Settle in, folks, because we have a loaded 14-game NHL schedule ahead of us tonight. The marquee matchup pits the Oilers against the Stars, and I've got you covered on how to bet that battle of Western Conference juggernauts. I'll also dive into two other games from a betting perspective, and get you primed to win some money tonight. Here are my top NHL bets for Thursday, March 12th.
Thursday's NHL Best Bets
Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook
Anaheim Ducks (-115) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (-105) | O/U 6.5 (-120/+100)
The Ducks (36-25-3) opened up their four-game East Coast road trip with a 4-1 victory over the Jets on Tuesday, and they'll look to make it two in a row against the struggling Maple Leafs (27-27-11) tonight. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.
I mentioned the Maple Leafs were struggling above. Well, that word might be an understatement compared to what we've seen out of Toronto recently. The Leafs have dropped eight straight games (0-6-2), and they haven't won a game since February 3rd! Over the last 10 games, Toronto ranks 29th in goal differential per 60 minutes (-1.28) and 25th in team GAA (3.64).
I like this young, skillful Ducks side to take care of business in Toronto tonight. Anaheim has been rolling recently, winning 15 of their last 18 games (15-3-0). The run has catapulted them to the top of the Pacific Division standings. Honestly, I'm not sure why this game is priced in the pick 'em range. The Ducks have clearly been the better team over the last month, and this Leafs squad is completely lifeless. Let's play Anaheim on the moneyline.
Pick: Anaheim Ducks Moneyline (-115)
New York Rangers (+130) vs. Winnipeg Jets (-155) | O/U 5.5 (-112/-108)
Both the Rangers (26-30-8) and the Jets (26-27-10) are on track to miss the postseason in 2025-26. With that being said, both squads have won three of their last four games. This cross-conference clash gets underway at 8:00 p.m. ET from the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, MB.
I'll be on the Under in tonight's Rangers vs. Jets game. The Under has cashed in Winnipeg's last five games, while going 7-1 in their last eight home games. The Under is also on a 7-2 run in the last nine meetings between these clubs.
Over the last 10 games, the Jets have been a top-10 defense. They're ranked ninth in GAA (2.74) and sixth in SV% (.901). In the same categories, the Rangers are 16th (2.96) and fourth (.902), respectively.
Things haven't gone well for these teams in 2025-26, but as for this specific matchup, there's a chance that we get two of the top goaltenders of the last decade in Igor Shesterkin and Connor Hellebuyck going toe-to-toe. With neither opposing offense being very fierce, I think each defense wins out in Manitoba tonight. Give me the Under.
Pick: Under 5.5 Goals (-108)
Edmonton Oilers (+110) vs. Dallas Stars (-130) | O/U 6.5 (-125/+105)
The Oilers (32-25-8) have rattled off back-to-back wins against the Golden Knights (4-2) and the Avalanche (4-3), and they'll attempt to knock off a third Western Conference powerhouse tonight when they take on the Stars (40-14-10). Puck drop is slated for 8:00 p.m. ET from American Airlines Arena in Dallas, TX.
I'll be playing the Oilers as slim underdogs tonight in Dallas. Edmonton's offense is on an absolute tear right now, ranking first in goals per 60 minutes (4.09) and fifth in shooting percentage (13.62%) over the last 10 games. They've scored 3+ goals in eight consecutive games, and the Oilers remain the top team in the NHL on the Power Play (33.15%).
As for the Stars, they're short-handed coming into tonight's game, missing both Roope Hintz (lower-body) and Mikko Rantanen (lower-body). Dallas still has quite a bit of offensive talent, but Hintz and Rantanen are two of their top-five scorers this season. In a game that's going to require plenty of offense to secure the two points, I have to side with the team that's at full health. I'll back the Oilers against this banged-up Stars squad.
Pick: Edmonton Oilers Moneyline (+110)
