Free NHL Picks For Today, Thursday 12/5/2024

The NHL action provides us a 9-game slate today, so make sure not to miss out on the NHL Picks for Thursday 12/5/2024.

Colorado Avalanche vs Carolina Hurricanes Prediction NHL Picks 12/5/24

Avalanche at Hurricanes at 7 PM ET

The Avalanche faced the Buffalo Sabres in their latest game, achieving a narrow victory of 5-4. Nathan Mackinnon played a pivotal role, scoring two goals and providing an assist. Although the team found themselves down 4-0 by the end of the first period, they rallied to secure the win. Currently, the Avalanche averages 3.27 goals per game, with their defense conceding 3.73 goals per game. They hold the 10th position in offensive rankings, while their defensive performance places them at 31st.

In their most recent match, the Hurricanes competed against the Seattle Kraken, resulting in a 4-2 defeat. Martin Necas delivered an impressive performance, contributing one goal and one assist. Goaltender Pytor Kochetkov successfully stopped 24 of the 28 shots directed at him. Currently, the Hurricanes are averaging 3.72 goals per game, while their defense concedes an average of 2.92 goals. The team’s offensive unit is positioned 3rd in the league, whereas their defensive unit ranks 11th.

The Pick:

The Avalanche are consistently averaging 3.27 goals, reflecting their confidence in the offensive zone. One can expect the team to score no less than four goals, which should be sufficient for them to clinch a win. It is recommended to back the Avalanche on the money line for a profitable return.

Nashville Predators vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction NHL Picks 12/5/24

Predators at Canadiens at 7 PM ET

Following a demanding game on Wednesday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Predators are expected to be fatigued. On Saturday, they faced the Minnesota Wild, where they narrowly lost 3-2 in overtime. Juuse Saros, who was in goal, managed to save 25 out of 28 shots. The team is currently averaging 2.3 goals per game, while their defense allows an average of 3.16 goals. In terms of rankings, the offense sits at 32nd in the league, while the defense is ranked 22nd.

The Canadiens faced the New York Islanders in their latest game, emerging victorious with a score of 2-1. Nick Suzuki showcased his skills by scoring a goal and providing an assist. Sam Montembault had a remarkable performance, saving 30 out of 31 shots. This season, Montreal averages 2.8 goals per game, while their defense concedes an average of 3.72 goals. Offensively, the team ranks 22nd in the league, while defensively, they are positioned at 30th.

The Pick:

This season, Nashville has an average of 2.32 goals per game, and they may struggle to achieve even two goals in this contest. The Canadiens’ offensive performance is unlikely to improve, indicating that the game will likely be low-scoring. It would be smart to bet on the Under for a successful wager.

Florida Panthers vs Philadelphia Flyers Prediction NHL Picks 12/5/24

Panthers at Flyers at 7 PM ET

The Panthers recently encountered the Pittsburgh Penguins in a challenging game, which concluded with a narrow defeat of 5-4. They were able to earn a point by pushing the match into overtime, despite ultimately losing. Matthew Tkachuk showcased his skills with a notable performance, contributing two goals and two assists. In contrast, Spencer Knight had a disappointing outing, managing to save only 11 of the 16 shots directed at him. This season, the Panthers have been averaging 3.63 goals per game, while their defensive unit allows 3.27 goals. Offensively, they rank 4th in the league, but defensively, they find themselves in 26th place.

The Flyers faced the St. Louis Blues in their latest game, managing to secure a 3-2 win in overtime. Matvei Michov stood out with a goal and an assist during the match. Despite this victory, the Flyers’ offensive performance throughout the season has been lacking, with an average of 2.8 goals scored per game, while their defense concedes an average of 3.24 goals. This has resulted in the offense being ranked 22nd and the defense 25th in the league.

The Pick:

The Flyers are averaging 2.8 goals per game, and their defensive efforts have been strong in recent contests. The Panthers’ offense is anticipated to struggle significantly in this matchup, which bodes well for the Flyers’ chances of success. It is recommended to back the Flyers on the money line.

