NHL Picks and Predictions for 12/14/21 Free NHL Picks

Pick: Over 6.5

Montreal Canadiens +240 Pittsburgh Penguins -290 Total: 5.5

I think we see a defensive dominance from the Penguins here on home ice. The Penguins cannot let these games slip away and I expect a strong performance. Betting Pittsburgh at -290 is not possible, so I will side with the under here. 

Pick: Under 5.5

Vegas Golden Knights +115 Boston Bruins -130 Total: 5.5

I like the Bruins here as Boston is the better defensive team and I think the B's are going to quietly climb the Eastern Conference standings in the next few weeks. We are getting a good price with the much better team in my opinion. 

Pick: Boston Bruins -130

Los Angeles Kings +170 Tampa Bay Lightning -200 Total: 5.5

This game could be close early but I see the Bolts popping in the empty netter or two for a puck line cover at home. Tampa Bay plays well at Amalie Arena and this is a tough road spot for the West Coast Kings. 

Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5

New Jersey Devils +105 Philadelphia Flyers -125 Total: 5.5

I know the Devils have some injuries to worry about, but I still like them getting plus money in a divisional matchup. The Flyers have been uninspiring and I am not looking to lay any kind of juice with them, even at home. 

Pick: New Jersey Devils +105

New York Islanders -120 Detroit Red Wings +100 Total: 5.5

The Islanders finally earned their first win at UBS Arena but now back on the road, I do see the Isles struggling defensively. New York has conceded more goals than it is used to under Barry Trotz, and I think the Isles are really missing Ryan Pulock right about now. I see both teams lighting the lamp at least three times, so I will take the over. 

Pick: Over 5.5

Carolina Hurricanes +105 Minnesota Wild -125 Total: 5.5

This could be one of the most entertaining games of the night on a loaded NHL card, but if I had to pick a side I would take the Wild. Minnesota is looking to snap a two-game losing streak and this will be the first game back at home after a four-game road trip. 

Pick: Minnesota Wild -125

Buffalo Sabres +215 Winnipeg Jets -260 Total: 5.5

The Sabres are playing Sabres hockey, as we expected at this point in the season. To expect them to compete on the road in such a tough building is a big ask and I think the Jets have their way from the opening puck drop. 

Pick: Winnipeg Jets -1.5

St. Louis Blues +135 Dallas Stars -160 Total: 5.5

I love the Stars in this spot and even though the price is a bit steep, I still think there is some value in the Stars at home here. Dallas is 9-2-1 at home while the Blues are 5-5-3 on the road this season, so I am talking Dallas here. 

Pick: Dallas Stars -160

Toronto Maple Leafs -125 Edmonton Oilers +105 Total: 6.5

Here we have another great game on tap in the NHL on Tuesday. My money is on Toronto because they are just a tad stronger defensively and can certainly light up the score sheet just like the McDavid and company can. I think Toronto wins in a back-and-forth battle. 

Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs -125

New York Rangers +165 Colorado Avalanche -205 Total: 6

The Rangers are off to a fast start this season but this is an awful spot for NYR and I think the Avs have their way with them. Colorado should be able to score plenty in this one and I think looking at an alternate puck line of maybe -2.5 is worth a shot. 

Pick: Colorado Avalanche -1.5

Columbus Blue Jackets +130 Vancouver Canucks -150 Total: 5.5

I am staying away from this game altogether with so many better games on the board, but I will side with Vancouver at home here. Bruce Boudreau's club has played solid hockey ever since he took over and I do not see a reason to fade them here. 

Pick: Vancouver Canucks -150

Seattle Kraken +120 San Jose Sharks -140 Total: 5.5

The Sharks have been strong in their own end this season but a date with the Kraken should open things up a bit and I expect at least six goals when this one is all said and done. I would not be surprised to see a 3-3 game go into OT as this one should be close. 

Pick: Over 5.5