Free NHL Picks For Today, Sunday 1/5/2025

This week in the NHL will end with a 5-game slate, and here you can read the NHL Picks for Sunday 1/5/2025.

New York Rangers vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction NHL Picks 1/5/25

Rangers at Blackhawks at 3 PM ET

The New York Rangers enter this matchup seeking to recover from a recent 7-4 defeat against the Washington Capitals, which has brought their season record to 17-20-1. Artemi Panarin leads the team with 39 points, comprising 16 goals and 23 assists. Alexis Lafreniere follows with 21 points, including 9 goals and 12 assists. Adam Fox has contributed significantly with 27 assists, while Mika Zibanejad has accumulated 22 points through 7 goals and 15 assists. Will Cuylle has also made an impact, recording 24 points with 11 goals and 13 assists. In net, Igor Shesterkin holds a record of 11-15-1, with a goals-against average of 3.10 and a save percentage of .906, while Jonathan Quick has a record of 6-5, a 2.83 GAA, and a .903 save percentage this season.

The Chicago Blackhawks approach this contest with the intention of building on their recent 4-2 triumph over the Montreal Canadiens, which would enhance their season record to 13-24-2. Connor Bedard stands out with a team-leading 34 points, consisting of 10 goals and 24 assists. Ryan Donato contributes 22 points, including 11 goals. Teuvo Teravainen has amassed 25 points, with 7 goals and 18 assists, while Taylor Hall has recorded 21 points, split between 8 goals and 13 assists. Alex Vlasic has achieved 17 points, primarily through 15 assists, and Tyler Bertuzzi has also reached 20 points, with 13 goals and 7 assists. In net, Petr Mrazek has a record of 7-14-1, with a 3.23 GAA and an .893 save percentage, while Arvid Soderblom has a 6-9-1 record, featuring a 2.73 GAA and a .910 save percentage this season.

The Pick:

If the Rangers are unable to triumph over the Blackhawks, a team that is still struggling in the NHL, it would suggest that the Rangers are facing more serious challenges than we might realize. I persist in believing that it is only a matter of time before the Rangers regain their footing, as they boast a top-tier goalie and a roster filled with skilled players. Consequently, I am confident in backing the Rangers for this game.

New York Islanders vs Boston Bruins Prediction NHL Picks 1/5/25

Islanders at Bruins at 6 PM ET

The New York Islanders currently hold a record of 14-18-7 for the season following their recent defeat against Toronto, which ended with a score of 2-1. The Islanders managed to equalize in the second period, but conceded a goal approximately three minutes before the conclusion of the match, resulting in their loss. In terms of statistics, New York outshot Toronto 33-31, achieved a face-off win percentage of 43.4%, and failed to convert on three power play opportunities. Mayfield scored the Islanders’ only goal, while Sorokin made 29 saves out of 31 shots faced during the game.

This season, the Boston Bruins have recorded 20 victories, 17 defeats, and 4 overtime losses, following their latest game against Toronto, which they lost 6-4. The Bruins managed to come back from a 2-0 deficit in the second period; however, they allowed four goals in the third period, resulting in their defeat. In the game, Boston outshot Toronto with a total of 31 shots compared to 29, won 45.5% of face-offs, and did not score on their two power-play attempts. Goals for the Bruins were contributed by Frederic, Geekie, and Pastrnak, who scored twice, while Swayman recorded 23 saves out of 27 shots.

The Pick:

The Bruins currently possess a home record of 12-6-2 this season, but they have been challenged in terms of scoring, averaging just 2.58 goals per game. On the other hand, New York has a road record of 7-9-5 and has failed to score more than two goals in their last three games. The Islanders have been among the least competitive teams in the Eastern Conference, and it seems improbable that they will manage to secure a victory in Boston. Back the Bruins in this scenario.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Carolina Hurricanes Prediction NHL Picks 1/5/25

Penguins at Hurricanes at 6 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Penguins experienced losses to the Red Wings and the Panthers. They are averaging 3.03 goals per game and achieving a power play success rate of 26.3 percent. Rickard Rakell stands out as the top scorer for the team with 18 goals, while Sidney Crosby has provided 31 assists. Erik Karlsson has also made a notable impact with 98 shots on goal. On the defensive end, Tristan Jarry has allowed 60 goals on 528 shots, and Alex Nedeljkovic has given up 51 goals on 460 shots faced.

