Free NHL Picks For Today, Friday 11/15/2024

We have five NHL games scheduled for today, and you’re welcome to check out the NHL Picks for Friday 11/15/2024.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction NHL Picks 11/15/24

Penguins at Blue Jackets at 7 PM ET

This season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have a record of 6-9-3 after suffering an overtime loss to Detroit, with a final score of 3-2. The team managed to come back from a 2-0 deficit in the second period, yet ultimately fell short in overtime. The Penguins outshot their opponents 33-31, won 45.5% of face-offs, and did not capitalize on their two power-play chances. Beauvillier and Rust contributed goals for Pittsburgh, while Nedeljkovic recorded 28 saves out of 31 shots in the losing effort.

The Columbus Blue Jackets currently hold a record of 5-8-2 this season following their recent defeat to Seattle, which ended with a score of 5-2. Despite leading 2-0 at the conclusion of the first period, the team conceded the final five goals of the match, resulting in their loss. In terms of performance, the Blue Jackets outshot Seattle 40-33, achieved a face-off win percentage of 54.5%, and were unsuccessful on their sole power play opportunity. Goals for Columbus were scored by Aston-Reese and Kuraly, while goaltender Merzlikins made 28 saves on 32 shots faced.

The Pick:

The Penguins have not shown significant improvement lately, having lost four out of their last five matches and scoring two goals or fewer in three of their last four contests. I lack confidence in either team’s ability to score a substantial number of goals in this matchup; however, I must persist in opposing the Blue Jackets. I recommend backing Pittsburgh for the victory.

Vegas Golden Knights vs Utah Hockey Club Prediction NHL Picks 11/15/24

Golden Knights at Utah at 9 PM ET

The Golden Knights recently took on Anaheim, emerging victorious with a score of 3-2. Thomas Hertl played a pivotal role in the game, scoring one goal. Adin Hall, who started as the goaltender, made 22 saves out of 24 shots. Currently, Vegas boasts an average of 4.1 goals per game this season, ranking them third in the NHL for offensive output. Conversely, their defense has been less effective, conceding around 3.1 goals per game, which ranks them 16th in the league.

In their latest encounter, Utah went up against the Carolina Hurricanes, triumphing with a total of four goals. Nick Bjugstad had a remarkable game, scoring two goals from three shots on goal. Karel Vejmelka, who was in goal, managed to save 49 of the 50 shots he faced. Utah’s average stands at roughly 2.8 goals per game, placing them 20th in offensive rankings among NHL teams this season. Their defense has conceded about 3.1 goals per game, which positions them 16th overall.

The Pick:

Utah’s offensive struggles have become evident, with the team averaging only 2.8 goals per game. Their inability to generate consistent scoring raises concerns about their performance in this contest. On the other hand, Vegas ranks third in the NHL for offense, averaging 4.1 goals per game, which suggests they will secure an easy win. Utah will likely be unable to respond effectively to Vegas’s offensive strength. It is advisable to back the Golden Knights on the puck line.

Nashville Predators vs Calgary Flames Prediction NHL Picks 11/15/24

Predators at Flames at 9 PM ET

The Nashville Predators suffered defeats against both the Oilers and the Avalanche. Currently, the team averages 2.44 goals per game and converts 22.2 percent of their power play chances. Filip Forsberg is the team’s leading scorer with 8 goals, while Roman Josi contributes with 10 assists, and Jonathan Marchessault has recorded 49 shots on goal. In terms of goaltending, Juuse Saros has conceded 34 goals from 381 shots faced, whereas Scott Wedgewood has allowed 13 goals on 82 shots.

The Calgary Flames faced a loss to the Canucks but triumphed over the Kings. At present, the team averages 2.71 goals per game and successfully capitalizes on 14.6 percent of their power play opportunities. Jonathan Huberdeau stands out as the leading scorer with 6 goals, Andrei Kuzmenko has provided 8 assists, and Nazem Kadri has taken 54 shots on goal. Regarding their goaltenders, Dustin Wolf has conceded 23 goals from 263 shots, while Dan Vladar has given up 24 goals from 256 shots.

