January 26, 2025 at 08:05 PM EST
This week in the NHL concludes with a 5-game slate, and here you can check out the NHL Picks for Sunday 1/26/2025.
Colorado Avalanche vs New York Rangers Prediction 1/26/25 NHL Picks
Avalanche at Rangers at 1 PM ET
The Colorado Avalanche’s current season record is 28-20-2, following their latest loss to the Boston Bruins, which concluded with a score of 3-1. The Avalanche had a 1-0 advantage at the end of the second period but ultimately surrendered three goals in the final stretch of the game. In terms of statistics, Colorado outperformed Boston in shots, totaling 28 to 15, secured 47.2% of face-offs, and was unsuccessful in both of their power play attempts. Lehkonen accounted for Colorado’s only goal, while Wedgewood recorded 12 saves out of 14 shots faced during the contest.
This season, the New York Rangers have achieved a record of 24-20-4, highlighted by their recent triumph over the Philadelphia Flyers, which ended with a decisive score of 6-1. The Rangers initially found themselves down 1-0 in the first period but responded with six unanswered goals to clinch the victory. In the game, New York outperformed Philadelphia in shots on goal, totaling 37 compared to 34, won 52.6% of face-offs, and converted 1 of 2 power play chances. The scoring for the Rangers came from Chytil, Edstrom, Smith, Fox, Miller, and Schneider, while Shesterkin excelled in goal, stopping 33 of the 34 shots he faced.
The Pick:
Colorado will be facing a back-to-back situation following their game against Boston on Saturday; however, their performance in the last ten games has been subpar. The Avalanche have encountered difficulties in scoring during this period, and I do not anticipate any improvement against the formidable New York defense. Back the Rangers in this home game.
Utah Hockey Club vs Ottawa Senators Prediction 1/26/25 NHL Picks
Hockey Club at Senators at 5 PM ET
The Utah Hockey Club achieved a victory against the Wild but suffered a defeat to the Jets. Currently, the team averages 2.88 goals per game and successfully converts 22.4 percent of their power play chances. Clayton Keller is the team’s leading scorer with 17 goals, while Nick Schmaltz contributes significantly with 29 assists, and Logan Cooley has recorded 101 shots on goal. In terms of goaltending, Connor Ingram has conceded 43 goals from 443 shots faced, whereas Karel Vejmelka has allowed 69 goals from 790 shots.
The Ottawa Senators suffered a defeat against the Bruins but managed to beat the Maple Leafs. The team is currently averaging 2.73 goals per game and successfully converting 22.2 percent of their power play opportunities. Brady Tkachuk is the top scorer for Ottawa with 18 goals, Tim Stutzle has provided 30 assists, and Thomas Chabot has taken 103 shots on goal. In goal, Linus Ullmark has allowed 51 goals from 602 shots, while Anton Forsberg has given up 46 goals from 414 shots faced.
The Pick:
In their last nine games, Utah has allowed four or more goals on four occasions. Conversely, the Senators have restricted their opponents to two or fewer goals in seven of their last nine contests. Furthermore, Ottawa secured a commanding 4-0 win against Utah in October. Although this result may not be particularly relevant at this moment, it is evident that Ottawa has enhanced its performance since then. The current pricing is appealing. I suggest placing your support behind the Senators at this reasonable rate.
Calgary Flames vs Winnipeg Jets Prediction 1/26/25 NHL Picks
Flames at Jets at 6 PM ET
This season, the Calgary Flames have achieved a record of 24-16-7 after their latest triumph against Minnesota, winning the game 5-4. The Flames demonstrated their offensive prowess by outshooting the Wild 29 to 25 and securing 61.9% of the face-offs. They also excelled on the power play, converting 2 of 3 chances. The scoring for Calgary included contributions from Bishop, Kuzmenko (with two goals), Pospisil, and Andersson, while Wolf successfully stopped 21 of the 25 shots directed at him.
The Winnipeg Jets have recorded a season tally of 33-14-3 after their latest game, in which they defeated Utah 5-2. The Jets showcased their dominance by outshooting their opponents 29 to 19, winning 54.5% of face-offs, and converting 1 out of 1 power play opportunities. Goals were scored by Ehlers, Gustafsson, and Perfetti, who contributed three goals in total, while Hellebuyck effectively saved 17 of the 19 shots he faced during the match.
The Pick:
The Calgary Flames are entering this game on a back-to-back basis and have struggled with their performance on the road this year. They are scoring an average of only 2.65 goals per game and will be facing one of the strongest defensive teams in the NHL. Despite the Winnipeg Jets’ recent inconsistency, I believe they hold the upper hand against the Calgary offense. It would be wise to consider the Jets at -1.5 for this game.
Minnesota Wild vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction 1/26/25 NHL Picks
Wild at Blackhawks at 7 PM ET
Following their home game on Saturday against the Calgary Flames, the Wild are expected to be on weary legs. In their last encounter with the Utah Hockey Club, the Wild performed poorly, suffering a 4-0 loss. Fillip Gustavson, who was in goal, saved only 25 of the 29 shots he faced, indicating a lackluster performance. The team averages 2.88 goals per game, while their defense allows 2.83 goals. Offensively, they are positioned 20th in the league, while defensively, they rank 11th.
This season has largely been characterized by losses for the Blackhawks, who are coming off yet another defeat in their latest game. They reached overtime but lost with a final score of 4-3. Both Louis Crevier and Frank Nazar recorded a goal and an assist in the match. The team averages 2.61 goals per game, while their defense allows an average of 3.44 goals. In terms of rankings, the offense sits at 31st in the league, while the defense is positioned at 29th.
The Pick:
The Wild faced a challenging match on Saturday against the Calgary Flames, and they are likely to encounter difficulties in this upcoming game. Although the Blackhawks have been averaging merely 2.61 goals per game, it is anticipated that they will exceed this average in this instance. The Wild will struggle to respond effectively, resulting in a victory for Chicago.
Florida Panthers vs Vegas Golden Knights Prediction 1/26/25 NHL Picks
Panthers at Golden Knights at 8 PM ET
Following their game against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night, the Panthers are expected to be fatigued. They will then take a short flight to Las Vegas. Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, the Panthers faced the LA Kings and were defeated 2-1. The Panthers’ sole goal was scored in the second period, but overall, their offensive performance lacked significant scoring opportunities. Goalie Spencer Knight was effective, saving 26 out of 28 shots. The Panthers currently average 3.16 goals per game, while their defense allows 2.98 goals. In terms of league rankings, the offense is positioned 9th, while the defense ranks 17th.
The Golden Knights conceded three goals during the second period against the Dallas Stars, which ultimately determined the outcome of the match. Although Vegas managed to score three goals, it was insufficient as they allowed four goals to their opponents. Mark Stone contributed significantly with three assists, while Jack Eichel led the scoring with two goals. In goal, Adin Hill recorded 23 saves out of 27 shots faced. Currently, the Golden Knights are averaging 3.38 goals per game, while their defense is allowing 2.76 goals per game. The offense ranks fourth in the league, whereas the defense holds the ninth position.
The Pick:
At times, the Panthers have exhibited inconsistency in their offensive play, and in their last outing, they encountered considerable difficulty in establishing any offensive rhythm. Conversely, the Golden Knights are anticipated to launch their offense swiftly, which is expected to be the key differentiator in this contest, enabling the home team to achieve success. It is recommended to back the Golden Knights on the puck line.