Free NHL Picks For Today, Wednesday 12/18/2024

The NHL action comes with a 5-game slate today, and here you can take a look at the NHL Picks for Wednesday 12/18/2024.

Philadelphia Flyers vs Detroit Red Wings Prediction NHL Picks 12/18/24

Flyers at Red Wings at 7 PM ET

The Philadelphia Flyers experienced a defeat against the Wild but secured a victory over the Red Wings. Currently, the Flyers are averaging 2.9 goals per game and converting 16.7 percent of their power play chances. Travis Konecny is the team’s leading scorer with 15 goals, while Matvei Michkov has contributed 16 assists, and Owen Tippett has recorded 80 shots on goal. In terms of goaltending, Ivan Fedotov has conceded 32 goals from 260 shots faced, whereas Samuel Ersson has allowed 36 goals on 330 shots.

The Detroit Red Wings suffered a defeat against the Flyers but managed to beat the Maple Leafs. They are currently averaging 2.57 goals per game and achieving a power play conversion rate of 24.4 percent. Dylan Larkin is the top scorer for the team with 12 goals, while Lucas Raymond has tallied 19 assists. Alex DeBrincat has recorded 79 shots on goal. In goal, Cam Talbot has given up 39 goals on 467 shots, while Alex Lyon has allowed 23 goals on 258 shots faced.

The Pick:

The home team has emerged victorious in the last six encounters between the Flyers and the Red Wings. Additionally, the Red Wings recently delivered a commanding performance against the Maple Leafs, which may be regarded as their most impressive victory of the season. This could signify a pivotal moment for them as they progress. Therefore, I will back the Red Wings in their home game.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Dallas Stars Prediction NHL Picks 12/18/24

Maple Leafs at Stars at 7:30 PM ET

This season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have achieved a record of 19-10-2 after their latest triumph against the Buffalo Sabres, winning 5-3. The team found themselves down 3-1 in the second period but managed to score four consecutive goals to clinch the victory. The Maple Leafs dominated the shot count, outshooting Buffalo 41-27, and won 56.7% of face-offs, while converting 1 of 4 power play chances. The scoring for Toronto included contributions from Domi, Robertson, and Tavares, who scored three goals collectively, with Hildeby stopping 24 of the 27 shots he faced.

The Dallas Stars have recorded a season tally of 19 wins and 11 losses after their latest match, in which they defeated Washington 3-1. Despite trailing 1-0 at the conclusion of the first period, the Stars came back to score three unanswered goals, securing their victory. In terms of performance metrics, Dallas was outshot 26 to 24, achieved a face-off win rate of 52.3%, and successfully executed 1 out of 2 power play opportunities. The goals were contributed by Hintz, who scored twice, and Bichsel, while Oettinger recorded 25 saves from 26 shots.

The Pick:

Both squads have excelled defensively on the ice, yet Toronto is now without their primary goaltender. In my assessment, Dallas appears to be the marginally superior team in this encounter, especially considering their impressive defensive play in recent days. I suggest backing the Stars.

Florida Panthers vs Minnesota Wild Prediction NHL Picks 12/18/24

Panthers at Wild at 9:30 PM ET

The Florida Panthers approach this contest with the intention of extending their momentum following a 6-5 triumph over the Edmonton Oilers in their previous game. Sam Reinhart leads the team with a total of 41 points, which includes 20 goals and 21 assists. Sam Bennett follows closely with 27 points, consisting of 13 goals and 14 assists, while Anton Lundell has contributed 21 points, featuring 8 goals and 13 assists. Furthermore, Aleksander Barkov has amassed 29 points, primarily through 20 assists, Carter Verhaeghe has recorded 25 points with 9 goals and 16 assists, and Matthew Tkachuk has achieved 31 points, including 11 goals and 20 assists. In terms of goaltending, Sergei Bobrovsky has a record of 14-6-1, with a 2.97 goals-against average and a .889 save percentage, while Spencer Knight stands at 5-5-1, with a 2.85 GAA and a .890 save percentage this season.

