Free NHL Picks For Today, Thursday 12/19/2024

We have a 9-game slate in the NHL today, and here you can read the NHL Picks for Thursday 12/19/2024.

New Jersey Devils vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction NHL Picks 12/19/24

Devils at Blue Jackets at 7 PM ET

The Devils faced the St. Louis Blues in their latest game, where they triumphed with a score of 4-1. Jacob Markstrom demonstrated exceptional skill by saving 19 out of 20 shots he encountered. The Devils’ offense is currently averaging 3.54 goals per game, while their defense allows an average of 2.56 goals. In terms of rankings, the offense stands at 7th in the league, and the defense is ranked 5th.

In their most recent match, the Blue Jackets encountered the Tampa Bay Lightning, resulting in a defeat with a score of 5-3. Jet Graves served as the goaltender, successfully stopping 27 of the 31 shots directed at him. Currently, the Blue Jackets are averaging 3.22 goals per game, while their defensive unit is conceding an average of 3.26 goals. The team’s offense is positioned 11th in the league rankings, whereas their defense is ranked 30th.

The Pick:

With an average of 3.35 goals per game, the Devils are well-positioned to exploit the weaknesses of a Blue Jackets defense that has encountered significant challenges this season. Currently ranked 30th in the league, the Blue Jackets’ defensive performance is anticipated to be inadequate in this contest. Therefore, the Devils are expected to secure an uncomplicated win. It is recommended to back the Devils on the puck line for a successful wager.

St. Louis Blues vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction NHL Picks 12/19/24

Blues at Lightning at 7 PM ET

The St. Louis Blues approach this contest aiming to rebound from a 4-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils in their previous game. Jordan Kyrou stands out as the team’s leading scorer with 28 points, which includes 14 goals and 14 assists. Pavel Buchnevich has also made significant contributions, totaling 21 points with 8 goals and 13 assists. Dylan Holloway has garnered 19 points, consisting of 10 goals and 9 assists, while Colton Parayko has tallied 16 points, with 5 goals and 11 assists. In terms of goaltending, Joel Hofer has posted a record of 7-3, accompanied by a 2.83 GAA and a .905 save percentage. Conversely, Jordan Binnington’s record stands at 8-12-3, with a 2.94 GAA and a .898 save percentage for the season.

The Tampa Bay Lightning enter this matchup aiming to build on their recent 5-3 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Leading the team, Nikita Kucherov has accumulated 47 points, which includes a team-high of 14 goals and 33 assists. Brandon Hagel follows with 36 points, comprising 15 goals and 21 assists, while Anthony Cirelli contributes 27 points, including 15 assists. Brayden Point has also made a significant impact with 37 points, featuring 21 goals and 16 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 14-9-1, with a goals-against average of 2.44 and a save percentage of .910, 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:

At this moment, Tampa Bay is performing at an exceptionally high level, making it unwise to oppose them. Although the Blues have shown a propensity to elevate their game against strong opponents and occasionally offer value, I doubt their ability to maintain pace in this matchup. Tampa Bay often experiences periods during the season where they appear invincible, and I believe we are currently witnessing one of those phases. I am backing the Lightning.

LA Kings vs Philadelphia Flyers Prediction NHL Picks 12/19/24

Kings at Flyers at 7:30 PM ET

The Los Angeles Kings have compiled a record of 18-9-4 this season, following a recent overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, which ended with a score of 3-2. The Kings held a 2-1 advantage in the third period but allowed the Penguins to equalize late in the game, resulting in their overtime defeat. In this contest, Los Angeles achieved 31 shots on goal, secured 54.2% of face-offs, and did not score on any of their three power play opportunities. Goals were netted by Kempe and Turcotte, while goaltender Kuemper made 28 saves out of 31 shots.

This season, the Philadelphia Flyers have a record of 14-14-4 after suffering a 6-4 loss to Detroit in their most recent match. The Flyers managed to erase a 4-2 deficit during the third period; however, they ultimately allowed two additional goals, leading to their defeat. In the game, Philadelphia was outshot by a margin of 24 to 19, secured 57.4% of face-offs, and did not score on their only power play attempt. Goals were scored by Cates, Konecny, Poehling, and Tippett, while Ersson recorded 18 saves out of 23 shots.

