December 12, 2024 at 10:05 PM EST
The NHL action is in full swing with a 14-game slate today, and here you can take a look at the NHL Picks for Thursday 12/12/2024.
Washington Capitals vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction NHL Picks 12/12/24
Capitals at Blue Jackets at 7 PM ET
The Capitals triumphed over the Montreal Canadiens in their latest encounter, securing a 4-2 victory. Tom Wilson was a standout player, scoring two goals, and Pierre-Luc Dubois added to the scoreline with one goal and an assist. The Capitals are currently averaging 4.04 goals per game, while their defensive unit concedes an average of 2.74 goals per game. This places their offense at the top of the league rankings and their defense in seventh place.
In their latest encounter, the Blue Jackets went up against the Philadelphia Flyers, resulting in a 5-3 loss. At the end of the second period, the team was behind 4-1. Although they made a slight comeback, it was ultimately too late to change the outcome. Kent Johnson and Sean Monahan each recorded a goal along with an assist. Goalie Elvis Merzlikins recorded 19 saves out of 24 shots faced. The Blue Jackets are currently averaging 3.39 goals per game, while their defense allows 3.61 goals. Offensively, they rank 7th in the league, but defensively, they are ranked 31st.
The Pick:
The Capitals are currently averaging 4.04 goals per game, and they are poised to significantly elevate their performance in this matchup. Anticipate that the Capitals will net a minimum of five goals, which will enable them to secure a victory on the puck line.
Detroit Red Wings vs Philadelphia Flyers Prediction NHL Picks 12/12/24
Red Wings at Flyers at 7 PM ET
The last game saw the Red Wings score two crucial goals in the third period, compelling a shootout that concluded with a 6-5 win over the Buffalo Sabres. Andrew Copp showcased his skills by scoring two goals during the match. At present, the Red Wings have an average of 2.57 goals per game, while their defense allows 3.14 goals per game. The offense ranks 27th in the league, in contrast to the defense, which is ranked 20th.
The Flyers recently took on the Columbus Blue Jackets, securing a 5-3 win in their latest game. Morgan Frost stood out with a notable performance, scoring one goal and providing an assist. Throughout the season, the Flyers have been averaging 2.93 goals per game, while their defensive unit has been conceding 3.41 goals per game. The offense is ranked 20th in the league, in contrast to the defense, which is ranked 27th.
The Pick:
In their prior game, the Red Wings achieved five goals in regulation, showcasing their offensive capabilities, which are expected to be replicated. However, I remain skeptical about their defensive performance, as it is likely they will permit the Flyers to score significantly once again. Both teams are projected to exceed four goals in this contest. Consequently, I suggest placing a bet on the Over.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Montreal Canadiens Prediction NHL Picks 12/12/24
Penguins at Canadiens at 7 PM ET
This season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have a record of 12-14-4 after suffering a 6-2 loss to Colorado in their most recent game. During this contest, the Penguins recorded 27 shots on goal, secured 61.8% of the face-offs, and failed to convert on four power-play chances. Bunting and Glass contributed to the scoring, while Jarry stopped 21 of the 26 shots directed at him.
As of this season, the Montreal Canadiens have achieved an 11-14-3 record after their latest triumph against Anaheim, which they clinched in a shootout with a score of 3-2. During the game, the Canadiens were outshot by their opponents, with a total of 29 shots against 21. They successfully won 50% of the face-offs and completed 1 of 2 power play chances. Laine and Dach were the goal scorers for Montreal, and Montembeault performed admirably, stopping 27 of the 29 shots he faced.
The Pick:
This season, the Canadiens boast a home record of 8-6-2, in contrast to the Penguins’ away record of 4-7-2. While Pittsburgh has suffered defeats in two of their last three games, they have demonstrated solid performance in recent weeks. Both teams seem to be on an upward trajectory; however, Montreal’s defensive play is particularly impressive at this time. Go with the Canadiens in this encounter.
