Free NHL Picks For Today, Sunday 12/22/2024

We have a 6-game slate in the NHL at this week’s end, and here you can take a look at the NHL Picks for Sunday 12/22/2024.

Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Rangers Prediction NHL Picks 12/22/24

Hurricanes at Rangers at 12:30 PM ET

The Carolina Hurricanes secured a win over the Islanders but lost to the Capitals. They are currently averaging 3.53 goals per game and converting 26.7 percent of their power play opportunities. Martin Necas leads the team with 14 goals, while Sebastian Aho has provided 25 assists. Furthermore, Andrei Svechnikov has taken 100 shots on goal. On the goaltending front, Spencer Martin has allowed 27 goals on 175 shots, and Pyotr Kochetkov has given up 49 goals on 492 shots faced.

The New York Rangers suffered a loss to the Predators but managed to defeat the Stars. At present, the team averages 2.97 goals per game and successfully converts 20.5 percent of their power play opportunities. Artemi Panarin leads the team with 15 goals, while Adam Fox has accumulated 25 assists. Vincent Trocheck has recorded a total of 83 shots on goal. In goal, Igor Shesterkin has permitted 67 goals from 759 shots faced, while Jonathan Quick has allowed 22 goals from 259 shots.

The Pick:

The Rangers are coming off a notable road win against the Stars, which could be the turning point they required to stabilize their performance. Moreover, early game starts often favor the home team, as players are more likely to be energized when they have the comfort of their own sleeping arrangements. The current odds suggest that there is considerable value in wagering on the Rangers.

Anaheim Ducks vs Utah Hockey Club Prediction NHL Picks 12/22/24

Ducks at Utah at 5 PM ET

This season has presented a familiar scenario for the Ducks, who are coming off yet another loss in their latest outing. The team scored two goals; however, their defense allowed four goals from the Colorado Avalanche, marking the critical difference in the match. John Gibson has achieved 19 goals and 22 assists. The Ducks are currently averaging 2.42 goals per game, with their defense permitting 3.06 goals per game. Offensively, they rank 31st, while defensively, they are ranked 18th.

During the latest encounter with the Minnesota Wild, Utah recorded a total of two goals, while their defense successfully limited the opposition to a single goal, marking the key factor in their victory. Dylan Gunher showcased his skills by scoring both goals for the team. This season, Utah has an average of 3.0 goals per game, with their defense yielding an average of 2.91 goals. The offense ranks 17th overall, in contrast to the defense, which is ranked 9th.

The Pick:

With Utah’s defense conceding only 2.91 goals per game, they are poised to confront a Ducks offense that has struggled considerably this season. The Ducks are expected to face difficulties in scoring even one goal, which will ultimately be pivotal in determining the outcome of the game, allowing the Hockey Club to secure a decisive win. It is recommended to back Utah on the puck line for a favorable result.

The Pick:

With Utah’s defense conceding only 2.91 goals per game, they are poised to confront a Ducks offense that has struggled considerably this season. The Ducks are expected to face difficulties in scoring even one goal, which will ultimately be pivotal in determining the outcome of the game, allowing the Hockey Club to secure a decisive win. It is recommended to back Utah on the puck line for a favorable result.

LA Kings vs Washington Capitals Prediction NHL Picks 12/22/24

Kings at Capitals at 5 PM ET

This season, the Los Angeles Kings have recorded 19-9-5, following their recent overtime loss to Nashville, which concluded with a score of 3-2. The Kings managed to rally from a 2-0 deficit in the third period but ultimately lost in overtime. In terms of statistics, Los Angeles was outshot 26-24, won 47.8% of face-offs, and did not score on their lone power play attempt. Byfield and Laferriere contributed goals for the Kings, while Kuemper successfully stopped 23 of the 26 shots he faced.

This season, the Washington Capitals have achieved a record of 22-8-2, following their latest triumph against the Carolina Hurricanes, which ended with a score of 3-1. The Capitals took control early in the game by netting the first three goals; however, they allowed a goal in the third period, thus missing out on a shutout. In the game, Washington was outshot by a margin of 25 to 22, won 44.6% of face-offs, and did not score on either of their power play chances. The goals for Washington were contributed by McMichael, Protas, and Vrana, while Lindgren made 24 saves on 25 shots.

The Pick:

The Capitals have secured five victories in their last seven contests, allowing two goals or fewer in each of those successful outings. While both teams have shown commendable defensive strength this season, the Kings are in the midst of a lengthy road trip, leading to uncertainty regarding their offensive performance. Back the Capitals in this situation.

Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction NHL Picks 12/22/24

Panthers at Lightning at 5 PM ET

The Florida Panthers approach this contest with the intention of extending their momentum following a 2-1 overtime triumph over the St. Louis Blues. Sam Reinhart leads the team with a total of 43 points, which includes 20 goals and 23 assists. Sam Bennett has contributed 27 points, featuring 13 goals and 14 assists, while Anton Lundell has added 22 points, consisting of 8 goals and 14 assists. Furthermore, Aleksander Barkov has achieved 32 points, with 22 of those being assists, and Carter Verhaeghe has also amassed 27 points, including 9 goals and 18 assists. Matthew Tkachuk has recorded 34 points, comprising 13 goals and 21 assists. In terms of goaltending, Sergei Bobrovsky boasts a record of 16-6-1, with a 2.79 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage, while Spencer Knight has a record of 5-5-1, with a 2.85 GAA and a .890 save percentage this season.

The Tampa Bay Lightning enter this matchup aiming to build on their recent 3-1 victory against St. Louis. Leading the team, Nikita Kucherov has accumulated 49 points, which includes a team-high of 14 goals and 35 assists. Brandon Hagel follows with 37 points, comprising 15 goals and 22 assists, while Anthony Cirelli contributes 28 points, including 15 assists. Brayden Point has also made a significant impact with 38 points, featuring 21 goals and 17 assists, and Victor Hedman has recorded 25 points, all from assists. Additionally, Jake Guentzel has tallied 33 points, with 18 goals and 15 assists. In goal, Andrei Vasilevskiy holds a record of 15-9-1, boasting a 2.38 GAA and a .913 save percentage, while Jonas Johansson has a record of 3-1-1, with a 3.84 GAA and a .882 save percentage for the season.

The Pick:

Florida has been effective in away contests and has often prevailed in this rivalry. However, this game is particularly significant for Tampa Bay, as they aim to avenge their playoff exit at the hands of Florida last season. I predict a victory for Tampa Bay in this encounter.

Seattle Kraken vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction NHL Picks 12/22/24

Kraken at Avalanche at 8 PM ET

Following their game on Saturday against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Kraken are likely to experience fatigue. On Thursday, they competed against the Chicago Blackhawks, resulting in a 3-1 loss, with Ryker Evans scoring the only goal for the Blackhawks. Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, the Kraken faced a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Ottawa Senators. This season, the Kraken have averaged 2.82 goals per game, while their defense has conceded an average of 2.91 goals. Their offensive performance is currently ranked 23rd in the league, while their defensive efforts are ranked 15th.

The Avalanche are aiming for another significant victory following their recent match on Friday evening. In that game, they competed against the Anaheim Ducks but unfortunately suffered a defeat, ending with a score of 4-2. Goaltender Scott Wedgewood delivered an impressive performance, successfully stopping 30 of the 32 shots directed at him. Throughout the season, the Avalanche have been averaging 3.29 goals per game, while their defense has allowed an average of 3.337 goals. Currently, the offense is positioned 23rd in the league rankings, whereas the defense holds the 15th position.

The Pick:

The Kraken are expected to enter this game with tired legs, and their offensive struggles have been evident. With an average of only 2.82 goals per game, they will find it difficult to mount an effective offense. As a result, a substantial victory for the Avalanche seems imminent. It is recommended to back Colorado on the puck line.

Ottawa Senators vs Edmonton Oilers Prediction NHL Picks 12/22/24

Senators at Oilers at 8 PM ET

As of this season, the Ottawa Senators have a record of 17-13-2 after their latest triumph against Calgary, which ended in a 3-2 overtime win. During the game, the Senators were outshot by their opponents, with a total of 32 shots against 29. They managed to win 54.1% of the face-offs but did not convert any of their power play opportunities, finishing 0-3. The goals for Ottawa came from Cousins, Greig, and Tkachuk, while Ullmark successfully stopped 30 of the 32 shots directed at him.

This season, the Edmonton Oilers have achieved a record of 20-11-2, having recently triumphed over the San Jose Sharks with a final score of 3-2 in overtime. The Oilers dominated the shot count, outshooting the Sharks 42 to 22, and secured 58.3% of the face-offs. However, they did not convert on their two power-play chances. The goals for Edmonton were netted by Draisaitl, Hyman, and Ekholm, while Pickard successfully stopped 20 of the 22 shots directed at him during the contest.

The Pick:

In recent weeks, Edmonton has demonstrated strong performance, particularly at home this season. Conversely, Ottawa has emerged as one of the most formidable teams in the NHL during their last eight matches; however, their offensive capabilities have not been particularly impressive. The Senators have secured numerous victories by netting three goals, a total that may prove insufficient in this matchup. Therefore, I recommend backing the Oilers for the victory.