The Pick:

The recent performance of the Los Angeles Kings includes two defeats in their last three games; nonetheless, they are recognized as one of the strongest defensive teams in the NHL. They have allowed two goals or fewer in seven of their last nine matches. With their defensive strength and the benefit of additional rest, Los Angeles is well-positioned to achieve a victory.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Nashville Predators Prediction NHL Picks 12/19/24

Penguins at Predators at 8 PM ET

In their latest encounter, the Penguins took on the LA Kings, and although the game did not showcase their best performance, they managed to clinch a 3-2 win in overtime. Rickard Rakell stood out with a notable contribution, scoring one goal and providing an assist. The Penguins are currently averaging 3.0 goals per game, but their defense is allowing 3.67 goals per game. Offensively, they rank 17th in the league, while defensively, they are ranked 32nd.

Although the Predators have struggled to find success this season, they managed to achieve a vital victory in their last outing. The team scored two goals, and their defense effectively prevented any goals from being scored against them, leading to their triumph. Goalie Juuse Saros was instrumental, successfully saving all 25 shots he faced. The Predators currently average 2.25 goals per game, with their defense conceding an average of 3.06 goals. Offensively, they are ranked 32nd in the league, while defensively, they hold the 16th rank.

The Pick:

The Penguins boast an average of 3.0 goals per game; nonetheless, the Predators’ defense is poised to elevate its game in this instance. It is expected that neither team will surpass two goals, leading to a conclusion that the total will remain under. Consequently, backing the Under is a sound strategy for this matchup.

Seattle Kraken vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction NHL Picks 12/19/24

Kraken at Blackhawks at 8:30 PM ET

The Seattle Kraken experienced losses to the Lightning and the Senators. They are averaging 2.88 goals per game and achieving an 18 percent success rate on power play opportunities. Jared McCann stands out as the top scorer for Seattle with 11 goals, while Chandler Stephenson has provided 18 assists. Furthermore, Brandon Montour has taken 98 shots on goal. On the defensive end, Philipp Grubauer has surrendered 41 goals on 340 shots, and Joey Daccord has allowed 51 goals on 598 shots faced.

The Chicago Blackhawks triumphed over the Islanders and the Capitals in recent matchups. The team is averaging 2.5 goals per game and has a power play success rate of 22.6 percent. Leading the team in scoring is Ryan Donato with 11 goals, followed by Connor Bedard with 19 assists, and Taylor Hall, who has taken 61 shots on goal. On the defensive end, Petr Mrazek has surrendered 54 goals on 574 shots, while Arvid Soderblom has given up 31 goals on 339 shots faced.

The Pick:

The Kraken have emerged victorious in 5 of their last 6 encounters with the Blackhawks. If the Kraken are genuinely intent on vying for a possible playoff position, securing victories in these matches is essential. The Chicago Blackhawks have recently achieved two significant wins as underdogs; however, such performances alone will not suffice to alter the course of the competition. I recommend placing your confidence in the Kraken at this favorable price.

This season, the Ottawa Senators have achieved a record of 16-13-2 after securing a 3-0 win against Seattle in their most recent match. Despite being outshot 30 to 27, the Senators excelled in face-offs, winning 54.2% of them, although they did not convert any of their three power-play chances. The goals for Ottawa came from players Gregor, Pinto, and Stutzle, while Ullmark recorded a perfect performance by stopping all 30 shots he faced.

The Pick:

In their most recent five games, Calgary has alternated between wins and losses, suffering eight defeats in their last eleven outings. Although the Flames have shown strength at home this season, I am hesitant to rely on them when facing the exceptionally strong Ottawa team. It would be smart to back the Senators in this instance.

Boston Bruins vs Edmonton Oilers Prediction NHL Picks 12/19/24

Bruins at Oilers at 9 PM ET

The Boston Bruins enter this contest aiming to capitalize on their recent 4-3 overtime victory against the Calgary Flames. Prior to this matchup, David Pastrnak has been the leading scorer for the Bruins, amassing 32 points, which include 11 goals and 21 assists. Meanwhile, Brad Marchand has contributed significantly with 24 points, comprising 13 goals and 11 assists. In terms of goaltending, Jeremy Swayman has been the primary netminder for Boston, holding a record of 10-10-2, a goals-against average of 3.16, and a save percentage of .888. Joonas Korpisalo, on the other hand, has a record of 6-3-1, with a GAA of 2.56 and a save percentage of .901.

