The NHL’s action continues with exciting matchups that could significantly impact the standings, as several teams battle for crucial points.
The Winnipeg Jets, once the club to beat after winning last season’s President’s Trophy, are in dire straits. Currently sitting at the bottom of the NHL standings, they find themselves on a six-game losing streak and have dropped 15 of their last 18 games. Although the return of Connor Hellebuyck from injury initially brought hope, the team has struggled since, with Hellebuyck suffering five consecutive losses after his first win back. Tonight, the Jets will go up against the Detroit Red Wings, who are riding high at the top of the Atlantic Division after winning nine of their last 11 games, albeit with all recent victories coming in overtime. The Red Wings opened as home favorites (-130), but the line has since shifted towards the Jets. Detroit will rely on John Gibson in net, who recently had his eight-game winning streak broken with a 5-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Key players for each side include Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor, who has scored nine goals in just 16 games against Gibson, and Detroit’s Moritz Seider, who has points in five of the last seven games overall.
For bettors, the predictions include taking the Red Wings to win along with Kyle Connor scoring at any time. Captain Dylan Larkin and Seider also present solid betting opportunities for points, while a draw in regulation can’t be ruled out either.
In another clash, the New Jersey Devils will face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Coming off a disappointing 4-0 loss to Toronto, the Devils have struggled recently, losing four straight and five of their last seven games. They’ve averaged just two goals or fewer in six of those matches. The Blue Jackets boast an impressive track record as home favorites, with an 8-1 record in that scenario, compared to a disappointing 0-7 as home underdogs. With both teams keen to turn their seasons around, this matchup features Devils forward Timo Meier, who has been on a scoring spree, netting goals in five straight games. On the other side, Columbus’s Denton Mateychuk is also making waves with contributions in recent games.
For this matchup, predictions favor the Blue Jackets to win, while Meier and Mateychuk offer intriguing prop bets for individual performances.
Lastly, the Buffalo Sabres, riding a remarkable nine-game winning streak, visit the Dallas Stars. The Stars were initially heavy favorites, but there has been a shift in the odds that sees increased confidence in Buffalo. Despite going with backup goalie Casey DeSmith, the Stars have a history of strong performances on December 31st, recently going 8-1-1 in their last ten New Year’s Eve games. Meanwhile, the Sabres will look to Ukka Pekka-Luukkonen, who is solid at home but has struggled on the road.
In terms of betting opportunities, Dallas is suggested for a team total over 3.5 goals and to win by at least two goals.
Tonight’s NHL action presents an array of betting angles and matchups that amplifies the thrill of the regular season as teams aim for better positioning ahead of the new year.