NHL Picks & the Best NHL Bets Today

Q: What are NHL consensus picks?

NHL consensus picks show the public's betting opinion for a specific game. These picks aggregate data from sportsbooks to reveal the percentage of bets placed on each team, the puck line, or the total (over/under).For example, if 75% of bettors back a team to win, that team becomes the consensus pick for the moneyline. Similarly, consensus data reflects public sentiment on the spread or the total goals in a game.Consensus picks are useful for understanding betting trends. Some bettors follow them to align with the majority, while others use them to "fade the public," seeking value in scenarios where sharp bettors may oppose popular opinion.

Q: What are NHL computer picks?

NHL computer picks are betting predictions created using advanced algorithms and data analysis. These tools evaluate key factors like team statistics, player performance, recent results, head-to-head records, and even weather for outdoor games. The goal is to deliver precise and reliable predictions.Unlike human picks, computer picks remove emotional bias by focusing entirely on data. They provide predictions for:Moneyline: Which team is most likely to win.Puck Line: Whether a team will cover the spread.Totals (Over/Under): The total number of goals scored in a game.Prop Bets: Specific events, like a player scoring or total penalties in a game.Computer picks are valuable because they process large volumes of data quickly and identify patterns or trends that may not be obvious. These systems use statistical models and machine learning to deliver objective insights, helping bettors make informed decisions.Although not guaranteed, NHL computer picks can enhance betting strategies when combined with other approaches, like expert analysis or tracking market trends.

Q: What are NHL picks against the spread?

NHL picks against the spread (ATS) focus on predicting whether a team will cover the puck line. The puck line is hockey’s version of a point spread, typically set at -1.5 for the favorite and +1.5 for the underdog.If you bet on the favorite (-1.5): The team must win by 2 or more goals to cover the spread.If you bet on the underdog (+1.5): The team must either win outright or lose by no more than 1 goal to cover the spread.These picks analyze key factors like team scoring trends, defensive strength, goaltender performance, and head-to-head history. NHL ATS picks help bettors determine which team has the best chance to beat the puck line, offering additional value compared to traditional moneyline bets.

Get the best NHL bets today and betting insights, crafted using expert analysis and advanced data.

Whether it’s moneylines, puck lines, or totals, Sporting Post helps you bet smarter every game.

5:00 PM - Sun, Jan 12

Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC

Best bets

Hurricanes -1.5 (-155)

Ducks @ Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes have been showcasing exceptional offensive prowess this season, averaging 3.37 goals per game, with their dynamic forward line led by Sebastian Aho and Martin Necas consistently creating scoring opportunities.

Defensively, the Hurricanes have been rock solid, allowing just 2.74 goals per game, with their defensive unit anchored by Jaccob Slavin and Dmitry Orlov effectively shutting down opposing offenses.

The Anaheim Ducks have struggled offensively, managing only 2.51 goals per game, and have particularly struggled recently with just four goals in their last three games.

The Hurricanes' home ice advantage coupled with their superior defensive metrics makes them a strong favorite to not just win, but win convincingly.

With Pyotr Kotchetkov in excellent form between the pipes, the Hurricanes are well-positioned to maintain their defensive excellence while capitalizing on their offensive opportunities.

5:00 PM - Sun, Jan 12

Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, ON

Best bets

Under 5.5 Goals (-110)

Stars @ Senators

The Dallas Stars have demonstrated exceptional defensive capabilities, allowing only 2.50 goals per game and conceding just 13 goals in their last seven games.

Jake Oettinger has been outstanding in goal for the Stars, consistently making crucial saves and maintaining his strong form.

The Senators' defense, allowing 2.93 goals per game, has shown improvement with Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson leading the defensive corps.

Both teams possess strong defensive units capable of creating turnovers and limiting high-quality scoring chances.

Recent defensive performances from both teams suggest a tight, low-scoring affair is likely.

8:00 PM - Sun, Jan 12

T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV

Best bets

Golden Knights -1.5 (+140)

Wild @ Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights boast one of the NHL's most potent offenses, ranking 4th with 3.46 goals per game, significantly outpacing Minnesota's 3.00 goals per game average.

Minnesota's absence of star forward Kirill Kaprizov significantly weakens their offensive capabilities, particularly on the second night of a back-to-back.

The Golden Knights' power play has been exceptional, converting at 24.7% (7th in NHL), while Minnesota struggles at 18.5% (22nd).

Minnesota's goaltender Filip Gustavsson has shown recent vulnerability, allowing 10 goals in his last two starts.

