NHL Picks and Predictions for 12/2/21 Free NHL Picks

Pick: Over 6.5

St. Louis Blues +120 Tampa Bay Lightning -140 Total: 5.5

We get a rematch between these two after Tuesday's shootout thriller and I think the Bolts, who blew a three-point lead in that game, will be ready to go at Amalie Arena. I have to take the Lightning here at a reasonable price. 

Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning -140

Buffalo Sabres +230 Florida Panthers -280 Total: 6

This is not a good spot for a Buffalo team that just allowed seven goals to the Kraken on home ice. Taking such a fast-paced Panthers team is not going to end up well for the Sabres and I like Florida on the puck line on Thursday night. 

Pick: Florida Panthers -1.5

Chicago Blackhawks +170 Washington Capitals -200 Total: 6

The Blackhawks are having big problems scoring goals but the defense has been fine. I think Washington wins this game, but a -200 moneyline price is not bettable so I will side with the under here as I think this should be a low-scoring contest. 

Pick: Under 6

Ottawa Senators +250 Carolina Hurricanes -300 Total: 6

The Senators have to be disappointed with their play this season and those disappointments continued on Wednesday night in a blowout loss to the Canucks. On a back-to-back, this is a bad spot for Ottawa and I think the Canes make them pay. 

Pick: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5

San Jose Sharks +105 New York Islanders -125 Total: 5.5

Maybe I am a homer but I do like the Islanders on Thursday night after they get back on the ice from the COVID-19 stoppage. The Isles are in desperation mode and need a stellar December to have a chance at a postseason spot this season. Betting against Barry Trotz in must-win games has proven to be a bad idea in recent years so I will take the Islanders at UBS Arena here. 

Pick: New York Islanders -125

Boston Bruins -120 Nashville Predators +100 Total: 5.5

The Bruins have underperformed this season and I think the Predators are overperforming so far as well. I still think this Bruins team is one of the favorites to win the Cup this season and I think we are getting some value with them on the road here. 

Pick: Boston Bruins -120

New Jersey Devils +150 Minnesota Wild -175 Total: 6

The Devils are struggling on the defensive end and the Wild are the type of team to make them pay. I think New Jersey finds the back of the net at least twice here, though, and therefore I will take the over in this spot. 

Pick: Over 6

Columbus Blue Jackets +145 Dallas Stars -170 Total: 5.5

The Stars' defense has been better than its goals against number may show, and I think Dallas earns a comfortable home victory on Thursday night. The Blue Jackets are off to a dreadful start in this road trip and that continues here. 

Pick: Dallas Stars -1.5

Calgary Flames -150 Los Angeles Kings +130 Total: 5.5

I don't love too many underdogs on this card so I am obliged to take the Kings at home here getting some nice plus money. It is never easy playing in LA and this team seems to play with an unwavering swagger. I will take a shot with LAK.

Pick: Los Angeles Kings +130