LA Kings vs New Jersey Devils Prediction NHL Picks 12/12/24
Kings at Devils at 7 PM ET
The Los Angeles Kings secured victories against both the Wild and the Islanders. Currently, the Kings are averaging 3.07 goals per game and converting 16.7 percent of their power play chances. Adrian Kempe is the team’s leading scorer with 14 goals, while Anze Kopitar contributes significantly with 24 assists, and Kevin Fiala has recorded 74 shots on goal. In terms of goaltending, Darcy Kuemper has conceded 28 goals from 301 shots faced, whereas David Rittich has allowed 36 goals from 330 shots.
The New Jersey Devils experienced losses to the Avalanche and the Maple Leafs. They are currently averaging 3.32 goals per game and achieving a power play success rate of 31.3 percent. Nico Hischier stands out as the top scorer for New Jersey with 15 goals, while Jack Hughes has provided 25 assists, and Timo Meier has taken 99 shots on goal. On the defensive end, Jake Allen has permitted 27 goals on 270 shots, while Jacob Markstrom has surrendered 52 goals on 552 shots faced.
The Pick:
We are in a promising situation with a Kings team that has won six consecutive games and eight out of their last ten overall. The Kings have also been successful in five of their last seven meetings with the Devils. It is worth noting that the Devils have had a stronger performance on the road this season, with 11 of their 18 victories coming away from home. I will place my confidence in the Kings, who are currently performing well, and take advantage of the more favorable odds.
Anaheim Ducks vs Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction NHL Picks 12/12/24
Ducks at Maple Leafs at 7 PM ET
The Anaheim Ducks approach this contest aiming to bounce back from a 5-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators in their last outing. Leading the Ducks in scoring is Troy Terry, who has accumulated 21 points, including 8 goals and 13 assists. Leo Carlsson has also made a notable contribution with 11 points, comprising 6 goals and 5 assists. Ryan Strome has added 12 points to the team’s efforts, with 5 goals and 7 assists, while Frank Vatrano has tallied 13 points, featuring 6 goals and 7 assists. In goal, Lukas Dostal has recorded a 6-7-3 record, with a 2.67 GAA and a .921 save percentage, while John Gibson has a 4-4-1 record, with a GAA of 3.01 and a .906 save percentage this season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs enter this matchup aiming to capitalize on their recent 2-1 overtime victory against the New Jersey Devils. Mitch Marner leads the team with 38 points, comprising 10 goals and a team-high 28 assists. William Nylander follows with 28 points, including a team-leading 17 goals. John Tavares has contributed 23 points, with 12 goals and 11 assists, while Auston Matthews has recorded 19 points, featuring 9 goals and 10 assists. In goal, Anthony Stolarz holds a record of 9-5-2 for the season, boasting a 2.13 goals-against average (GAA) and a .928 save percentage. Joseph Woll has a record of 7-3, with a GAA of 2.20 and a .919 save percentage, while Dennis Hildeby has a 1-1 record, a GAA of 4.03, and a .869 save percentage.
The Pick:
The betting line is notably significant in this scenario, yet I see no alternative considering Toronto’s impressive home record and the Ducks’ offensive deficiencies throughout their current losing streak. I expect Toronto to secure a convincing victory over the Ducks, so I will choose Toronto -1.5.
Chicago Blackhawks vs New York Islanders Prediction NHL Picks 12/12/24
Blackhawks at Islanders at 7:30 PM ET
The Chicago Blackhawks are set to take the ice, looking to extend their momentum following a surprising 2-1 win against the New York Rangers. Connor Bedard is the team’s leading scorer with 21 points, which includes 5 goals and a team-high 16 assists. Ryan Donato also plays a crucial role, contributing 15 points with a team-leading 10 goals. In goal, Petr Mrazek has a record of 7-11-1, with a goals-against average of 2.83 and a save percentage of .906, while Arvid Soderblom has a 2-6-1 record, featuring a 2.41 GAA and a .921 save percentage for the current season.