The Edmonton Oilers approach this contest aiming to bounce back from a narrow 6-5 loss to Florida in their previous game. Leon Draisaitl stands out as the top scorer for the Oilers, with a total of 45 points, which includes a leading 22 goals and 23 assists. Connor McDavid is also a key contributor, having secured 41 points through 14 goals and 27 assists. Furthermore, Evan Bouchard has tallied 22 points, consisting of 6 goals and 16 assists, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has achieved 17 points, with 6 goals and 11 assists this season. In terms of goaltending, Calvin Pickard has a record of 7-3, boasting a 2.41 GAA and a .901 save percentage, while Stuart Skinner has recorded 11 wins against 7 losses and 2 overtime losses, with a 2.82 GAA and an .897 save percentage.

The Pick:

I believe that these two teams should be positioned nearer to each other, as Boston has begun to find its footing on this West Coast road trip. Moreover, the visiting team has had recent success in their direct confrontations. Edmonton has shown a stronger performance on the road throughout the year, and while the Oilers are currently on a winning streak, they are also known for their inconsistent play. Thus, I will support the value that Boston offers in this context.

Vancouver Canucks vs Vegas Golden Knights Prediction NHL Picks 12/19/24

Canucks at Golden Knights at 10 PM ET

In their latest game, the Golden Knights faced the Minnesota Wild and emerged victorious. They managed to score three goals, which secured their win. Victor Olofsson was instrumental in this success, scoring two goals, and Jack Eichel added two assists to his tally. The Golden Knights are averaging 3.45 goals per game, with their defense allowing 2.94 goals per game. Their offensive performance ranks 6th in the league, while their defensive efforts place them at 13th.

The Canucks will likely be feeling the effects of fatigue after their match against the Utah Hockey Club on Tuesday. In their most recent game, they secured a 3-1 win against the Colorado Avalanche, with Kiefer Sherwood emerging as the standout player by scoring three goals. Goaltender Thatcher Demko was impressive, saving 30 out of 31 shots. The team averages 3.2 goals per game, while their defense permits an average of 3.07 goals. In terms of league rankings, their offense is positioned 12th, while their defense ranks 18th.

The Pick:

Averaging 3.45 goals per game, the Golden Knights are preparing to confront a Canucks defense that may be operating under considerable fatigue. The Golden Knights’ offense is anticipated to establish an early lead, which will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game. Back the Golden Knights on the puck line.

Colorado Avalanche vs San Jose Sharks Prediction NHL Picks 12/19/24

Avalanche at Sharks at 10:30 PM ET

The Colorado Avalanche triumphed over the Predators but faced a loss against the Canucks. The team is averaging 3.24 goals per game and successfully capitalizes on 23 percent of their power play opportunities. Mikko Rantanen stands out as the leading scorer with 18 goals, while Nathan MacKinnon has provided 37 assists. Cale Makar has taken 97 shots on goal. In the net, Alexandar Georgiev has permitted 53 goals on 421 shots, and Justus Annunen has given up 28 goals on 218 shots.

The San Jose Sharks experienced losses to both the Utah Hockey Club and the Jets. At present, the team averages 2.76 goals per game and successfully capitalizes on 18.5 percent of their power play opportunities. Tyler Toffoli stands out as the leading scorer with 13 goals, while Mikael Granlund has provided 21 assists, and Jake Walman has achieved 75 shots on goal. In the net, Mackenzie Blackwood has allowed 53 goals on 583 shots, and Vitek Vanecek has permitted 47 goals on 409 shots faced.

The Pick:

The Avalanche have secured ten consecutive victories over the Sharks. Since May 2021, the Sharks have been unable to claim a win against the Avalanche. Moreover, the San Jose Sharks are struggling to find their footing, and their subpar defensive performance makes them a risky bet against strong teams. The Avalanche have also accomplished ten of their eighteen wins in away games. For the best betting value, I advise backing the Avalanche along with the puck line.