NHL Picks

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The Columbus Blue Jackets will take on the Florida Panthers Thursday night. The Blue Jackets are making an extreme push for the playoffs and have earned a point in each of their last 7 games. The Blue Jackets have also won 7 of their last 8 away games. On the season, they average 3.19 goals per game while allowing 3.19 goals per game. These numbers do not tell the story of the new Blue Jackets, though. Through their last 15 games, they are outscoring their opponents 60 to 41. This means that the Blue Jackets are averaging 4 goals per game over the past 15 games. Additionally, the Blue Jackets rank 5^th in total shots on target this season. Columbus’ offense is something to keep an eye on.

For the Panthers, they currently rank 13^th in the Eastern Conference with playoff hopes slowly fading. The Panthers have won their last 2 games, but lost the 4 games before that. On the season, the Panthers are scoring 2.98 goals per game while allowing 3.31 goals. The defense has been a struggle for the Panthers and having the 2^nd highest opponent power plays on the season has not been helpful. Additionally, the Panthers rank 31st in save percentage this season, only stopping 87.4% of shots. Overall, the Blue Jackets offense has been on fire, and the Panthers have struggled to stop goals this season. I am taking the Blue Jackets on the money line.

Blue Jackets vs. Panthers prediction: Columbus Blue Jackets ML (-110) available at the time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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The Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning are set for an Atlantic division matchup on Thursday night at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. These teams have met twice earlier this season, with the most recent meeting resulting in a 6-3 win for the Lightning on November 28 in Detroit. Like that contest, Thursday night’s contest could also be of the higher-scoring variety. The Bolts have scored 14 total goals over their last 3 games, which included a wild 8-7 loss to the Sabres on Sunday night. Nikita Kucherov continues to post other-worldly numbers, as he’s up to 104 points on 34 goals and 70 assists in 59 games this season. Kucherov has torched the Red Wings in his career, totaling 54 points on 21 goals and 33 assists in 41 career games against Detroit. With key contributors like Jake Guentzel and Brandon Hagel also rolling, Kucherov should be able to lead the Bolts to a solid offensive effort.

The Red Wings have been without captain Dylan Larkin over the last 2 games, as he is dealing with a lower body injury. However, they’ve scored 6 total goals in those 2 games, and it seems that there’s a decent chance he is able to suit up for this one. But even if he isn’t able to, Detroit forwards Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, and Patrick Kane are more than capable of picking up the slack. Tampa Bay goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has not been great since the Olympic break, as he’s allowed 3+ goals in 4 of 5 games since February 28. All in all, both offensive attacks seem to have the edge in this matchup.

Red Wings vs Lightning prediction: Over 6 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks take on David Pastrnak and the Boston Bruins on Thursday. The two met in November where the Sharks defended home ice in a 3-1 win, but how will this one shake out? Here is our Sharks vs. Bruins prediction to get you set.

Boston has been quite a back-and-forth team of late, as they are 4-2-2 in their last eight games dating back to February 1st, and have not won or lost multiple games in a row during that span. However, they are 4-0-0 on home ice during that span and have won an unbelievable 13 straight times at their home TD Garden. This now has them with a 25-8-1 record on home ice, and in the thick of a tight playoff battle, I don’t see this success slowing down. San Jose doesn’t come into this game particularly hot, as they have now lost 3 straight games and will be suiting up for their second of a grueling 5-game road trip. The Sharks are also taking on a strong offense that beats them in goals per game (3.31 vs. 3.06), power play (24.9% vs. 20.0), and shooting percentage (12.2% vs. 11.8%). This will be a fun battle between teams gunning for the playoffs, but our Sharks vs. Bruins prediction sides with Boston on the money line.

Sharks vs. Bruins prediction: Boston Bruins ML (-170) available at time of publishing. Playable to (-180).

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The St. Louis Blues will be in Carolina on Thursday to take on the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes are sitting atop the Metropolitan Division with a comfortable lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins in second place. The Hurricanes have been playing well lately, as they come into this game with an 8-2 record in their last 10. They are one of the best home teams in the league with a 24-8-2 record on home ice. On top of this, they are one of the best defensive teams in the game. They average 2.88 goals against per game, which is 8th-best in the NHL, and they limit their opponents to only 24.3 shots on goal per game, which is best in the league. On the flip side of things, they average 3.5 goals for per game, good for 6th-best in the league. They are a far better offensive team than the Blues, who average only 2.63 goals for per game.

