Free NHL Picks For Today, Friday 1/31/2025

The NHL comes up with a 4-game slate today, and here you can check out the NHL Picks for Friday 1/31/2025.

Nashville Predators vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction 1/31/25 NHL Picks

Predators at Sabres at 7 PM ET

The Predators faced the Vancouver Canucks in their latest game, where they managed to net a single goal but allowed three, leading to their defeat. Tommy Novak contributed with one goal. Juuse Saros had a reasonable performance in goal, saving 19 out of 21 shots. The team is currently averaging 2.65 goals per game, while their defense is permitting 3.2 goals. Offensively, they rank 28th in the league, and defensively, they are ranked 25th.

The Sabres have experienced a season marked by inconsistency; however, they recently achieved a significant victory in their latest match. They netted seven goals, securing a commanding win by five goals. JJ Petrka delivered an impressive performance, contributing three goals and one assist, while Tage Thompson matched this feat with three goals and an assist of his own. Currently, the Sabres are averaging 3.08 goals per game, although their defense is conceding 3.4 goals per game. Offensively, they rank 12th in the league, whereas defensively, they sit at 29th.

The Pick:

The Predators are currently averaging 2.65 goals per game, a figure that falls short of what is necessary for success. Conversely, the Sabres boast an average of 3.08 goals per game, suggesting they will have no difficulty in increasing their score. A final score of either 3-1 or 4-1 is anticipated. It is recommended to place your support behind the Sabres on the money line for a profitable outcome.

Vancouver Canucks vs Dallas Stars Prediction 1/31/25 NHL Picks

Canucks at Stars at 8 PM ET

The Vancouver Canucks triumphed over the Predators and the Blues in recent matchups. The team is averaging 2.84 goals per game and has a power play success rate of 22.8 percent. Jake DeBrusk stands out as the top scorer for Vancouver with 17 goals, while Quinn Hughes has amassed 44 assists. Conor Garland has taken 109 shots on goal. On the defensive end, Thatcher Demko has surrendered 41 goals on 333 shots, and Kevin Lankinen has permitted 81 goals on 859 shots faced.

The Dallas Stars have emerged victorious against the Blues and the Golden Knights. They are currently averaging 3.14 goals per game and converting 18.8 percent of their power play opportunities. Roope Hintz leads the team with 20 goals, while Matt Duchene has recorded 30 assists. Jason Robertson has taken 133 shots on goal. In goal, Jake Oettinger has allowed 83 goals on 943 shots faced, and Casey DeSmith has given up 33 goals on 381 shots.

The Pick:

The Stars demonstrate an exceptional level of consistency, especially in their home arena, boasting a record of 18-7-1 for the current season. Additionally, they have regained their strong defensive performance, having allowed three or fewer goals in nine of their last ten contests. Given these factors, it is challenging to bet against the Stars in this scenario, and I will opt for the puck line to minimize the risk.

St. Louis Blues vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction 1/31/25 NHL Picks

Blues at Avalanche at 9 PM ET

The St. Louis Blues currently hold a record of 23-24-4 this season, following their recent defeat against Vancouver, which ended with a score of 5-2. Although St. Louis managed to narrow the gap to 4-2 during the third period, they were unable to close in further before the final whistle. In terms of statistics, the Blues were outshot 30 to 26, achieved a face-off win percentage of 55.6%, and converted 1 out of 5 power play opportunities. Goals for St. Louis were scored by Holloway and Parayko, while Hofer successfully saved 10 of the 11 shots he faced.

The Colorado Avalanche’s performance this season has resulted in a record of 29-21-2, following their latest game in which they lost to the Islanders by a score of 5-2. The team was able to close the gap to 3-2 in the third period, but two late goals from the opposition ultimately decided the outcome. Statistically, the Avalanche outshot the Islanders 32-28, secured 53.8% of face-offs, and were unsuccessful on both of their power play chances. Goals were contributed by Drury and Lehkonen, while Blackwood stopped 23 of the 27 shots he faced during the game.

The Pick:

In their recent performance, Colorado has lost four of their last five games, with each of those losses featuring two goals or fewer scored. Meanwhile, St. Louis has encountered similar issues, scoring two goals or fewer in four of their last five matches. With both teams struggling to generate offense, it is recommended to take the Under in this contest.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Utah Hockey Club Prediction 1/31/25 NHL Picks

Blue Jackets at Hockey Club at 9 PM ET

The Columbus Blue Jackets enter this matchup aiming to capitalize on their recent 2-1 overtime victory against the Vegas Golden Knights, which brings their season record to 25-19-7. Prior to the game against Vegas, Zach Werenski had been the leading scorer for the Blue Jackets, amassing 54 points, comprised of 16 goals and a team-high 38 assists. Kirill Marchenko follows closely with 53 points, including a team-leading 20 goals and 33 assists. Sean Monahan contributes significantly with 41 points, featuring 14 goals and 27 assists, while Dmitri Voronkov adds 33 points with 18 goals and 15 assists. In goal, Daniil Tarasov holds a record of 4-7-2, with a 3.83 goals-against average (GAA) and an .871 save percentage. Elvis Merzlikins has a record of 18-11-3, with a 2.95 GAA and an .894 save percentage this season. Additionally, Jet Greaves has recorded a 2-1-2 record, with a 2.98 GAA and a .906 save percentage for the Blue Jackets.

The Utah Hockey Club approaches this game with the aim of recovering from a narrow 3-2 overtime loss to Pittsburgh, which has resulted in a season record of 21-21-8. Clayton Keller is the team’s leading scorer, boasting 54 points, which include 18 goals and a team-high 36 assists. Dylan Guenther contributes significantly with 34 points, featuring 16 goals. Logan Cooley has amassed 43 points, consisting of 15 goals and 28 assists, while Nick Schmaltz has provided 30 assists. Mikhail Sergachev has recorded 31 points, including 22 assists, and Barrett Hayton has achieved 26 points with 12 goals and 14 assists. In terms of goaltending, Connor Ingram has an 8-6-4 record, a 3.31 goals-against average, and an .881 save percentage, while Karel Vejmelka has an 11-14-3 record, a 2.47 GAA, and a .912 save percentage. Furthermore, Jaxson Stauber has a 2-1-1 record, a 2.23 GAA, and a .925 save percentage this season

The Pick:

I recognize that supporting a team in a back-to-back situation is not always good, especially when it includes a game in Las Vegas, particularly after defeating the Golden Knights there. Nonetheless, the Blue Jackets are currently in superior form, while the Utah Hockey Club has been overestimated in their home games throughout the season. Utah generally performs better away from home, and I believe the Blue Jackets provide substantial value in this context. I favor Columbus.