The Carolina Hurricanes achieved a victory against the Panthers but suffered a defeat to the Wild. Currently, the team is averaging 3.36 goals per game and successfully converting 24.2 percent of their power play chances. Jack Roslovic is the leading scorer for Carolina with 17 goals, while Martin Necas has contributed 31 assists, and Andrei Svechnikov has recorded 115 shots on goal. In terms of goaltending, Spencer Martin has conceded 27 goals from 175 shots faced, whereas Pyotr Kochetkov has allowed 61 goals from 618 shots.

The Pick:

In recent days, the Hurricanes have struggled, recording losses in four of their last six contests. They are also contending with the fatigue of a back-to-back situation, having recently been shut out by the Wild. On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Penguins are known to have sporadic offensive surges, which could manifest in this game against a team that is playing for the second time in as many days. The historical matchups do not favor the Hurricanes, yet I am willing to take a chance on the Penguins, as it presents an opportunity to nearly double my stake.

Philadelphia Flyers vs Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction NHL Picks 1/5/25

Flyers at Maple Leafs at 7 PM ET

The Flyers are determined to rebound after their last encounter with the Vegas Golden Knights, which ended in a loss. During that game, the Flyers netted two goals, but their defense allowed five goals, leading to their defeat. Both Tyson Foerster and Travis Konecny found the back of the net. Aleksei Kolosov, in goal, made 22 saves from 26 shots. In their prior match against the San Jose Sharks, the Flyers secured a win with four goals scored. Egor Zamula contributed to that success with a goal and an assist. Presently, the Flyers average 3.03 goals per game, while their defense concedes an average of 3.56 goals. They rank 16th in offensive performance and 30th in defensive performance within the league. The team averages 27.1 shots per game, which ranks them 8th overall.

Following their encounter with the Bruins on Saturday, the Maple Leafs are expected to be fatigued. In their Thursday match against the New York Islanders, the Maple Leafs achieved victory with a total of two goals. Bobby McCann stood out with a remarkable performance, scoring both goals and serving as the pivotal player in the match. The Maple Leafs are averaging 3.07 goals per game, while their defensive unit allows 2.74 goals. Offensively, they are ranked 13th in the league, and defensively, they hold the 8th position.

The Pick:

The Maple Leafs’ current average stands at 3.07 goals per game, but their defensive statistics are even more commendable, with only 2.74 goals allowed per game. Even when fatigued, the Maple Leafs are expected to thrive defensively, which will ultimately be the key differentiator. The Flyers’ offense is projected to struggle, resulting in a total that remains Under the anticipated mark.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Anaheim Ducks Prediction NHL Picks 1/5/25

Lightning at Ducks at 8 PM ET

The Lightning are experiencing fatigue following their match on Saturday against the LA Kings. In their previous encounter on Thursday, they competed against the San Jose Sharks but suffered a narrow defeat, ending the game 2-1. Anthony Cerelli managed to score during the second period; however, this effort was insufficient for a victory. Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy performed admirably, stopping 23 of the 25 shots directed at him. Currently, the Lightning boast an average of 3.86 goals per game, while their defensive unit concedes an average of 2.8 goals. The offense is ranked first in the league, whereas the defense holds the tenth position.

In their most recent match, the Ducks competed against the Edmonton Oilers on Friday, managing to score two goals; however, their defense conceded three goals. Lukas Dostal served as the goaltender, successfully saving 23 out of 26 shots directed at him. Both Brett Leason and Jackson Lacombre contributed to the score by netting a goal each. Currently, the Ducks are averaging 2.5 goals per game, while their defense allows an average of 3.05 goals. The offensive unit is positioned 31st in the league rankings, whereas the defensive unit holds the 17th position.

The Pick:

The Lightning are operating on weary legs, which will detrimentally influence their offensive output. The Ducks, who are averaging a mere 2.5 goals per game, will struggle to mount any significant offensive effort in this encounter. On the other hand, their defense is likely to perform effectively against the Lightning, leading to a game total that remains below expectations. One can foresee only two or three goals being scored. It is recommended to bet on the Under for a profitable return.