NHL Picks and Predictions

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 NHL picks and predictions. 

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

Latest Picks and Predictions

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Detroit Red Wings vs. New York Islanders Pick & Prediction MARCH 21st 2024

The last time the New York Islanders visited Detroit, they snapped the Red Wings’ six-game winning streak. In their return trip Thursday night, those teams will play a pivotal game in the Eastern Conference playoff chase. In a group battling for the final wild-card spot, Detroit (35-28-6, 76 points) has a three-point edge over the Islanders (29-24-15, 73). Not long ago, the Red Wings held the top wild-card berth. They lost their grip on that
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Los Angeles Kings vs. Minnesota Wild Pick & Prediction MARCH 20th 2024

The Minnesota Wild are making a hard charge to put themselves into playoff position. A Southern California sweep when they visit the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday would go a long way toward keeping their Stanley Cup hopes alive. The Wild (34-27-8, 76 points) reach Los Angeles after a 4-0 road victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday. Thanks to a 6-0-2 run in a season-best, eight-game point streak, Minnesota sits three points back of
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Vancouver Canucks vs. Buffalo Sabres Pick & Prediction MARCH 19th 2024

The Vancouver Canucks are enjoying a good season, one with many highs and minimal lows as they skated their way to the top of the Pacific Division and, at times, the top spot in the NHL. Lately, however, the lows are coming more frequently. It’s something the Canucks look to rectify when they host the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday. Vancouver (42-18-8, 92 points) has lost two in a row after a four-game winning streak and
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New Jersey Devils vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Pick & Prediction MARCH 19th 2024

The Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils aim to provide a boost to their flickering postseason aspirations at the other’s expense on Tuesday night when they meet in Newark, N.J. The Penguins (30-28-9, 69 points) are in danger of missing the playoffs for the second straight season following a string of 16 consecutive playoff berths (2007-22) — a run that includes three Stanley Cup titles (2009, 2016, 2017). They answered a dismal 1-6-1 stretch by
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Detroit Red Wings vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Pick & Prediction MARCH 19th 2024

The Detroit Red Wings snapped a seven-game losing streak over the weekend but it still ended on a sour note. After recording a much-needed 4-1 home win over Buffalo on Saturday, the Red Wings were dealt a 6-3 loss at Pittsburgh on Sunday. Detroit (34-28-6, 74 points) returns home to face the Metropolitan Division’s last-place team, the Columbus Blue Jackets (23-34-11, 57) on Tuesday night. Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde felt his team took too
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Boston Bruins vs. Ottawa Senators Pick & Prediction MARCH 19th 2024

Having returned to the top of the overall NHL standings this past weekend, the Boston Bruins look to remain on the winning track when they continue a three-game homestand against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night. Boston (40-14-15, 95 points) is in a rare position late in the NHL regular season, playing after multiple days off from game action for the second time in less than a week. “That’s when you really catch up on
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Calgary Flames vs. Washington Capitals Pick & Prediction MARCH 18th 2024

A two-game winning streak has the Washington Capitals back in the playoff mix as they head to the finale of a five-game road trip against the host Calgary Flames on Monday. After opening their trip with a pair of losses by a combined 10-2 score, the Capitals have claimed consecutive 2-1 victories, including Saturday’s over the Western Conference-leading Vancouver Canucks, and are within striking distance of the Detroit Red Wings, who hold the Eastern Conference’s
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Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Winnipeg Jets Pick & Prediction MARCH 17th 2024

The Winnipeg Jets are seeking consistency as they kick off a five-game road trip with a visit to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday. The Jets have alternated wins and losses over their past six games, going 3-3-0 in that stretch. They’ve scored a total of five goals in those three losses while allowing 13. In the wins, they’ve outscored their opponents 12-0. Most recently, they’re coming off a 6-0 win against the Anaheim Ducks
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Ottawa Senators vs. Carolina Hurricanes Pick & Prediction MARCH 17th 2024

The Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators don’t have a lot in common in regard to the paths they’ve traveled this season. But they share similar good feelings going into Sunday evening’s game in Ottawa. Both teams played beyond regulation Saturday and came away with comeback victories. The latter of those developed when the Hurricanes wiped out a three-goal deficit and posted a 5-4 shootout win in Toronto. Jake Guentzel, in just his third game with

Free NHL Picks for Today

Looking to get a little inside information for your NHL betting? We’re handing out free NHL picks that you can use to make better wagers. These picks are a mix of handicapper selections and our computer/AI picks. 

NHL HOCKEY
NHL
2024-11-07 19:07
Open
NEW YORK ISLANDERS
7 PICKS
OTTAWA SENATORS
NHL
2024-11-07 19:37
Open
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
6 PICKS
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
NHL
2024-11-07 22:37
Open
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
7 PICKS
LOS ANGELES KINGS
NHL
2024-11-07 22:37
Open
MINNESOTA WILD
8 PICKS
SAN JOSE SHARKS

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. 

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Industry’s Best

Handicapping Membership

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.

 

Our Best NHL Handicappers

To find our best NHL handicappers, you have to go to the Leaderboard page, accessible through the side menu. Using the table, filter by Hockey, NHL, and the timeframe to find which handicappers have had the most success betting on the NHL. 

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As you can see, Robert Ferguson has the highest win percentage in the top 10, while SAS Insider (our own computer picks) has made the most money. 

If you click on Ferguson’s profile, and sort through his list of picks, you’ll find the following stats:

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He has seen success only betting moneylines for NHL games, and he has a 67.50% win rate for straight wagers. 

If we do the same for the SAS Insider account, we’ll see the following:

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The win percentage for moneyline wagers here is lower than Ferguson’s, at 59.4%. However, both spread wagers were winners. 

That being said, if you’re looking to find a few NHL handicappers to follow, picking one that’s good at moneylines, and others that excel at spreads or totals can help diversify your betting portfolio. 

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. 

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