NHL Game Previews and Betting Tips

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The NHL is one of the most popular sports for betting, but choosing the right teams and players to bet on can be challenging. Thankfully, Scores and Stats has a team of talented handicappers that are always putting their blood and sweat into previewing every NHL game from an betting perspective. 

Whether you’re a first time sports bettor, or an experienced sharp, these predictions and NHL expert picks are up for grabs.

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Latest NHL Previews

Los Angeles Kings VS New York Rangers
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

The New York Rangers visit the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, with puck drop set for 10:00 PM on ESPN+. The Rangers come in at 21-22-6, and it feels like they are still trying to find a stable identity night to night. The Kings are 19-17-13, and this looks like one of those home

2025-01-20
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Dallas Stars VS Boston Bruins
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

The Boston Bruins head to Dallas for a Tuesday night matchup at American Airlines Center, with puck drop set for 7:30 PM ET. Boston has been one of the league’s hotter teams, riding a six-game win streak into this one, while Dallas is searching for answers after a rough stretch that has them sliding offensively. Dallas is still sitting near

2026-01-20 19:30:00
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Columbus Blue Jackets VS Ottawa Senators
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

San Jose wraps up the middle leg of its East swing with a tricky stop in Sunrise, where the Florida Panthers make a rare January home appearance at Amerant Bank Arena. Puck drop is set for 6:00 PM ET, and the broadcast is on NBCS. The Sharks come in 24-20-3 and sitting 8th in the Western Conference, but the margin

2026-01-20 19:00:00
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Colorado Avalanche VS Washington Capitals
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

The Washington Capitals visit the Colorado Avalanche on Monday, January 19, 2026 at Ball Arena, with puck drop set for 4:00 PM on TNT. Washington is 24-19-6 and trying to stop a six-week slide that’s pushed them out of a playoff spot. Colorado is 33-5-8, still the class of the league, but they’re dealing with a rare lull and a

2026-01-19 16:00:00
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Carolina Hurricanes VS Buffalo Sabres
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

The Buffalo Sabres head to Raleigh for a Monday afternoon matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center, with puck drop set for 1:30 PM ET on TNT. Buffalo is 26-17-5 and sitting in the Atlantic mix, while Carolina (30-15-4) is pacing the Metro and already hit the 30-win mark. This is one of those “good team vs hotter-than-you-think team”

2026-01-19 13:30:00
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Vancouver-Canucks VS New York Islanders
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

The New York Islanders keep rolling through a seven-game road trip on Monday night, visiting the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Puck drop is set for 10:00 PM, and the game will be on ESPN+. New York comes in at 26-17-5, sitting seventh in the East and second in its division. Vancouver is 16-27-5, last in its division, and badly

2026-01-19 22:00:00
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Calgary Flames VS New Jersey Devils
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

The New Jersey Devils open a four-game road trip on Monday, January 19, 2026, visiting the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM MT (9:00 PM ET) on ESPN+. New Jersey is running out of runway before the Olympic break, and their 12-13-0 road record is a big reason they’re sitting seven points outside the

2026-01-19 21:00:00
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Anaheim Ducks VS New York Rangers
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

The New York Rangers head to the Honda Center to face the Anaheim Ducks on Monday, January 19, 2026, with puck drop set for 10:00 PM on ESPN+. New York is 21-22-6 and still trying to climb out of the Metropolitan basement, while Anaheim is 24-21-3 and hanging around the Western wild-card picture despite a season that’s been choppy. Both

2026-01-19 22:00:00
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Chicago Blackhawks VS Winnipeg Jets
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

The Winnipeg Jets visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday, January 19, 2026 at the United Center, with puck drop set for 8:30 PM on ESPN+. Both teams live in the same Central Division neighborhood, and both are sitting in that uncomfortable middle tier where one good week changes the vibe and one bad week buries you. Winnipeg comes in at

2026-01-19 20:30:00
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Follow NHL Teams Daily with the Best Chances of Winning

The 2025 NHL season is packed with high-stakes matchups that will shape the road to the playoffs. Stay ahead of the game by tracking the teams with the best chances to win each week.

Below is an overview of key NHL dates for the 2025-26 season, so you won’t miss a moment of the action. Get ready for an unforgettable season of hockey and stay tuned for the matchups that matter most!

How to Get Expert NHL Picks

If you want to get more detailed NHL picks, consider signing up for one of our membership tiers. 

Our Starter package starts at $9 per month and gives you access to loads of consensus data, odds updates, and picks from real handicappers as well as custom AI algorithm picks. 

At our Premium level, you have access to hundreds of picks each day across multiple sports, not just NHL. 

Your Ultimate NHL Betting Companion

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How to Choose an NHL Handicapper


When you’re looking for an NHL handicapper to follow for picks and predictions, here are some key considerations you should keep in mind:

Track Record of Success

Look for handicappers with a proven history of positive results, particularly over multiple seasons.

Consistency is key in sports betting, so it’s important to review their past performance, paying attention to both win percentage and return on investment (ROI).

