Check out tonight's NHL best bets as I share NHL picks for Thursday, January 16.
For Thursday's NHL predictions, I've compiled three picks that have caught my eye. I've honed in on a moneyline play, a regulation moneyline play and an anytime goalscorer prediction.
NHL Best Bets for Thursday
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that our NHL betting staff is targeting from today's slate of games. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:00 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 8:00 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NHL Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Sharks vs. Blue Jackets
It’s been a whirlwind of emotions for the Columbus Blue Jackets this season, but now they’re starting to reach the light.
Columbus has won six straight games, including a 3-2 victory over the Flyers, pushing itself into a playoff position. It also had the luxury of some exceptional play from its top players.
Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko are averaging over a point per game and the Jackets have found a gem in Dmitri Voronkov who has 18 points in his past 14 games. Additionally, the line featuring Marchenko, Voronkov, and Sean Monahan (who’s on IR) has been among the most efficient lines in hockey with an expected goals rate of 59%.
Center Adam Fantilli has replaced Monahan in his absence and has fit in just fine with points in six straight – a career-best for him.
So can the Lumbus keep trucking along? With the San Jose Sharks coming into town, I can certainly see it.
While I’m not confident in the Sharks to win games, the future is so incredibly bright. Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith are a dynamic pairing, and I’ve seen exorbitant growth from William Eklund.
Not only that, goalie Yaroslav Askarov is starting to look like the goalie everyone thought he was when he was drafted.
However, there’s a reason why San Jose is dead last in the league. Aside from the handful of flashy plays from the young guns, the Sharks still can’t play sound hockey, ranking 29th in offense in January with a 39.46 xGF% and 30th defensively with a 3.72 xGA/60.
That’s enough for me to think the trends will continue in Ohio’s capital. Voronkov has been held goalless in his past three games, but it’s the perfect opportunity to get back on the scoresheet. Look for the Russian to light the lamp tonight.
Pick: Dmitri Voronkov Anytime Goalscorer (+160)
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Flyers vs. Islanders
Just when I thought the Islanders were turning the corner, reality bit me where the sun doesn’t shine.
Eventually, GM Lou Lamoriello is going to have to look in the mirror and see that this team isn’t what he thinks it is. My father told me as a kid that “a leopard never changes its spots,” and the Islanders showed us who they are on Tuesday night when they were shut out by the Senators at home.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the ice, the Philadelphia Flyers come into town, playing the best hockey they’ve played in years.
Now you may be asking me, “But Greg, Philly has lost five of its last seven games. What do you mean they’re playing their best hockey?”
Everything I’ve seen on the ice, outside of goaltending, has been beautiful. Travis Konecny is playing at a point-per-game pace, Morgan Frost has a point in four consecutive games, and the defense is playing at an elite level.
This month, the Flyers have been the sixth-best defensive team with a 2.34 xGA/60.
Goaltending is a different beast since the Flyers’ best netminder is Samuel Ersson who’s playing to a dreadful .887 SV% and a -9.4 GSAx. This would easily be a playoff team if the goaltending would be semi-competent.
Since the Isles couldn’t score a goal against Leevi Merilainen, and a strong Senators defense, I’ll tally this up to them disappointing yet again. I’ll be picking the Flyers on the road.
Pick: Flyers ML (+120)
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Kraken vs. Jets
It’s hard to pinpoint a team that’s playing worse than the Seattle Kraken. No direction, bad contracts, older players, and a mediocre coach who’s still riding the coattails of his lone Stanley Cup championship.
Seattle has certainly gone through it this season, but was thrilled to come out with a victory in Pittsburgh, scoring two goals in the eighth minute of play to pull ahead.
But I’m not sure I can take much from that game. Pittsburgh has had a horrible January, only winning one game, and just listed goalie Tristan Jarry, who is under contract for three more years on waivers.
Goalie Joey Daccord is the one bright spot, but there’s only so much a man can do.
Entering the lion’s den in Winnipeg is something that can make a giant Kraken turn into a guppy real quick. The Jets just brushed off the Canucks 6-1, with Kyle Connor scoring a natural hat trick in the first 14 minutes of play.
Additionally, the line consisting of Connor, Mark Scheifele and Gabe Vilardi is one of the deadliest in the league. They lead all lines (minimum 165 minutes played) in expected goals with a 28.2 xGF%.
If I had to guess, I think the Jets roll out backup goalie Eric Comrie who’s been decent, playing to a .904 SV% and a -2.5 GSAx. It’s not ideal numbers, but Winnipeg’s defense has held on stronger than ever.
The Jets have only allowed 2.1 goals in the past six games, whereas the Kraken have allowed a smidge under four goals per game.
It may get ugly in Canada Life Centre, so that’s why I’m banking on the Jets to continue their hot streak and win in regulation.
Pick: Jets 60 Minute Line (-130)
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