The Hurricanes have 4 solid lines and play a relentless forechecking style of game that is difficult for opponents to defend for 60 minutes. I think the Hurricanes will get it done on home ice.

Blues vs. Hurricanes prediction: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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The Washington Capitals take on the surging Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night in the NHL. Part of a jam-packed slate of 14 games, these Eastern Conference foes meet for the second time this season after a 4-3 Sabres win in November. To get you set for the action ahead, here is our Capitals vs. Sabres prediction.

Buffalo has been one of the best storylines all season long. After continuous disappointment, the franchise is poised to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010-11. Not only that, but they are absolutely running through teams. I expect no different in this one. They have now won 8 straight games, scoring at an excellent clip at 4.50 goals per game. Their offense is one of the best in the league, with the 4th-best goals per game average (3.51), and a power play over 20%. Washington meanwhile has been quite bland, and are 1-4-0 in their last 5 games. Their struggling special teams could be a big issue for them in this game, as they own a bottom-5 power play percentage (16.7%) and have a middling penalty kill below 80%. Washington is also 12-15-4 on the road, showing struggles away from home. Buffalo is sneakily earning contender status, and has proven to be an elite team. For our Capitals vs. Sabres prediction, take Buffalo on the -1.5 puck line.

Capitals vs. Sabres prediction: Buffalo Sabres -1.5 (+120) available at time of publishing. Playable at that line to +100.

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The Edmonton Oilers head to the Metroplex on a roll, posting impressive road wins in Las Vegas and Denver in the past 2 games. The Oilers won against the Golden Knights 4-2 as slight underdogs (-105) on Sunday in a game that stayed under the total of 7. They also posted a 4-3 win over the Avalanche as moderate ‘dogs (+150), as the total pushed (7) at most shops. The offense is good for 3 or more goals in 8 straight outings, and it has needed that production with Edmonton coughing up 61 goals in the past 14 games, or 4.3 goals per game.

The Stars edged the Golden Knights 2-1 last time out on Tuesday, and it has played 3 straight 1-goal games, going 2-0-1 in the stretch. Dallas is also a healthy 12-0-1 in the past 13 games, with the lone blemish being a shootout loss at home against the Avalanche last Friday. The combination of Jake Oettinger and Casey DeSmith have been working together well, and Dallas is nipping at the heels of Colorado in the Central Division, just 5 points back of the top spot with 18 games to play. Edmonton is playing good hockey lately, but Dallas has been on another planet.

Oilers vs Stars prediction: Dallas Stars ML (-125) at time of publishing. Playable to -140.

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The Winnipeg Jets will continue and 8-game home-stand when they entertain the New York Rangers on Thursday night. It has been a mixed bag for Team USA Winter Olympics hero Connor Hellebuyck since the break. Hellebuyck is a decent 3-1-2 in 6 starts since returning from Milan, but he allowed 4 goals in his most recent appearances and surrendered 5 to Anaheim in late February. With a high-flying New York offense coming to town on Thursday, my Rangers vs Jets prediction is Over 5.5.

I would probably back the under at 6.5, but 5.5 is too small of a number when the Rangers are involved. They have scored at least 4 goals in 4 of their last 5 games and they have not lit the lamp fewer than 3 times since February 26, a span of 6 contests. Mika Zibanejad, who scored a tying goal against the Americans in Sweden’s quarterfinal loss, has delivered 3 goals and 5 assists in the past 4 outings. For the Jets, Mark Scheifele also has 3 goals and 5 helpers in the last 4 games. It’s only a slight lean mainly because you never know when the Milan version of Hellebuyck is going to show up during the NHL season, but the over feels like the way to go.

Rangers vs Jets prediction: Over 5.5 (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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The Philadelphia Flyers are travelling to Minnesota to face the Wild for the second and final time this season. This will be the Flyers’ 2nd game in as many nights and their 3rd game in 4 days, so fatigue could become a factor. In their first meeting back in October, the Flyers won 2-1 in overtime, but much has changed since then. The game may start off closely contested, but as it progresses, one team is likely to pull ahead.