The Pick:

The Predators were involved in an overtime contest last night and are now faced with travel obligations. The Calgary Flames possess a rest advantage and will be playing on their home turf, where they have recorded 5 of their 8 wins this season. It is unclear to me why the Predators are favored while on the road, especially given their recent struggles and the demanding game they played last night. I will take the opportunity to support the Flames at home with better odds.

Washington Capitals vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction NHL Picks 11/15/24

Capitals at Avalanche at 9 PM ET

The Washington Capitals approach this game with the intention of recovering from their recent 4-3 overtime loss to Toronto. Leading the team in scoring is Dylan Strome, who has accumulated 23 points, including 5 goals and a team-high 18 assists. Alex Ovechkin contributes significantly with 19 points, consisting of 10 goals and 9 assists, while Connor McMichael adds 17 points with 10 goals and 7 assists. Furthermore, Aliaksei Protas has achieved 15 points, which include 6 goals and 9 assists, and Tom Wilson has secured 12 points. In net, Logan Thompson has an outstanding record of 7-0-1, with a goals-against average of 2.71 and a save percentage of .906, while Charlie Lindgren has a record of 3-4, with a 2.76 GAA and a .897 save percentage this season.

The Colorado Avalanche enter this matchup aiming to extend their current three-game winning streak, following a 4-2 victory against Los Angeles in their most recent game. Nathan MacKinnon leads the team with 33 points, comprising 7 goals and a team-high 26 assists. Cale Makar contributes significantly with 25 points, including 6 goals and 19 assists. Mikko Rantanen also has 25 points, featuring 12 goals and 13 assists, while Casey Mittelstadt adds 16 points with 6 goals and 10 assists. In terms of goaltending, Alexandar Georgiev holds a record of 4-5, with a goals-against average (GAA) of 3.56 and a save percentage of .863. Justus Annunen, on the other hand, boasts a record of 5-2, with a GAA of 2.64 and a save percentage of .894 for the season.

The Pick:

Like many fans, I have been closely observing the Capitals; however, it is crucial to note that they excel primarily when playing at home. Their performance on the road has been inconsistent, and they are now set to compete against an Avalanche team that has made significant progress and is starting to establish a strong presence on their home ice. I consider Colorado to be a team worth monitoring in the upcoming weeks, thus I favor Colorado in this instance.

Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks Prediction NHL Picks 11/15/24

Red Wings at Ducks at 10 PM ET

Following their triumph against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Red Wings are filled with confidence. They achieved two goals in the second period and added another in overtime, securing the win. Patrick Kane played a pivotal role, scoring one goal and providing an assist. Cam Talbot was effective in goal, stopping 31 of the 33 shots he faced, and his continued excellence will be essential. Currently, Detroit averages 2.5 goals per game this season, which ranks them 29th in the NHL in offensive performance. In contrast, their defense has conceded an average of 3 goals per game, resulting in a 12th-place ranking defensively.

The Ducks have experienced a tough season overall and are coming off a loss to Vegas in their most recent match. They were able to score and remained competitive, but ultimately fell short in regulation. Brock McGinn had a standout game, netting a goal, while Frank Vatrano also scored to help the team. So far this season, Anaheim has averaged 2.2 goals per game, ranking them 32nd in the NHL. Their defense, however, has allowed an average of 3.1 goals per game, which ranks them 14th in the league in terms of defensive performance.

The Pick:

The Red Wings possess a measure of confidence; however, their offensive output has been averaging just 2.5 goals per game, which points to potential difficulties in ramping up their scoring efforts. The Ducks, with an average of 2.2 goals per game, are similarly poised to face challenges in their offensive execution. Therefore, it is reasonable to predict that both teams will struggle to find the back of the net, resulting in a game that is expected to remain Under the total.