Free NHL Picks For Today, Friday 12/27/2024

The NHL returns with an 8-game slate, and here you can check out the NHL Picks for Friday 12/27/2024.

Boston Bruins vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction NHL Picks 12/27/24

Bruins at Blue Jackets at 7 PM ET

This season, the Boston Bruins have achieved a record of 19-13-4, following their recent 4-1 triumph over Washington. The match was tied at one goal each as they entered the third period, but the Bruins surged ahead with three late goals to clinch the victory. In terms of performance, Boston outshot Washington 22 to 11, won 66% of face-offs, and successfully converted 1 of 4 power play chances. The scoring for the Bruins came from Brazeau, Coyle, Lindholm, and Marchand, while Swayman recorded 10 saves against 11 shots.

This season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have a record of 14-15-6 after their latest match, in which they triumphed over Montreal with a score of 5-4. The Blue Jackets were leading 3-1 in the second period but required two goals in the third period to clinch the victory. They outshot the Canadiens 32-31, won 47% of face-offs, and successfully converted 1 of 3 power play chances. The scoring for Columbus came from Johnson, Marchenko, Voronkov (who scored twice), and Harris, while Greaves recorded 27 saves out of 31 shots.

The Pick:

This season, the Bruins have achieved an 8-7-2 record in away games, while the Blue Jackets have fared better at home with a record of 10-4-3. Although Columbus has faced challenges, losing nine out of their last twelve contests, they generally exhibit stronger performances when playing at home. Nevertheless, due to their recent defensive issues, I suggest backing the Bruins with a -1.5 goal spread.

Chicago Blackhawks vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction NHL Picks 12/27/24

Blackhawks at Sabres at 7 PM ET

The Blackhawks faced the Minnesota Wild in their latest game, resulting in a narrow loss with a final score of 4-3. Arvid Soderblom took to the net as the starting goalie, managing to save 23 out of 26 shots. This season, the Blackhawks have recorded an average of 2.57 goals per game, while their defense has been conceding an average of 3.2 goals. The team’s offensive performance is currently ranked 28th in the league, and their defensive efforts are positioned at 23rd.

The Sabres faced the New York Islanders in their latest game, where they triumphed with a score of 7-1. Jiri Kulich played a pivotal role in this victory, netting two goals and assisting on another. At present, the Buffalo Sabres have an average of 2.94 goals scored per game, while their defense concedes an average of 3.4 goals. The offense is currently positioned 19th in the league rankings, while the defense is ranked 27th.

The Pick:

The defense has been a critical concern in each of the last two games, and it is likely that these difficulties will continue. One can expect the Blackhawks to score at least a couple of goals against the Sabres, which will ultimately influence the outcome, resulting in a total that surpasses the set line. It is recommended to wager on the Over.

Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils Prediction NHL Picks 12/27/24

Hurricanes at Devils at 7 PM ET

The Devils recorded an impressive 5-0 victory in their latest encounter with the New York Rangers. Jack Hughes played a pivotal role, netting two goals and assisting on another. This season, the Devils have maintained an average of 3.35 goals scored per game, with their defense conceding an average of 2.45 goals. Offensively, they are positioned 7th in the league, while defensively, they are ranked 1st.

In their most recent match, the Hurricanes competed against the Nashville Predators, securing a victory with a score of 5-2. Sebastian Aho delivered an impressive performance, contributing one goal; however, the defense proved to be a significant weakness. Currently, the Hurricanes are averaging 3.47 goals per game, while their defensive unit is allowing 2.79 goals. The offense is positioned 5th in the league rankings, whereas the defense holds the 8th position.

The Pick:

Currently, the Devils’ defense is conceding only 2.45 goals per game. On the offensive side, they are averaging 3.35 goals per game. Although scoring five or six goals may not be feasible in this instance, they are projected to score a minimum of three goals, which should be adequate for securing a win. Back the Devils on the money line.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Detroit Red Wings Prediction NHL Picks 12/27/24

Maple Leafs at Red Wings at 7 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs approach this game with the intention of recovering from their previous 5-2 loss to Winnipeg. Mitch Marner stands out with a team-leading 46 points, which includes 10 goals and a remarkable 36 assists. Following him is William Nylander, who has amassed 40 points, highlighted by a team-high 23 goals. John Tavares contributes 34 points, evenly split between 17 goals and 17 assists, while Auston Matthews has tallied 23 points, consisting of 11 goals and 12 assists. In terms of goaltending, Anthony Stolarz has a record of 9-5-2, with a GAA of 2.13 and a save percentage of .928. Joseph Woll’s record stands at 9-6, with a GAA of 2.61 and a save percentage of .908, while Dennis Hildeby has achieved a 2-1 record, a GAA of 3.68, and a save percentage of .875.

The Detroit Red Wings enter this matchup seeking to recover from a recent 4-0 defeat against the St. Louis Blues. Lucas Raymond leads the team with 33 points, which includes 20 assists, while Alex DeBrincat follows with 25 points, comprising 13 goals and 12 assists. In terms of goaltending, Ville Husso holds a record of 1-4-2 for the season, with a goals-against average (GAA) of 3.47 and a save percentage of .877. Cam Talbot has a record of 6-8-2, featuring a GAA of 2.79 and a save percentage of .912, while Alex Lyon stands at 5-5, with a GAA of 3.09 and a save percentage of .894.

The Pick:

In recent years, the Red Wings have consistently outperformed the Maple Leafs; however, I have greater confidence in Toronto’s ability to succeed in this matchup than in Detroit’s. The Red Wings appear to be faltering once more, and ultimately, I believe the Maple Leafs are the superior team. I am inclined to support Toronto.

Nashville Predators vs St. Louis Blues Prediction NHL Picks 12/27/24

Predators at Blues at 8 PM ET

The Nashville Predators secured victories against both the Kings and the Hurricanes. Currently, the team averages 2.4 goals per game and successfully converts 18 percent of their power play chances. Jonathan Marchessault is the team’s leading scorer with 12 goals, while Filip Forsberg contributes significantly with 20 assists. Roman Josi has recorded 89 shots on goal. In terms of goaltending, Juuse Saros has permitted 74 goals from 799 shots faced, whereas Scott Wedgewood has allowed 16 goals on 131 shots.

The St. Louis Blues suffered a loss to the Panthers but managed to defeat the Red Wings. At present, the team averages 2.5 goals per game and has a power play success rate of 15.2 percent. Jordan Kyrou stands out as the top scorer with 14 goals, while Robert Thomas has contributed 20 assists. Dylan Holloway has taken 81 shots on goal. In goal, Jordan Binnington has permitted 72 goals from 708 shots, while Joel Hofer has allowed 29 goals from 317 shots faced.

The Pick: