While we are already beyond the midway point of the NHL season in terms of games played, the official end of the first half will come this week, as we have a short run of games before the All-Star activities begin. It’s certainly a quieter schedule than we are used to, but there are still some big games to be seen over the next few days. We are going to focus on the best games available, while also making sure that we pick games that you can watch on TV or online via ESPN+. Without further ado, let’s get to the best picks of the week in the NHL. Be sure to check back for the latest NHL odds before placing your ticket!
Top NHL Betting Picks of the Week – January 21st
The Division Rival battle continues 🔥#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/hXAvz3cELs
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) 21 de enero de 2019
Nashville Predators at Colorado Avalanche – Monday
As it stands at the moment, the Central Division looks as though it might be turning into a 2-horse race between the Winnipeg Jets and the Nashville Predators. The Colorado Avalanche are sitting 8 points back of second place Nashville, so it’s fair to suggest that they need to get something out of this game to stay somewhat close to the leaders.The bad news for the Avalanche is that they are on a poor run of form, going just 3-5-2 in their last 10 games, although they are up against a Nashville team coming off back to back losses. These two have split their 2 meetings this season, but the Predators have won 11 of the last 12 meetings overall. I am on the Predators to win this one.
San Jose Sharks at Washington Capitals – Tuesday
The defending Stanley Cup Champions are on a losing skid that has seen them drop each of their last 5 games, going 3-5-2 in their last 10. The Capitals have now dropped all the way down to 3rd in the Metropolitan Division, and while they are still comfortably in a playoff spot, they will not want this streak to continue much longer.The Sharks have won 7 of their last 10 games, but they have still lost some ground to the red-hot Calgary Flames at the top of the Pacific. This is the first meeting of the season for these two, with the Caps winning both games last season. I think the Sharks might just edge this one.
Carolina Hurricanes at Calgary Flames – Tuesday
While this game is not being nationally televised, it would be a disservice to the Calgary Flames to not take a look at their final game before the All-Star Break. The Flames have been a pleasant surprise, thanks in large part to a potent offensive unit that is making a habit of lighting up opposing defenses.
The Hurricanes are sitting 7 points off the pace being set by the Wild Card teams in the Eastern Conference, but they are looking as though they may be in tough against a Flames team that is 8-1-1 in their last 10 games.
Nashville Predators at Vegas Golden Knights – Wednesday
Given that we have mentioned the Predators twice in this write-up, you clearly see just how busy their week is going to be before they get the break. The Predators have two difficult games before the break, but this one is probably the tougher of the two.That said, they already beat Vegas earlier this season, which means that they have now won two in a row versus the Golden Knights. Vegas is on a great run of form right now, winning 8 of their last 10 games, while taking their home record to 16-4-3. I have to stick with the Golden Knights on home ice.
