Top NHL Picks and Predictions Today (Hoping for Home Ice Advantage on Thursday Night)

For the second night in a row, we got burned by an overtime loss. This time it was the Hurricanes who blew a 3rd period lead and eventually fell to the Panthers in OT. As a result, we finished with a 2-1 night with the Flames puck line hitting, but not even coming close to the OVER in the Avs/Golden Knights game that ended in a 2-0 decision in favor of Colorado.

Let's bounce back and have a big night tonight.

All odds listed below are via WynnBET Sportsbook.

Ducks vs. Oilers Prediction and Pick

I bet against the Ducks last night, and I'm going to do it again tonight. They're amongst the worst teams in the league in basically every statistic, ranking in the bottom five in CORSI percentage, expected goals for per 60 minutes, expected goals against per 60 minutes, and high danger scoring chances over their last 10 games.

Tonight's matchup is truly a game between teams trending in the complete opposite directions. Not only that, but the Ducks are playing in the second leg of an Alberta back-to-back. If you tell me there's a reason to back the Ducks tonight, I'll call you a fool and a liar.

Oilers. Oilers. Oilers.

Pick: Oilers -1.5 (+115)

Bruins vs. Islanders Prediction and Pick

Despite their recent record, the Islanders have been done alright from an analytical perspective. Over their last 10 games, they rank 15th in CORSI%, 12th in high danger scoring chances, and eighth in high danger scoring chances against.

Meanwhile, the Bruins have been struggling heavily from an offensive standpoint. Over their last 10 games, they rank second last in high danger scoring chances, and they're only sitting at 2.59 expected goals per 60 minutes, which ranks 26th in the league.

A struggling offense hitting the road to take on a top 10 defense like the Islanders, is a tall order. I'm going to back New York as a slight home underdog.

Pick: Islanders -105

Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks Prediction and Pick

The Blue Jackets have been abysmal as of late, especially in their own end. Over their last 10 games, the Blue Jackets are allowing an average of 13.19 high danger scoring chances. Ironically, that's the area that Chicago thrives in, ranking fourth in that stat over the same stretch.

I wouldn't bet on the Blackhawks scoring a ton of goals, as their issues have mostly been on the offensive side of the ice, but Chicago's strong defense makes them a good play at home against equally bad opponents.

Pick: Blackhawks -140

Iain is 32-29-1 (+1.51 units) with his NHL picks in 2022. Check out his detailed record here.