NHL Picks and Predictions for 12/30/21 Free NHL Picks

Pick: Over 6.5

Nashville Predators -125 Columbus Blue Jackets +105 Total: 5.5

The Predators have quietly been a profitable team this season and I like their chances as the small road favorite against a Blue Jackets team that I believe overperformed at the start of the season. 

Pick: Nashville Predators -125

Montreal Canadiens +250 Carolina Hurricanes -320 Total: 5.5

The Hurricanes are the far better side in all facets of the game and I think Carolina earns a comfortable home-ice victory. I am willing to lay the puck-line with Bunch of Jerks here. 

Pick: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5

Buffalo Sabres +165 New York Islanders -200 Total: 5.5

As an Islander fan, this season has been one to forget. The Isles are missing countless players due to injury and COVID-19 and that cannot be ignored here. I will take the value with the Sabres, as the Islanders are nowhere near at full strength and haven't been since October. 

Pick: Buffalo Sabres +165

Calgary Flames -140 Seattle Kraken +120 Total: 5.5

I am not in love with this game but I will side with the better team in Calgary here. The Kraken are never easy to face on home ice but I think the Flames earn the two points in the end. 

Pick: Calgary Flames -140

Philadelphia Flyers +115 San Jose Sharks -135 Total: 5.5

San Jose was not projected much this season but the Sharks have a winning record this season and have surprised many, including me. I will take the Sharks at home here as I think they are the better side and the price is just right. 

Pick: San Jose Sharks -135

Vancouver Canucks +115 Los Angeles Kings -135 Total: 5.5

The Canucks have played much better hockey during the start of the Bruce Boudreau era and I can't pass down plus money with them here. This game could go to overtime and I wouldn't be surprised, to which a play on the three-way Moneyline for a draw is also not a bad idea. 

Pick: Vancouver Canucks +115