The NHL Friday night schedule features three games. This includes a pair of home underdogs, while every matchup has a 5.5-goal total.
The Blackhawks are +114 hosting the Capitals, while the Jets are +112 at home against the Kings. The Utah Mammoth are a sizable -176 betting favorite at home against the St. Louis Blues.
My NHL Best Bets, Odds, & Picks: Friday (1/2) turned a profit at 2-1. This included a +125 moneyline winner on the Seattle Kraken during a 4-3 overtime win against the Vancouver Canucks, along with Minnesota’s -130 moneyline odds during a 5-2 road win over the Anaheim Ducks. The loser came in the Winter Classic when the New York Rangers’ 5-1 win against the Florida Panthers went over 5.5 total goals
Let’s grab action in every single NHL game tonight and keep our momentum moving into this slate. Follow me on X @Matt_MacKay_ for more NHL analysis and free picks.
NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Washington and Chicago have been trending in opposite directions in their last 10 games played. The Blackhawks have begun to hit a stride, winning four of its last five games, while the Capitals are 1-6 straight up in their previous seven road games.
Despite star forward Connor Bedard dealing with an injury, Chicago’s offense has come to life. The Blackhawks have scored three or more goals in four straight games. This includes a seven-goal burst in their last outing against St. Louis at home.
Since opening, Chicago has moved from a +125 home underdog to +114. Washington’s been held to two or fewer goals in two of its previous three matchups, which bodes well for the Blackhawks if they wind up starting goaltender Spencer Knight.
Chicago owns the second best ATS record in the NHL this season at 30-13. They are 17-5 ATS at home in the United Center, which is the site of tonight’s game.
Let’s back the Blackhawks as a home underdog again. We’re going to bet on Chicago’s moneyline at plus odds against a Washington offense that recently lost 3-2 in a shootout to Chicago on January 3rd.
Pick: Chicago Blackhawks Moneyline (+114)
Los Angeles Kings vs. Winnipeg Jets
Since opening at 5.5 total goals, the line movement in the Kings and Jets game has gone in favor of the under. It moved from +100 to -102, signaling there’s value betting on limited scoring between two offenses that rank in the bottom ten in goals scored per game.
Goaltending is the strength of each team. Right now, Darcy Kuemper, the top netminder for Los Angeles, is expected to start in the net tonight. Eric Comrie is projected for the Jets in relief of Connor Hellebuyck. Comrie has allowed four or more goals in four consecutive starts for Winnipeg.
Instead of taking a full game under, which may lose due to Comrie’s poor play, let’s bet on Winnipeg’s team total under at plus odds. The line is set to 2.5, with +106 odds on under 2.5 total goals.
Winnipeg has scored two or fewer goals in three of its last six games. The Kings have been allowing more goals in their recent outings, however, Kuemper should be able to play well against an underwhelming Jets offense.
Since Winnipeg is 0-5 SU in its last five home games, in addition to the goal total going under in each of the Jets’ last five head-to-head matchups against the Kings, let’s bet on Winnipeg to go under 2.5 total goals at +106.
Pick: Jets Under 2.5 Total Goals (+106)
St. Louis Blues vs. Utah Mammoth
The final game on Friday night’s slate is a Central Division tilt between the Blues and Mammoth. Utah has won back-to-back games, while St. Louis is coming off a 7-3 loss on the road against Chicago.
The Blues rank 32nd in goals scored per game at 2.5. Utah is 21-23 toward goal total unders this season, playing sound defense and benefitting from a tandem of quality goaltenders.
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last six road games against Utah. The Blues have lost three of their past five games. They are 0-3 SU in their previous three road games as well.
The Mammoth have a better offense and defense, including a 10-7 record at home. St. Louis is 7-10 on the road this season, and I don’t expect them to play well tonight.
Instead of laying -176 on Utah to win on the moneyline, let’s bet on the Mammoth to win in regulation at a much better -105 price. Utah has two regulation victories across its past three wins, beating Ottawa 3-1 at home on Wednesday night.
Pick: Utah Mammoth 60 Min Moneyline (3 Way) (-105)
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