Free NHL Picks For Today, Thursday 1/2/2025

The NHL comes back with a 12-game slate, and here you can take a look at the NHL Picks for Thursday 1/2/2025.

Detroit Red Wings vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction NHL Picks 1/2/25

Red Wings at Blue Jackets at 7 PM ET

The Red Wings have experienced a challenging season; however, they recently achieved a significant victory in their latest match. They netted four goals against the Pittsburgh Penguins, securing a win by a margin of two goals. Jonathan Berggren contributed with one goal and one assist, while J.T. Compher also made an impact by scoring a goal and providing an assist. Currently, the Red Wings are averaging 2.62 goals per game, while their defense is allowing 3.24 goals. Offensively, they rank 28th in the league, and defensively, they are positioned 25th.

The Blue Jackets recently secured a victory in a shootout, managing to prevail in the final moments against the Carolina Hurricanes. Kirill Marchenko delivered an outstanding performance, scoring two goals and registering six shots on goal. Throughout the season, the Blue Jackets have been averaging 3.29 goals per game, while their defense has been conceding an average of 3.58 goals. The team’s offensive capabilities rank 9th in the league, in stark contrast to their defensive ranking, which stands at 31st.

The Pick:

The Blue Jackets are averaging 3.29 goals, suggesting they have the ability to score. However, their defensive issues are likely to be a major liability. The Blue Jackets’ defense is expected to encounter difficulties against the Red Wings’ offense, which is currently displaying a high level of confidence. Consequently, it would be wise to back the Red Wings on the money line for a successful wager.

Carolina Hurricanes vs Florida Panthers Prediction NHL Picks 1/2/25

Hurricanes at Panthers at 7 PM ET

The Hurricanes recently experienced a defeat against the Columbus Blue Jackets, culminating in a shootout where they ultimately fell short. Despite scoring three goals, their efforts were insufficient. Sebastian Aho contributed with two assists, yet the defensive performance did not meet expectations. Goaltender Pytor Kochetkov managed to save 25 of the 28 shots he encountered. Throughout the season, the Hurricanes have been averaging 3.55 goals per game, while their defense has allowed an average of 2.81 goals. Offensively, they rank 5th in the league, whereas defensively, they are positioned at 19th.

In their matchup against the New York Rangers, the Panthers secured a win by scoring five goals. Jesper Boqvist stood out with a notable contribution, scoring two goals during the game. Sergei Bobrovsky was the goaltender, successfully saving 32 out of 35 shots he encountered. This season, the Panthers have maintained an average of 3.39 goals per game, while their defensive unit has conceded an average of 3.13 goals. The offense ranks 6th in the league, in contrast to the defense, which is positioned at 19th.

The Pick:

The Panthers and Hurricanes are both distinguished as high-caliber offensive squads, and this characteristic is likely to remain evident in their upcoming encounter. The Panthers are currently averaging 3.39 goals per game, whereas the Hurricanes are slightly ahead with an average of 3.55 goals. Despite the Hurricanes’ commendable defensive performance, they may encounter difficulties in this match, which could prove to be a decisive factor in what is expected to be a scoring-heavy game. It is recommended to wager on the Over.

Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers Prediction NHL Picks 1/2/25

Bruins at Rangers at 7 PM ET

The Boston Bruins faced a setback against the Capitals but triumphed over the Blue Jackets. At present, the Bruins are averaging 2.62 goals per game and achieving a 13 percent success rate on their power play opportunities. Brad Marchand leads the team with 15 goals, David Pastrnak has provided 24 assists, and Charlie McAvoy has taken 77 shots on goal. In the net, Jeremy Swayman has conceded 77 goals on 709 shots, while Joonas Korpisalo has surrendered 34 goals on 325 shots.

The New York Rangers suffered defeats against both the Panthers and the Lightning. Currently, the team averages 2.81 goals per game and converts 18 percent of their power play chances. Artemi Panarin is the leading scorer for New York with 16 goals, while Adam Fox contributes significantly with 27 assists. Vincent Trocheck has recorded 91 shots on goal. In terms of goaltending, Igor Shesterkin has conceded 78 goals from 829 shots faced, whereas Jonathan Quick has allowed 28 goals on 301 shots.

The Pick:

The Rangers have recorded losses in 8 of their last 10 games, and their offensive output is consistently declining. I require concrete evidence to alter my stance. Presently, the Bruins are the more formidable team, having shown they can achieve success on the road. The current pricing is reasonable for continuing to bet against the Rangers. Until the Rangers manage to improve their performance, I will maintain my strategy of betting against them. I choose the Bruins at this competitive price.