Minnesota is coming off an impressive 5-0 victory against the Utah Mammoth and is looking to maintain that momentum. They have a record of 26-14 against opponents that allow over 3.00 goals per game, which applies to the Flyers. Dan Vladar is expected to start for the Wild. While he has been solid, he won’t be able to score goals. However, the Wild have no trouble finding the net and should be able to create plenty of quality scoring chances. Take Minnesota to win this one comfortably by at least 2 goals at plus-money odds.

Flyers vs Wild Prediction: Wild -1.5 (+110) available at the time of publishing. Playable at that number or better.

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The Chicago Blackhawks and Utah Mammoth are set to face off for the 4th and final time this season. Despite a challenging year, the Blackhawks have found success against their divisional rivals, boasting a 3-0 record against the Mammoth and looking to complete the sweep. They have already met twice this March, so both teams are familiar with each other.

This game is crucial for the Mammoth, and we can expect them to come out with urgency. They recently suffered a 5-0 home loss to the Wild and currently sit 14 points out of the final playoff spot in the Central Division. While they still have a chance to secure a wildcard spot, losing to a team set to pick in the lottery is not an option for them.

Scoring has been a challenge for the Blackhawks all season, so we shouldn’t expect them to score a lot of goals. On the other hand, Utah has performed above average defensively, and its goaltending has been solid. Therefore, we can anticipate another low-scoring affair in this matchup.

Blackhawks vs Mammoth prediction: Under 6.0 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number or better.

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The Nashville Predators make the 3rd stop on a 5-game road trip, stopping at Rogers Place in Vancouver, British Columbia to take on the skidding Canucks. The Predators lost a tough 3-2 game against 1st-place Buffalo to start the trip Saturday, while bouncing back Tuesday in Seattle for a 4-2 win behind Juuse Saros. The Predators have won 2 of the past 3 games, while allowing 3 or fewer goals in 4 in a row. This is the first meeting this season in Vancouver. The teams met twice in Nashville prior to November 3, with the Canucks winning 5-4 in overtime in the most recent meeting.

The Canucks were major sellers at the NHL trade deadline, and they look about as disinterested as a hockey club can be. Vancouver has scored just 2 goals in the past 2 games, including a 2-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Monday. Vancouver is just 1-6-3 in the past 10 games, and a dismal 3-18-5 across the previous 26 outings, picking up just 11 out of a possible 52 points. Kevin Lankinen is just 7-21-5 with a 3.64 GAA and .876 SV%. He is expected to be in net opposite Saros. Look for Nashville to come away with the convincing road win.

Predators vs Canucks prediction: Nashville Predators ML (-165) at time of publishing. Playable to -175.

Stop busting brackets and sign up for the Pickswise March Madness Premium Picks now! Our expert picked Florida at HUGE +4000 odds last year and is up +30.7 units over the last 3 NCAA Tournaments! Get futures picks and daily best bets throughout all of March Madness, all for just $50. Click here to join and get 20% off before Selection Sunday!

The Pittsburgh Penguins make the 2nd stop on a 5-game road trip on Thursday night in Sin City. The Penguins are coming off a 5-4 shootout loss in Carolina on Tuesday night, and they’ve allowed 4 or more goals in 4 consecutive outings. The good news is that Pittsburgh has averaged 4.0 goals per game in the past 3 contests, going 1-0-2 with a pair of shootout setbacks. The Penguins topped Vegas 5-0 at PPG Paints Arena on March 1 behind Arturs Silovs, who is projected to start this game for the visitors. He stopped all 22 shots he faced in that win, while the Penguins had a pair of power-play goals in the victory.

The Golden Knights have dropped 3 in a row, and they’ve had a power outage recently. VGK is good for just 5 total goals (1.67 GPG) across the past 3 outings, while allowing 3 or more goals in 7 of the past 8 contests. That’s not a good recipe for success. The Golden Knights are averaging just 1.8 GPG in the past 7 games, too, including that shutout loss in the Steel City. The Penguins are playing more competitive hockey lately, and Silovs should be able to hold down the Golden Knights yet again, even in “The Fortress”.

Penguins vs Golden Knights prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins ML (+125) at time of publishing. Playable to +115.