Transparency

A good NHL handicapper will openly share their picks, results, and reasoning.

Avoid handicappers who do not provide a clear record of their wins and losses, as transparency builds trust and ensures they aren’t cherry-picking results.

Specialization in NHL

Many handicappers cover a wide range of sports, but it’s wise to follow one who specializes in the NHL.

A handicapper who focuses primarily on hockey is more likely to have a deep understanding of the league, its teams, and key betting nuances, which leads to more informed picks.

Analytical Approach

The best handicappers base their picks on data, advanced statistics, and situational analysis rather than relying on gut feelings or hype.

Look for someone who incorporates metrics like Corsi, expected goals, and goaltending stats to justify their selections.

Reputation and User Reviews

Check reviews and testimonials from other bettors to gauge a handicapper’s credibility and effectiveness.

If other followers consistently find value in their picks and praise their insights, it’s a good indicator that they are worth considering.

 

How Handicappers Find NHL Value

NHL handicappers focus on finding “value” in betting lines, which refers to identifying bets that have a higher probability of winning than the odds suggest. To do this, they rely on a combination of statistical analysis, deep knowledge of hockey, and an understanding of market dynamics. Here are some key strategies used by NHL handicappers to find value:

Analyzing Team Metrics

Handicappers dig into advanced stats like Corsi and Fenwick, which measure puck possession and shot attempts, giving a clearer picture of which team is likely controlling the game beyond simple goals and assists. Teams with better puck control often create more scoring chances, making them undervalued if the general betting public is unaware of these metrics. Other important team stats include expected goals (xG), penalty kill efficiency, and power play performance, all of which can signal an edge in specific matchups.

Accounting for Goaltending Performance

Goaltending is one of the most critical factors in hockey betting, but it can also be tricky to predict. Handicappers often look at stats like save percentage (SV%), goals saved above average (GSAA), and recent form to assess whether a goalie is performing above or below expectation. Injuries to starting goaltenders or changes in lineup can create betting opportunities when the market hasn’t fully adjusted to a new or backup goalie starting a game.

Spotting Market Inefficiencies

The NHL betting market can sometimes lag behind in adjusting to key factors like injuries, team form, or scheduling. For instance, teams on the second night of a back-to-back or playing a long road trip may be fatigued, making them more vulnerable than the odds reflect. Sharp NHL handicappers monitor these situations to find value when the market underestimates or overestimates a team’s chances of winning.

Line Movement and Public Betting

Understanding how the public and the sharps (professional bettors) are betting can give handicappers an edge. When the public heavily bets on a favorite, sportsbooks may adjust the line to balance their action, even if it doesn’t reflect the true odds. This creates value opportunities for the underdog. Following line movement and identifying reverse line movement—where sharp money moves against public betting trends—helps handicappers spot these inefficiencies.

Betting Against the Public

In NHL betting, like in other sports, fading the public is a common strategy. When the betting public strongly backs a team based on recent performance or big-name players, the odds can become skewed, often in favor of the favorite. Smart handicappers look for value by betting against the public, especially on underdogs, when the betting lines no longer accurately reflect a team’s true chances of winning.

NHL Consensus Picks

Using consensus data, which shows how the public is betting on a particular game, can help NHL handicappers identify value by understanding market dynamics. When a large majority of the public bets on one side (such as a popular team or heavy favorite), sportsbooks often adjust the lines to balance their risk. 

  • Sharp handicappers use this data to spot potential inefficiencies, such as inflated odds on favorites or undervalued underdogs. By analyzing consensus data alongside their own research, handicappers can capitalize on situations where public perception skews the betting lines, allowing them to make smarter, contrarian wagers with better long-term value.
  • Through partnerships with sportsbook, Scores and Stats is able to provide consensus data for NHL games, including number of wagers on totals, moneylines, and spreads. Plus, our data shows the total amount wagered, and identifies where the sharp money is. Our handicappers use this info to make more informed wagers, but you can also use it to make your own betting decisions. 
  • Access the consensus picks and other data in the Consensus tab of the menu. 

NHL Scores and Odds

Scores and Stats has a dedicated section for updated odds on NHL games. By using data provided by our sportsbook partners, we’re able to display the updated odds on matchups as well as the current scores for live games. 

You can access this data from any membership tier by clicking on the Scores and Odds tab in the menu. During the NHL season, expect to see stats for all major NHL games. 

Turn Pucks into Bucks with NHL Expert Picks

Take your NHL betting to the next level with expert picks from our handicappers. They use updated team metrics and in-depth player analysis to spot market inefficiencies. You can pick and choose which handicappers you want to follow based on their experience, amount won, or overall success rate. No matter if you’re betting moneylines or the puck line, there’s an NHL handicapper at Scores and Stats for you. 

Lastest NHL Blogs

Logo for the 2026 NHL Winter Classic featuring the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers, set in LoanDepot Park, Miami.

by

Taylor

Smith

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2026 NHL Presidents' Trophy Odds and Predictions

by

Mario

Vega

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