Minnesota Wild vs Washington Capitals Prediction NHL Picks 1/2/25

Wild at Capitals at 7 PM ET

The Minnesota Wild approach this contest with the intention of capitalizing on their recent 5-3 triumph over the Nashville Predators, which would enhance their season record to 23-11-4. Kirill Kaprizov is the leading scorer for the Wild, accumulating 50 points, which includes a team-high of 23 goals and 27 assists. Following him, Matt Boldy has achieved 31 points, consisting of 13 goals and 18 assists. Marco Rossi has also made significant contributions with 32 points, featuring 14 goals and 18 assists, while Mats Zuccarello has tallied 22 points, including 8 goals and 14 assists. In terms of goaltending, Filip Gustavsson has a record of 17-6-3, with a GAA of 2.28 and a save percentage of .924. Marc-Andre Fleury has recorded 6 wins against 3 losses and 1 overtime loss, with a GAA of 2.81 and a save percentage of .898 this year. Jesper Wallstedt has faced challenges, holding a record of 0-2, with a GAA of 4.09 and a save percentage of .843.

The Washington Capitals enter this matchup aiming to capitalize on their recent 3-1 victory against the Boston Bruins, which has improved their record to 25-10-2 for the season. Dylan Strome is the leading scorer for the Capitals, amassing 40 points through 11 goals and a team-high 29 assists. Alex Ovechkin follows with 27 points, consisting of 17 goals and 10 assists, while Connor McMichael contributes 30 points, including 16 goals and 14 assists. In net for Washington, Logan Thompson boasts an impressive record of 15-2-2, with a goals-against average of 2.30 and a save percentage of .918. Charlie Lindgren, on the other hand, holds a record of 10-8, with a 2.69 GAA and a .900 save percentage this season.

The Pick:

This season, the Capitals have consistently found ways to secure victories, featuring a goaltending duo of Lindgren and Thompson that is often overlooked in the NHL. Furthermore, the return of their captain, Alex Ovechkin, adds to their strength. Therefore, I am confident in predicting a win for the Capitals in this contest.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Islanders Prediction NHL Picks 1/2/25

Maple Leafs at Islanders at 7:30 PM ET

This season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have achieved a record of 23-13-2 after their latest win against the Islanders, finishing the game with a score of 3-1. Despite being outshot 31 to 25, the Maple Leafs secured 46.3% of the face-offs and successfully converted 1 of their 4 power play chances. The goals for Toronto came from Kampf, Lorentz, and Tavares, with Woll demonstrating impressive performance by stopping 30 of the 31 shots directed at him.

After their latest game, in which they lost to Toronto 3-1, the New York Islanders’ season record stands at 14-17-7. During this match, the Islanders achieved 31 shots on goal, won 53.7% of face-offs, and did not score on their single power play opportunity. The only goal for New York came from Pageau, and Sorokin recorded 22 saves out of 24 shots in the defeat.

The Pick:

Currently, the Maple Leafs rank as one of the premier teams in the Eastern Conference, yet their performance on the road has yielded a record of 8-6-2. The New York squad has not been performing well in recent weeks and is noted for having one of the poorest penalty-killing records in the NHL. Furthermore, the Islanders have managed only a 7-8-2 record at home this season, leading me to doubt the effectiveness of their offense. It would be smart to back the Maple Leafs for another win in this contest.

Anaheim Ducks vs Winnipeg Jets Prediction NHL Picks 1/2/25

Ducks at Jets at 8 PM ET

The Anaheim Ducks triumphed over the Oilers and the Devils in recent matchups. The team is averaging 2.47 goals per game and successfully capitalizes on 12.4 percent of their power play opportunities. Troy Terry stands out as the top scorer for Anaheim with 11 goals, while Ryan Strome has provided 12 assists, and Frank Vatrano has amassed 122 shots on goal. On the defensive end, John Gibson has surrendered 33 goals on 352 shots, and Lukas Dostal has allowed 62 goals on 725 shots faced.

The Winnipeg Jets secured a victory against the Predators but suffered a defeat to the Avalanche. Currently, the Jets are averaging 3.64 goals per game and converting 32.5 percent of their power play chances. Kyle Connor is the team’s leading scorer with 22 goals, while Josh Morrissey has contributed 31 assists, and Mark Scheifele has recorded 88 shots on goal. In terms of goaltending, Connor Hellebuyck has conceded 60 goals from 854 shots faced, whereas Eric Comrie has allowed 27 goals from 280 shots.

The Pick:

Throughout the season, the Jets have proven to be a dominant force, especially in their home arena, boasting an impressive record of 14-3-1. Additionally, even with a defeat last month, they have managed to secure victory in 8 of their last 9 matchups against the Ducks. I am reluctant to challenge the Jets, particularly when they are playing at home. To be candid, I need to see more from the Ducks before making any decisions. Thus, I will back the Jets and, of course, I will utilize the puck line to minimize the risk.