The New York Islanders enter this matchup seeking to recover from a recent 3-1 defeat against the Los Angeles Kings. Leading the team in scoring is Anders Lee, who has accumulated 24 points, comprising 13 goals and 11 assists. Following closely is Kyle Palmieri, with 23 points derived from 11 goals and 12 assists. Bo Horvat contributes 21 points, consisting of 7 goals and 14 assists, while Brock Nelson has recorded 18 points, including 10 goals and 8 assists. In goal, Ilya Sorokin holds an 8-8-4 record, with a goals-against average of 2.58 and a save percentage of .912. Semyon Varlamov, on the other hand, has a record of 3-4-3, with a 2.89 GAA and a .889 save percentage this season.
The Pick:
My confidence in both offenses is low, given that Chicago has recorded two or fewer goals in four straight matches, five of their last six, and eight out of their last ten. The Islanders, too, have shown inconsistency in their ability to score. I anticipate that this game will be decided by the first team to score three goals, a scenario influenced more by the lack of offensive reliability than by outstanding goaltending. I suggest considering the Under.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Winnipeg Jets Prediction NHL Picks 12/12/24
Golden Knights at Jets at 8 PM ET
The Vegas Golden Knights have achieved an 18-7-3 record this year, following their narrow 3-2 victory over Dallas in their latest match. The team was outshot by a margin of 40 to 28 but managed to win 50% of the face-offs and successfully converted 2 out of 6 power play opportunities. Goals were netted by Eichel, Hertl, and Roy, while Hill showcased his skills by saving 38 of the 40 shots he faced during the game.
This season, the Winnipeg Jets have achieved a record of 21-9-0, highlighted by their recent triumph over the Boston Bruins, where they won decisively with a score of 8-1. The Jets dominated the shot count, outshooting Boston 35 to 24, and secured 47.8% of the face-offs. Additionally, they capitalized on 3 of their 6 power play chances. The goals for Winnipeg came from Appleton, Chibrikov, Connor, Iafallo, Namestnikov, Scheifele (who netted two goals), and Vilardi. Goaltender Hellebuyck was instrumental in the victory, stopping 23 of the 24 shots he faced.
The Pick:
The Winnipeg team has triumphed in three out of their last four contests, suggesting that they have overcome a slump that persisted for approximately two weeks. This season, the Jets have exhibited impressive capabilities on both sides of the ice and have been particularly formidable when playing at home. Back Winnipeg for a victory in this game.
San Jose Sharks vs St. Louis Blues Prediction NHL Picks 12/12/24
Sharks at Blues at 8 PM ET
The San Jose Sharks experienced losses to the Hurricanes and the Panthers. At present, the team averages 2.71 goals per game and successfully capitalizes on 17 percent of their power play opportunities. Tyler Toffoli stands out as the leading goal scorer for San Jose with 11 goals, while Mikael Granlund has tallied 20 assists, and Fabian Zetterlund has achieved 66 shots on goal. On the defensive end, Mackenzie Blackwood has surrendered 53 goals on 583 shots, and Vitek Vanecek has permitted 43 goals on 369 shots faced.
The St. Louis Blues faced a setback against the Oilers but triumphed over the Canucks. The team is currently averaging 2.62 goals per game and has a power play success rate of 17.9 percent. Jordan Kyrou stands out as the top scorer for St. Louis with 10 goals, while Robert Thomas has provided 14 assists. Furthermore, Dylan Holloway has amassed 69 shots on goal. In the net, Jordan Binnington has allowed 60 goals from 583 shots, and Joel Hofer has given up 25 goals on 255 shots faced.
The Pick:
The San Jose Sharks do not pose a significant threat at either end of the rink, as reflected in their 4-10-4 away record this season. Meanwhile, the Blues have secured victories in 7 of their last 10 matchups against the Sharks and are coming off a week of commendable results during their road games. To stay in contention for the playoffs, the Blues must seize these advantageous matchups. I suggest placing a bet on the Blues along with the point line to maximize betting value.