Winnipeg Jets vs Buffalo Sabres Prediction NHL Picks 12/5/24

Jets at Sabres at 7 PM ET

The Winnipeg Jets currently hold a record of 18 wins and 8 losses this season, following their recent defeat against St. Louis, which ended with a score of 4-1. Although Winnipeg managed to reduce the score to 3-1 during the third period, they conceded an empty-net goal shortly thereafter, sealing their loss. In this match, the Jets were outshot 32 to 23, achieved a face-off win percentage of 37.9%, and failed to capitalize on their two power play opportunities. The team’s sole goal was scored by Scheifele, while goaltender Hellebuyck successfully saved 28 of the 31 shots he faced.

The Buffalo Sabres’ current season record stands at 11-12-2 after their recent loss to Colorado, which concluded with a score of 5-4. The team had a strong start, leading 4-0 at the end of the first period, but they subsequently allowed one goal in the second period and four in the third, resulting in their defeat. In the game, Buffalo was outshot 41 to 30, managed to win 49.1% of face-offs, and was unsuccessful on all three power-play attempts. The Sabres’ scoring was contributed by Malenstyn, Peterka, and Thompson, who scored twice, while UPL made 36 saves out of 41 shots faced.

The Pick:

At the beginning of the season, the Jets were regarded as the top team in the NHL, yet they have only netted a single goal in three of their last four contests. Meanwhile, the Sabres have faced two shutouts in their previous four games and relinquished a 4-0 lead in their last match against Colorado. I find the performances of both teams concerning, but the Jets have displayed minimal vigor in recent outings. Consequently, I suggest backing the Sabres in their home game.

Detroit Red Wings vs Ottawa Senators Prediction NHL Picks 12/5/24

Red Wings at Senators at 7 PM ET

The Detroit Red Wings’ record stands at 10-11-4 this season after their recent overtime loss to Boston, which concluded with a score of 3-2. The team was in the lead at 2-1 during the third period but allowed Boston to equalize, resulting in the overtime loss. In terms of performance metrics, the Red Wings were outshot 35 to 25, secured 54.5% of face-offs, and were unsuccessful on three power-play chances. Raymond scored both goals for Detroit, while Husso recorded 32 saves out of 35 shots during the contest.

After their recent shootout loss to Anaheim, the Ottawa Senators’ record stands at 10-12-2 for the season, with the final score being 4-3. The Senators managed to tie the game at two during the second period and again at three in the third, but failed to find the decisive goal, leading to their loss in the shootout. In terms of performance metrics, Ottawa was outshot 34 to 31, achieved a face-off win rate of 51.6%, and converted 1 of 4 power play chances. The goals for Ottawa came from Cousins and Tkachuk, who scored twice, while Ullmark recorded 31 saves out of 34 shots faced.

The Pick:

Detroit has maintained a low scoring rate this season, although their power play is notably effective. The matchups between these teams have been highly entertaining in recent seasons, fostering a developing rivalry. Nevertheless, the Red Wings have encountered difficulties in managing the physicality presented by the Senators. Therefore, it is recommended to back the Senators at -1.5.

San Jose Sharks vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction NHL Picks 12/5/24

Sharks at Lightning at 7 PM ET

The San Jose Sharks triumphed over the Kraken and the Capitals in recent matchups. They are averaging 2.86 goals per game and achieving an 18.4 percent success rate on power play opportunities. Tyler Toffoli stands out as the top scorer for San Jose with 10 goals, while Mikael Granlund has provided 19 assists, and Jake Walman has taken 61 shots on goal. On the defensive end, Mackenzie Blackwood has surrendered 47 goals on 506 shots, and Vitek Vanecek has permitted 35 goals on 329 shots faced.

The Tampa Bay Lightning experienced a defeat against the Maple Leafs but secured a victory over the Predators. Currently, the team averages 3.74 goals per game and converts 23.9 percent of their power play chances. Brayden Point is the team’s leading scorer with 16 goals, while Nikita Kucherov contributes significantly with 22 assists, and Brandon Hagel has recorded 64 shots on goal. In terms of goaltending, Andrei Vasilevskiy has conceded 46 goals from 495 shots faced, whereas Jonas Johansson has allowed 20 goals from 155 shots.

The Pick:

Historically, the Tampa Bay Lightning have had a significant advantage over the Sharks, winning 8 out of their last 10 meetings. This season, their performance at home has been particularly impressive. In their most recent two games against the Sharks, the Lightning have achieved a remarkable 10-1 scoring differential. For maximum betting value, I suggest focusing on the Lightning and the point line.