Vegas's home ice advantage combined with their defensive prowess (2.68 goals against per game) makes them a strong candidate to win by multiple goals.

How we come up with our NHL picks & best bets

At Sporting Post, we use the same cutting-edge methodology behind our highly reliable NHL predictions to craft our NHL Picks & NHL Best Bets.

This process combines expert insights, market analysis, and advanced AI technology to identify the most promising betting opportunities for every NHL game.

Here’s how we do it:

Expert-driven selection process

We begin by leveraging the expertise of NHL analysts and seasoned bettors who closely follow the league.

These experts assess a variety of factors, including team form, player performance, injuries, coaching strategies, and head-to-head matchups.

Their insights help us zero in on games where a particular bet offers strong potential value, such as moneyline wagers, puck lines, or totals.

Market analysis and identifying value bets

Our system goes beyond traditional expert analysis by diving into the betting market itself.

We identify discrepancies between sportsbook odds and our data-driven win probabilities, revealing undervalued opportunities.

This ensures our NHL Picks & NHL Best Bets are aligned with both market trends and statistical insights, giving you the edge over the competition.

AI-powered confidence ratings

To refine our picks, we utilize AI to evaluate historical data, real-time performance metrics, and betting trends.

The AI assigns confidence levels to each potential bet, helping us prioritize the selections that offer the highest likelihood of success.

This advanced filtering system allows us to narrow down the options to only the most promising bets.

Finalizing the best bets

After expert and AI analysis, we curate a shortlist of picks that represent the optimal combination of value and confidence.

These best bets are thoroughly reviewed to ensure they align with both short-term factors (like recent form) and long-term trends (like season performance metrics).

With Sporting Post’s NHL Picks & NHL Best Bets, you’re not just betting – you’re relying on a meticulous, data-driven system that simplifies the process and enhances your chances of success.

Whether you’re wagering on the regular season, the playoffs, or the Stanley Cup Finals, our picks are designed to help you make smarter, more informed decisions every step of the way.

Types of NHL picks

Hockey betting offers a variety of ways to engage with the game, and understanding the different types of picks can help you make smarter wagers.

Here are the main types of hockey betting picks:

Moneyline Picks: These are straightforward bets on which team will win the game. Our moneyline picks focus on identifying value in matchups, factoring in team performance, injuries, and head-to-head history.

Puck Line Picks: The puck line is hockey’s version of a point spread, typically set at -1.5 for the favorite and +1.5 for the underdog. Puck line picks require careful analysis of scoring trends, goaltending, and match dynamics to determine when a team is likely to cover the spread.

Over/Under (Totals) Picks: These picks focus on predicting whether the total number of goals scored in a game will be over or under a set number. Our analysis looks at offensive and defensive metrics, goalie performance, and recent scoring trends to deliver accurate totals picks.

Prop Bet Picks: Prop bets focus on specific events within a game, such as a player scoring a goal or the number of saves a goalie makes. Our prop bet picks are backed by in-depth player stats and matchup analysis to identify high-value opportunities.

Futures Picks: Futures picks involve long-term bets, such as predicting the Stanley Cup champion or season awards winners. These picks are based on extensive preseason research, team outlooks, and ongoing season trends.

By exploring these different types of hockey betting picks, you can diversify your wagers and find exciting ways to engage with the NHL season.

Why use Sporting Post's NHL best bets?

At Sporting Post, we go beyond simple predictions to deliver NHL Best Bets that truly make a difference.

Here’s why ours are unique:

Focused on high-value opportunities: Our best bets aren’t just guesses—they’re carefully selected based on where data and market odds show the most value. We prioritize quality over quantity to give you the bets most likely to succeed.
Informed by expert analysis: We work with NHL experts who bring years of experience and a deep understanding of the game. Their insights ensure our picks consider key factors like form, injuries, and game-day conditions.
Backed by advanced technology: Using cutting-edge AI, we analyze stats, trends, and betting markets to uncover patterns others might miss. This ensures our best bets are data-driven and reliable.
Tailored for every game: Our NHL Best Bets aren’t one-size-fits-all. We provide specific recommendations for every game, from moneylines and totals to player props, so you can find options that suit your betting style.
Proven track record: Our systematic approach ensures consistency, delivering picks that stand the test of time and help you build a smarter betting strategy.

With Sporting Post’s NHL Best Bets, you’re not just betting—you’re leveraging expert analysis and advanced data to stay one step ahead.

FAQs

What are NHL consensus picks?

What are NHL computer picks?

What are NHL picks against the spread?

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