Nashville Predators vs Dallas Stars Prediction NHL Picks 12/12/24
Predators at Stars at 8 PM ET
The Nashville Predators approach this game aiming to recover from their previous 4-3 loss to the Calgary Flames. Roman Josi stands out with a team-leading 23 points, which includes 7 goals and 16 assists, while Filip Forsberg contributes 19 points, featuring a team-high of 9 goals and 10 assists. In goal, Juuse Saros has a record of 6-13-5, with a 2.72 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage. Justus Annunen has appeared in one game, holding a record of 0-1, with a GAA of 2.07 and a .931 save percentage this season.
The Dallas Stars are set to take the ice with the objective of extending their momentum following a decisive 6-2 win against the Calgary Flames. Matt Duchene stands out as the team’s leader, having recorded 29 points, which includes a leading total of 12 goals and 17 assists. Tyler Seguin has also made significant contributions, totaling 20 points with 9 goals and 11 assists, while Mason Marchment has achieved 27 points, consisting of 12 goals and 15 assists. In goal, Jake Oettinger boasts a record of 14-6, with a goals-against average of 2.43 and a save percentage of .912. On the other hand, Casey DeSmith has a record of 3-4, with a GAA of 2.57 and a .906 save percentage this season.
The Pick:
The Dallas Stars are clear favorites, and if you had suggested at the start of the season that this would be the line, I would have found it hard to believe. However, the Nashville Predators have earned this status due to their disappointing performance, and I do not foresee any positive changes. I am backing the Stars.
Edmonton Oilers vs Minnesota Wild Prediction NHL Picks 12/12/24
Oilers at Wild at 8:30 PM ET
The Oilers showcased a robust defensive performance in their latest encounter with the Tampa Bay Lightning. They netted two goals while allowing just one. Leon Draisaitl played a pivotal role, scoring a goal and providing an assist. In goal, Stuart Skinner excelled, saving 19 out of 20 shots. The Oilers are currently averaging 3.0 goals per game, with their defense yielding an average of 2.86 goals. Offensively, they are positioned 17th in the league, while their defensive unit ranks 8th.
The Wild faced challenges during the third period against the Utah Hockey Club; however, they ultimately secured a victory in the shootout. Marcus Johannson contributed significantly by scoring a goal and providing two assists. Currently, the Wild are averaging 3.21 goals per game, while their defense allows 2.39 goals. The team’s offense is positioned 12th in the league, whereas their defense holds the top rank.
The Pick:
The Oilers’ offense is currently averaging 3.0 goals per game; however, they are likely to face significant challenges against the Wild’s defense, which concedes only 2.39 goals per game. It is anticipated that the Oilers will find it difficult to reach the two-goal threshold, while the Wild are expected to perform effectively. I am backing Minnesota.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Calgary Flames Prediction NHL Picks 12/12/24
Lightning at Flames at 9 PM ET
This season, the Tampa Bay Lightning have achieved a record of 14-10-2 after suffering a 2-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers in their most recent game. During this contest, the Lightning were outshot by a margin of 25 to 22, secured 51.7% of the face-offs, and failed to convert on two power-play chances. Guentzel provided the team’s sole goal, and Vasilevskiy successfully stopped 24 of the 25 shots directed at him.
The Calgary Flames’ current season record stands at 14-10-5, following their latest triumph over Nashville, which concluded with a score of 4-3. In this encounter, the Flames outshot their opponents 28 to 20, achieved a face-off win rate of 43.4%, and converted 1 of their 2 power play opportunities. Goals were netted by Huberdeau, Kadri, Rooney, and Pachal, while goaltender Vladar recorded 17 saves out of 20 shots faced during the match.
The Pick:
This season, the Flames boast a commendable home record of 10-3-1, in contrast to the Lightning’s away performance of 6-6-1. Tampa Bay has triumphed in two of their last three contests, although they faced a setback against Edmonton in their latest game. Despite the Lightning’s overall strength as a team, Calgary has proven to be one of the most formidable home teams in the league. Consequently, it is wise to favor the Flames in this encounter.