Seattle Kraken vs New York Islanders Prediction NHL Picks 12/5/24

Kraken at Islanders at 7:30 PM ET

The Seattle Kraken suffered a loss to the Sharks but managed to defeat the Hurricanes. They are averaging 2.85 goals per game and achieving a power play success rate of 14.6 percent. Jared McCann is the leading goal scorer for the team with 10 goals, while Chandler Stephenson has provided 14 assists. Brandon Montour has taken 86 shots on goal. In terms of goaltending statistics, Philipp Grubauer has allowed 28 goals from 203 shots, and Joey Daccord has permitted 45 goals from 509 shots faced.

The New York Islanders triumphed over the Sabres but were defeated by the Canadiens. At present, the Islanders average 2.5 goals per game and successfully convert 12.3 percent of their power play opportunities. Leading the team in scoring is Anders Lee with 11 goals, followed by Bo Horvat with 12 assists, and Brock Nelson, who has taken 83 shots on goal. In goal, Semyon Varlamov has permitted 29 goals on 262 shots, while Ilya Sorokin has given up 40 goals on 475 shots faced.

The Pick:

The Islanders rank among the least effective offensive teams in the league, having netted two or fewer goals in five of their last nine matches. Additionally, the Kraken have secured victories in their last three encounters with the Islanders, including a 3-2 triumph a few weeks prior. In light of this, I suggest considering the favorable betting odds in this scenario, largely as a tactic to counter the Islanders.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Edmonton Oilers Prediction NHL Picks 12/5/24

Blue Jackets at Oilers at 9 PM ET

The Columbus Blue Jackets have an overall record of 11-10-3 this season, following a 3-0 loss to Calgary in their latest game. In this shutout, the team allowed one goal in the second period and two in the third. The Blue Jackets were outshot by Calgary, with a total of 22 shots compared to their 16. They achieved a face-off win percentage of 40.4% and failed to score on their single power play attempt. Zach Werenski led the team with four shots on goal, while goaltender Elvis Merzlikins recorded 19 saves out of 21 shots.

The Edmonton Oilers currently hold a record of 13-10-2 this season, following a narrow defeat to the Vegas Golden Knights, with a final score of 1-0 in their most recent match. In this contest, the Oilers outperformed the Golden Knights in shots on goal, registering 28 compared to Vegas’s 16. Additionally, Edmonton achieved a face-off win percentage of 58.8% and did not convert on their power play opportunities, finishing at 0-0. Key players for the Oilers included Connor McDavid and Darnell Nurse, each contributing four shots on goal, while goaltender Stuart Skinner successfully saved 15 of the 16 shots he faced.

The Pick:

Edmonton has secured victories in three out of their last four matches, demonstrating strong defensive performance throughout these contests. In contrast, the Blue Jackets have achieved three wins in their last five games; however, they have faced significant challenges while playing away from home, conceding an average of 3.50 goals per game. It is advisable to bet on the Oilers with a -1.5 spread in this matchup.

St. Louis Blues vs Calgary Flames Prediction NHL Picks 12/5/24

Blues at Flames at 9 PM ET

The St. Louis Blues faced a loss to the Flyers but triumphed over the Jets. The team is averaging 2.54 goals per game and has a power play success rate of 15 percent. Jordan Kyrou leads the team with 9 goals, while Pavel Buchnevich has provided 9 assists, and Brayden Schenn has taken 54 shots on goal. On the defensive end, Jordan Binnington has conceded 53 goals on 523 shots, and Joel Hofer has allowed 22 goals on 230 shots faced.

The Calgary Flames suffered a defeat against the Penguins but managed to beat the Blue Jackets. The team is currently averaging 2.54 goals per game and achieving a power play success rate of 21.3 percent. Leading the Flames in scoring is Nazem Kadri with 8 goals, followed by MacKenzie Weegar with 11 assists, and Mikael Backlund, who has recorded 64 shots on goal. In goal, Dustin Wolf has allowed 34 goals on 413 shots faced, while Dan Vladar has surrendered 35 goals on 365 shots.

The Pick:

Overall, the Calgary Flames have proven to be the more dependable team, especially while playing at home, where they boast a season record of 10-3-0. It is worth mentioning that the Flames have not experienced a loss at home since November 3. In order to contemplate a wager on the Blues, I would need a more advantageous offer. A reasonable price alongside a team that excels at home would be necessary.