>Visitor</strong></td><td><strong>Home</strong></td><td><strong>Rest Days</strong></td><td><strong>Other</strong></td></tr><tr><td>3/4</td><td>1</td><td>SEA</td><td>NYR</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2</td><td>TBL</td><td>VAN</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2/2</td><td>0</td><td>NYI</td><td>OTT</td><td>0</td><td>2/2</td></tr><tr><td>3/4</td><td>1</td><td>CBJ</td><td>WPG</td><td>0</td><td>2/2</td></tr><tr><td>2/2</td><td>0</td><td>COL</td><td>NJD</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2/2</td><td>0</td><td>UTA</td><td>PHI</td><td>0</td><td>2/2</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2</td><td>CGY</td><td>DAL</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>


Boston Bruins right winger David Pastrnak