The Minnesota Wild enter this matchup seeking to recover from a recent 3-2 defeat against the Vegas Golden Knights. Kirill Kaprizov is the team’s leading scorer, boasting 47 points, which include a team-high of 22 goals and 25 assists. Matt Boldy follows with 29 points, comprising 13 goals and 16 assists. Marco Rossi has contributed 25 points, featuring 11 goals and 14 assists, while Mats Zuccarello has recorded 17 points, with 6 goals and 11 assists. In goal, Filip Gustavsson holds a record of 14 wins, 5 losses, and 3 overtime losses, along with a 2.24 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage. Meanwhile, Marc-Andre Fleury has achieved 6 wins, 1 loss, and 1 overtime loss, with a 2.51 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage this season.

The Pick:

The fact that Florida is favored in an away contest is significant, particularly given Minnesota’s outstanding overall record this season. This can be attributed to Minnesota’s remarkable performance on the road for a considerable part of the season. Furthermore, Florida’s away record is slightly better, and their offense seems to have revitalized after experiencing back-to-back shutouts. Consequently, I will back Florida in this encounter.

Vancouver Canucks vs Utah Hockey Club Prediction NHL Picks 12/18/24

Canucks at Utah at 10 PM ET

In their recent matchup, the Canucks triumphed over the Colorado Avalanche with a score of 3-1. Kiefer Sherwood emerged as the key player, scoring three goals. Thatcher Demko demonstrated exceptional skill by saving 30 out of 31 shots he faced. The Canucks are currently averaging 3.2 goals per game, while their defensive unit allows an average of 3.07 goals. Offensively, the team ranks 12th in the league, while defensively, they are placed 18th.

Utah recently played against the San Jose Sharks, securing a win by scoring four goals. Karel Vejmelka took his position as the starting goalkeeper, making 19 saves from 22 shots faced. At present, Utah averages 3.03 goals per game, whereas their defensive unit allows an average of 2.9 goals.

The Pick:

With an average of only 2.9 goals conceded per game, Utah’s defense is expected to play a crucial role in the outcome of this contest. The Canucks, on the other hand, are surrendering 3.07 goals per game, which could significantly impact their performance. It is projected that Utah will net three or four goals, which should be adequate for them to achieve a win. Consequently, I suggest backing Utah for the victory, and I also support a wager on Utah covering the puck line.

Winnipeg Jets vs Anaheim Ducks Prediction NHL Picks 12/18/24

Jets at Ducks at 10 PM ET

Following their Tuesday night encounter with the San Jose Sharks, the Jets are expected to be fatigued. In their last game against the Montreal Canadiens, they achieved a commendable four-goal performance, resulting in a win. Kyle Connor played a pivotal role, scoring one goal and providing an assist. Connor Hellebuyck, in goal, successfully saved 26 out of 28 shots. The Jets are currently averaging 3.66 goals per game, with their defense allowing 2.53 goals. This performance ranks their offense third in the league and their defense fourth.

The Ducks are seeking to secure their second consecutive win after a hard-fought 4-3 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets in their previous match. Alex Killorn showcased his skills by netting two goals and providing an assist. In goal, John Gibson made an impressive 39 saves out of 42 shots faced. The Ducks’ offense is currently averaging 2.41 goals per game, while their defense concedes an average of 3.07 goals. They rank 31st in offensive performance and 20th in defensive efficiency within the league.

The Pick:

While the Jets are arguably the stronger team, their fatigue could hinder their effectiveness in this game. In contrast, the Ducks have shown a revitalized offense, scoring four goals in their previous outing, and they are expected to maintain this momentum. The Jets’ tiredness will adversely affect their defensive play, leading to a likely victory for the Ducks. It is wise to back the Ducks on the money line.