Utah Hockey Club vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction NHL Picks 12/12/24
Utah at Avalanche at 9 PM ET
The Utah Hockey Club achieved a victory against the Flyers but suffered a defeat to the Wild. Currently, the team averages 2.96 goals per game and successfully converts 19.5 percent of their power play chances. Dylan Guenther is the team’s leading scorer with 10 goals, while Nick Schmaltz contributes with 17 assists, and Clayton Keller has recorded 68 shots on goal. In terms of goaltending, Connor Ingram has conceded 43 goals from 334 shots faced, whereas Karel Vejmelka has allowed 35 goals from 411 shots.
The Colorado Avalanche triumphed over the Penguins and the Devils in recent matchups. The team boasts an average of 3.33 goals per game and successfully capitalizes on 25.3 percent of their power play opportunities. Mikko Rantanen stands out as the top scorer for Colorado with 18 goals, while Nathan MacKinnon has provided 36 assists. Cale Makar has taken 91 shots on goal. On the defensive end, Alexandar Georgiev has conceded 53 goals from 421 shots, and Justus Annunen has allowed 28 goals from 218 shots faced.
The Pick:
The Avalanche are demonstrating impressive form this week, making it difficult to place bets against them when they are in good shape and their defense is solid. Earlier in the season, the Utah Hockey Club suffered a 5-1 loss to the Avalanche. Notably, the Avalanche have allowed just three goals across their last three matches, indicating a possible shift towards stronger defensive performance. In any case, I favor the Avalanche in their home games and will opt for the puck line to minimize the risk.
Florida Panthers vs Vancouver Canucks Prediction NHL Picks 12/12/24
Panthers at Canucks at 10 PM ET
On Tuesday, the Panthers faced the Seattle Kraken and triumphed with a score of 2-1 after a shootout. Sergei Bobrovsky, the starting goaltender, recorded 17 saves from 18 shots. For the current season, the Panthers are averaging 3.65 goals per game, while their defense allows 3.17 goals per game. The offense holds the 5th position in the league rankings, while the defense is positioned at 23rd.
During the latest encounter with the St. Louis Blues, the Canucks succeeded in extending the game to overtime, yet they were defeated 4-3. Thatcher Demko was the goalkeeper, recording 21 saves out of 25 shots faced. This season, the Canucks have an average of 3.26 goals scored per game, while their defense concedes an average of 3.18 goals. The team’s offensive performance is ranked 11th in the league, in contrast to their defensive ranking, which stands at 25th.
The Pick:
The Panthers’ offense is outstanding, boasting an average of 3.65 goals per game, which suggests they will have little difficulty increasing their score in this matchup. On the other hand, the Canucks’ defense has been problematic all season, surrendering an average of 3.18 goals per game. This defensive frailty will create significant challenges for the Canucks in establishing any offensive rhythm, likely resulting in a comfortable win for the Florida Panthers. Go with the Panthers.
Boston Bruins vs Seattle Kraken Prediction NHL Picks 12/12/24
Bruins at Kraken at 10 PM ET
This season, the Boston Bruins have achieved a record of 15-12-3, having suffered a heavy loss to Winnipeg, which ended with a score of 8-1 in their latest outing. The Bruins faced a shooting disadvantage, being outshot 35 to 24, while they won 52.2% of the face-offs and successfully executed 1 of 2 power play chances. Pastrnak was the only player to find the net for Boston, and Swayman recorded 27 saves against 35 shots in the defeat.
After their recent shootout loss to Florida, where they were edged out 2-1, the Seattle Kraken’s record for the season is now 14-14-2. In this encounter, the Kraken were significantly outshot, with a total of 33 shots against their 18. They managed to win 50% of the face-offs but were unable to score during their three power-play attempts. The only goal for Seattle came from Stephenson, while Daccord demonstrated strong performance in net, saving 32 of the 33 shots he faced.
The Pick:
Seattle has experienced defeats in two of their last three matches and has lost seven out of their last twelve. Although the Bruins began the season with subpar performances, their offensive capabilities are beginning to improve, and I anticipate they will secure a victory in this matchup.