Ottawa Senators vs Dallas Stars Prediction NHL Picks 1/2/25

Senators at Stars at 8 PM ET

The Ottawa Senators enter this matchup following a recent 3-1 victory against the Minnesota Wild, aiming to enhance their record to 19-15-2 for the season. Tim Stutzle is the leading scorer for the Senators, accumulating 40 points through 12 goals and 28 assists. Brady Tkachuk follows closely with 35 points, which includes a team-high of 16 goals and 19 assists. Additionally, Drake Batherson has contributed 36 points, comprising 13 goals and 23 assists, while Claude Giroux has recorded 9 goals and 15 assists. In goal, Linus Ullmark holds an 11-7-2 record with a 2.39 goals-against average (GAA) and a .915 save percentage. Mads Sogaard has a record of 1-1 with a 5.24 GAA and a .800 save percentage, while Anton Forsberg stands at 4-6 with a 2.95 GAA and a .889 save percentage. Furthermore, Leevi Merilainen has achieved a 2-1 record with a 2.68 GAA and a .900 save percentage this season.

The Dallas Stars approach this contest with the intention of building on their recent 4-2 triumph over the Buffalo Sabres, which would enhance their overall record to 22-13-1. Leading the Stars is Matt Duchene, who has accumulated 33 points, including a team-high 14 goals and 19 assists. Tyler Seguin contributes 20 points, with 9 goals and 11 assists, while Mason Marchment adds 27 points, featuring 12 goals and 15 assists. In net, Jake Oettinger has a record of 17-9-1, with a goals-against average of 2.38 and a save percentage of .909, while Casey DeSmith stands at 5-4, with a GAA of 2.37 and a .911 save percentage for the season.

The Pick:

The Senators are currently performing well, yet they remain plagued by inconsistency. While it is sometimes feasible to overlook this inconsistency, especially with the favorable odds presented, the Dallas Stars have established themselves as one of the more reliable home teams in the NHL. Furthermore, I believe the Stars possess a well-rounded team overall, which leads me to support their chances of securing a victory at home in this matchup.

Utah Hockey Club vs Calgary Flames Prediction NHL Picks 1/2/25

Utah at Flames at 9 PM ET

This season, the Utah Hockey Club has achieved a record of 16-15-6, having recently lost to Edmonton with a final score of 4-1. In this encounter, the team was outshot by Edmonton, with a total of 38 shots against their 27. The Hockey Club won 45.7% of the face-offs and failed to convert on two power-play chances. McBain was responsible for the sole goal for Utah, while Stauber recorded 34 saves from 37 shots.

The Calgary Flames have recorded 18-12-7 overtime losses this year, following their recent 3-1 victory over Vancouver. In the third period, Calgary allowed Vancouver to tie the game at one, but they subsequently scored the final two goals to secure the win. The Flames’ goals came from Huberdeau, Kadri, and Zary, while Wolf excelled in goal, saving 23 of the 24 shots he faced.

The Pick:

Both squads struggle with offensive scoring, yet they maintain a robust defensive presence. Utah possesses a slight edge in special teams, but their recent form does not warrant my endorsement. On the other hand, Calgary has excelled in home games, and I foresee this success continuing. Back the Flames for the win.

Buffalo Sabres vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction NHL Picks 1/2/25

Sabres at Avalanche at 9 PM ET

The Buffalo Sabres suffered a defeat against the Stars but managed to defeat the Blues. They are currently averaging 3.03 goals per game and achieving a 16 percent success rate on power play opportunities. Tage Thompson stands out as the leading scorer with 18 goals, while Rasmus Dahlin has tallied 20 assists, and Dylan Cozens has amassed 87 shots on goal. On the goaltending front, Devon Levi has allowed 28 goals from 225 shots, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has given up 76 goals on 745 shots faced.

The Colorado Avalanche triumphed over the Utah Hockey Club and the Jets in their recent matches. The team is averaging 3.39 goals per game and has a power play success rate of 23.5 percent. Mikko Rantanen stands out as the top scorer for Colorado with 21 goals, while Nathan MacKinnon has provided 47 assists. Cale Makar has taken 120 shots on goal. On the defensive end, Alexandar Georgiev has allowed 53 goals on 421 shots, and Justus Annunen has given up 28 goals on 218 shots faced.

The Pick:

In their recent matchups, the Avalanche have secured victory in 8 out of the last 10 games against the Sabres, achieving a minimum of 3 goals in each of those wins. The Sabres have often found themselves at a disadvantage against the Avalanche, and there is no compelling reason to anticipate a shift in this pattern. Consequently, I would like to take the point spread to lessen the risk. My choice is the Avalanche.

