NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Here are today’s NHL predictions and best bets.
Winnipeg Jets (15-19-4) at Toronto Maple Leafs (18-15-6)
Jets (+115) at Maple Leafs (-135) – Total 6.5 (Under, -130)
7 p.m. ET
The Winnipeg closed out 2025 and began 2026 dead last in the NHL standings, having lost seven straight and 16 of 19. All seven of the losses with Connor Hellebuyck between the pipes. The Jets have scored two goals or fewer in five of their last seven games. With this being the second half of a back-to-back, Eric Comrie is likely to make his first start since December 11. With Comrie in goal, the Jets have given four goals or more in four of his last six starts.
The Maple Leafs have won seven of the last 10 meetings against the Jets, scoring four goals or more in six of the seven victories. Despite the Jets’ struggles, the line has moved in Winnipeg’s direction (as it did yesterday against Detroit). I just don’t understand the line move other than the fact that the betting public expects the Jets to break the losing streak. I am on the Maple Leafs team total (Over 3 and 3.5) and the Leafs to win this game in regulation.
On to the players’ props. Maple Leafs goalies have cashed their saves prop in four straight and seven of the last 10 games (33,39,26,29,17,27,25,23,31 and 29). The Leafs’ Bobby McMann has scored goals in three of the last four and four of the last six. Matthew Knies has goals in three straight.
NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Toronto Maple Leafs in Regulation (+115) – 1 unit
Toronto Maple Leafs Team Total Over 3 (-155) – 1 unit
Toronto Maple Leafs Team Total Over 3.6 (+115) – .50 units
Joseph Woll Over 25.5 saves (+105) – 1 unit
Matthew Knies anytime goal (+210) – .10 units
Bobby McMann anytime goal (+370) – .10 units
Kyle Connor anytime goal (+140) – .10 units
Mark Scheifele anytime goal (+185) – .10 units
Montreal Canadiens (21-12-6) at Carolina Hurricanes (24-12-3)
Canadiens (+150) at Hurricanes (-180) – Total 6 (Over, -115)
7 p.m. ET
The Canadiens are coming off a pair of thrilling games, rallying for four third period goals at Tampa before losing 5-4 in a shootout. Their next game, the Habs scored two goals in the final five minutes against the Panthers and defeated Florida 3-2 in overtime. Tonight, they go into Carolina, where they have lost 12 straight and scored two goals or fewer in eight of their last 10 visits. I think we see the Canadiens’ losing streak in Carolina hit 13 after tonight’s game.
The goaltending matchup will be Jakub Dobes for Montreal and Brandon Bussi for Carolina. Bussi has won 13 of his 15 starts (13-1-1. Dobes has lost three of his last four starts, giving up at least four goals in all three defeats. Dobes has given up a first-period goal in three of his last four starts and at least two goals in two of those starts. I am on Carolina to score a first-period goal, and BetMGM is one site that offers Over 1 goal (at a plus price) as opposed to Over a half goal at a “tax.”
I do like Carolina to win this game, but have zero interest in laying the (-180), so I will play their team total at Over 3.5. Carolina has scored four or more goals in 18 of their 24 wins, and the Canadiens have given up four goals or more in 17 of their 18 losses.
NHL Predictions and Best Bets:
Carolina Hurricanes 1stperiod Over 1 goal (+118) – 1 unit
Carolina Hurricanes to score 1stgoal/1stperiod (+100) – .50 units
Carolina Hurricanes Team Total Over 3.5 (-104) – 1 unit
