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

Anaheim Ducks VS Philadelphia Flyers
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

Anaheim heads to Philadelphia for a Tuesday night matchup at Xfinity Mobile Arena, with puck drop set for 7:00 PM. The Ducks are 21-18-3, but they’re trending the wrong way right now and it’s starting to feel like every mistake ends up in their net. The Flyers are 21-12-7 and sitting in the thick of the Metro race, which matters

2026-01-06 22:00:00
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Buffalo Sabres VS Vancouver-Canucks
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

The Vancouver Canucks head to Buffalo to face the Sabres at KeyBank Center on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, with puck drop set for 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Buffalo is back home looking to respond after a 10-game heater finally got snapped, while Vancouver shows up in a bad spot, last in the Pacific and trying to survive a long

2026-01-06 19:00:00
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Carolina Hurricanes VS Dallas Stars
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

The Dallas Stars head to Raleigh to face the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 (7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+). On paper, it’s a matchup of two teams that still profile like contenders. In the market, it’s a short price on the home side and a pretty normal total for two clubs that can both score.

2026-01-06 19:00:00
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Tampa Bay Lightning VS Colorado Avalanche
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

Colorado heads to Tampa on Tuesday, January 6 at 7:00 PM ET from Benchmark International Arena, and it feels like one of those midseason games where the market actually has to make a tough decision. The Avalanche are 31-3-7 and sitting on top of the Central, but they’re coming off a rare 2-1 regulation loss to Florida and they’re doing

2026-01-06 19:00:00
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New York Islanders VS New Jersey Devils
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

The New Jersey Devils visit the New York Islanders on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, with puck drop set for 7:30 PM ET at UBS Arena in Elmont. You can watch on ESPN+. New Jersey is 22-18-2 and still looking for a clean stretch of hockey, while the Islanders are 23-15-4 and holding down second in the Metro, which still feels

2026-01-06 19:30:00
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Toronto Maple Leafs VS Florida Panthers
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

Florida heads into Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, with the Maple Leafs catching them at an interesting time. Puck drop is set for 7:30 PM ET, and the game is available on ESPN+. Florida is 22-16-3 and still sitting in the mix in the Atlantic, but they are starting a road swing with a roster that looks thinner

2026-01-06 19:30:00
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Winnipeg Jets VS Vegas Golden Knights
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

Vegas and Winnipeg meet Tuesday night at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, with puck drop set for 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+. It’s a weird game to handicap because both teams are sitting in extended funks, just at different “levels” of pain. The Golden Knights are still first in the Pacific at 17-11-12, but they’ve dropped five straight and the

2026-01-06 20:00:00
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Edmonton Oilers VS Nashville Predators
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

Nashville rolls into Rogers Place on Tuesday, January 6, with real momentum and a little swagger after winning six of their last eight. Edmonton is still Edmonton in terms of top-end talent, but they have been leaking points lately and the vibe is off after dropping three of the last four. Puck drop is set for 9:00 p.m. ET in

2026-01-06 21:00:00
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San Jose Sharks VS Columbus Blue Jackets
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PREVIEW AND PREDICTION

The Columbus Blue Jackets open a four-game West Coast swing with a tricky spot in San Jose on Tuesday night at SAP Center. Puck drop is set for 10:00 PM ET and the game streams on ESPN+. Columbus comes in 18-16-7, but the vibes are complicated after coughing up a two-goal third-period lead at home against Pittsburgh and losing in

2026-01-06 22:00:00
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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.

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2026 NHL Presidents' Trophy Odds and Predictions

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