Philadelphia Flyers vs Vegas Golden Knights Prediction NHL Picks 1/2/25

Flyers at Golden Knights at 10 PM ET

This season, the Philadelphia Flyers have a record of 17-17-4, having recently triumphed over San Jose with a decisive 4-0 scoreline. The Flyers demonstrated their offensive prowess by outshooting San Jose 34 to 22. They won 46.2% of face-offs and capitalized on 1 of their 3 power play chances. The goals in the match came from Konecny, Poehling, Seeler, and Zamula, while the combined efforts of goaltenders Ersson and Kolosov resulted in a shutout, with 22 saves recorded.

The current season has seen the Vegas Golden Knights compile a record of 25-9-3, despite their recent 3-2 loss to Montreal. In this encounter, the Golden Knights outshot the Canadiens 29 to 22, achieved a face-off win percentage of 41.5%, and failed to score during their one power play chance. Hanifin netted the sole goal for Vegas, and Hill successfully stopped 19 of the 22 shots directed at him.

The Pick:

Recently, the Philadelphia Flyers have shown a lack of consistency, with a road record of 9-8-3. Their defensive struggles this season are evident, as they are surrendering an average of 3.53 goals per game, including 19 goals in their last three losses. Considering the challenges faced by the Philadelphia defense on the road against a strong home team, I would advise placing a wager on the Golden Knights at -1.5.

Vancouver Canucks vs Seattle Kraken Prediction NHL Picks 1/2/25

Canucks at Kraken at 10 PM ET

The Vancouver Canucks enter this matchup seeking to recover from a recent 3-1 defeat against the Calgary Flames, which has brought their season record to 17-11-8. Quinn Hughes leads the team with 42 points, comprising 8 goals and 34 assists. J.T. Miller contributes 24 points, including 6 goals and 18 assists. Brock Boeser has accumulated 25 points with 14 goals and 11 assists, while Conor Garland has recorded 28 points, featuring 9 goals and 19 assists. In goal, Kevin Lankinen holds a record of 14-6-4, with a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.58 and a save percentage of .908. Arturs Silovs has a record of 1-4-1, with a GAA of 4.11 and a save percentage of .847. Additionally, Thatcher Demko has a record of 2-1-3, with a GAA of 3.43 and a save percentage of .879 this season for the Canucks.

The Seattle Kraken approach this contest with the intention of capitalizing on their recent 5-2 triumph over the Utah Hockey Club, aiming to elevate their season record to 17-19-2. Jared McCann stands out with a team-leading 28 points, which include 13 goals and 15 assists. Brandon Montour follows closely with 21 points, consisting of 8 goals and 13 assists. Jaden Schwartz has also made significant contributions, totaling 25 points with 12 goals and 13 assists, while Chandler Stephenson has recorded 23 points, featuring a team-high of 20 assists. In terms of goaltending, Joey Daccord has posted a record of 12-9-2, with a 2.51 GAA and a .912 save percentage, whereas Philipp Grubauer has a record of 5-10, with a GAA of 3.55 and a save percentage of .878 this season.

The Pick:

While the Kraken may offer value in certain contexts, they have frequently exhibited a 50/50 performance this season. I am confident that the Canucks will effectively navigate their road challenges and achieve another win away from their home arena. Therefore, I favor the Vancouver Canucks in this contest.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs San Jose Sharks Prediction NHL Picks 1/2/25

Lightning at Sharks at 10:30 PM ET

The Lightning’s latest encounter was against the Montreal Canadiens, where they netted merely two goals and allowed five. Despite Brandon Hagel’s contribution of one goal, it was not enough to offset the defensive lapses. Presently, the Lightning boast an average of 3.94 goals per game, with their defense yielding 2.82 goals. The offense is ranked first in the league, while the defense occupies the tenth position.

The Sharks competed against the Philadelphia Flyers, resulting in a scoreless performance from their offense, while their defense conceded four goals, culminating in a loss. Alexander Georgiev served as the goaltender, successfully stopping 30 of the 34 shots directed at him. The Flyers managed only 22 shots on goal, indicating a need for increased offensive output. Currently, the Sharks average 2.63 goals per game, while their defense allows 3.55 goals per game. Offensively, they rank 27th in the league, whereas defensively, they are positioned at 30th.

The Pick:

The Sharks are struggling offensively, averaging just 2.63 goals per game, which indicates they will likely find it challenging to meet their season average in this game. On the other hand, the Lightning are averaging 3.94 goals per game and should easily approach their season average. This matchup is expected to become one-sided early, with the Lightning ultimately securing a comfortable win. Back the Lightning on the puck line for a profitable outcome.