Tonight's NHL slate features compelling matchups highlighted by a crucial Metropolitan Division battle between the Flyers and Islanders, plus a heavyweight clash as the struggling Golden Knights visit the defensively-sound Dallas Stars.
Our NHL best bets and picks focus on defensive battles and value plays, with experts particularly eyeing the Stars' league-leading 85.8% penalty kill unit and strong 17-7-1 home record as key factors.
From total goals predictions to money line opportunities, we've analyzed the most promising betting angles across tonight's four-game schedule to help inform your wagering decisions.
NHL Best Bets
| Game | Time | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:30 PM | Dallas Stars ML (-155) |
  | 7:30 PM | Under 5.5 goals (+105) |
  | 8:00 PM | Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 (+115) |
Stars vs. Golden Knights
Friday, Jan 24
7:30 PM
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
The Dallas Stars hold a significant advantage as the well-rested home team, boasting an impressive 17-7-1 record on home ice.
Vegas enters this matchup on the second night of a back-to-back, amid a concerning four-game losing streak and having won just once in their last seven games.
Dallas's fourth-ranked league defense, allowing just 2.49 goals per game, matches up well against a potentially fatigued Golden Knights offense.
The Stars possess the NHL's best penalty-killing unit at 85.8%, which should effectively neutralize Vegas's strong power play.
Recent form heavily favors Dallas, who are 6-4-0 in their last ten games, while Vegas has struggled with a 4-5-1 record in the same span.
Islanders vs. Flyers
Friday, Jan 24
7:30 PM
UBS Arena, Elmont, NY
The Islanders' offensive struggles are evident, ranking as the sixth-worst team in goals per game (2.7) and scoring over 3 goals just once in their last five games.
New York's defensive approach tends to create low-scoring affairs, with their smothering style of play keeping games tight.
The Flyers are playing their second game in consecutive nights, which typically impacts offensive production and overall scoring.
The Islanders' aging roster (fifth-oldest team in the league) contributes to their methodical, defensive-minded approach.
Recent trends show the Islanders have managed just three games with more than 3 goals in their last ten outings, suggesting this matchup should stay under the total.
Blackhawks vs. Lightning
Friday, Jan 24
8:00 PM
United Center, Chicago, IL
The Tampa Bay Lightning enter this matchup with a clear offensive advantage against a struggling Blackhawks defense that has allowed at least four goals in 10 of their last 14 games.
Historical data strongly favors the Lightning, who have won 9 of their last 10 meetings against the Blackhawks, with each victory coming by multiple goals.
Chicago's defensive metrics are concerning, ranking 28th in expected goals against during five-on-five play, despite having a strong penalty kill.
The Blackhawks' recent defensive performance has been particularly worrying, allowing 48 shots against the Hurricanes in their last outing.
Tampa Bay's powerful offense should capitalize against a Blackhawks team that has shown significant vulnerability in their defensive zone.
