Usually by this stage of the NHL season, we see some sort of separation between the good teams and he bad, but the parity in this league has made it that each of the 4 divisions has an exciting race going on. This is great for the impartial fan, because every single game becomes important when so many different teams are jockeying for position. It makes things a little tougher on those of us who have to come up with picks to deliver, but I do love a challenge. I am going to try and pick a winner for every day this week to see if we can add a little weight to the NHL betting bankroll.

Here’s A Closer Look At The Top NHL Betting Picks Of The Week (Jan. 2nd – Jan. 6th)

Chicago Blackhawks over St. Louis Blues – Monday January 2

The Central Division has been the best in the NHL for a few years now, and while it may have taken a little dip this year, there are still a lot of strong teams in here. The Chicago Blackhawks have a tough one on their hands against a Blues team that is a solid 14-3-4 on home ice this season, but Chicago has taken 2 of 3 in the season series so far, and I like them to get another win here in what should be a close one.

Columbus Blue Jackets over Edmonton Oilers – Tuesday January 3

There is no team hotter than the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have reeled off an astonishing 15 straight wins. That has taken them to the top of the Metropolitan Division, and their 14-3-1 home ice record is just one more impressive stat in a growing list. The Oilers are playing well this season, with Connor McDavid being very much as advertised. The Oilers are a solid 10-5-5 on the road, but look in over their heads here.

New York Rangers over Philadelphia Flyers – Wednesday January 4

After going on an impressive win streak earlier in the season, the Flyers have come back down to earth, and come into this week on a 4-game losing skid. The Rangers are winners of 3 in a row, and 7 of their last 10, and they also boast a healthy 13-6-0 road record. It should also be noted that the Rangers have won their last 4 meetings with the Flyers, although they all tend to be of the close variety. I’m taking the Rangers in a 3-2 win.

LA Kings over Detroit Red Wings – Thursday January 5

While it’s still too early to start talking about playoff positioning, it’s never too early to start solidifying your current position. The LA Kings hold the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, and know that every point counts. They need to take advantage of struggling teams like the Detroit Red Wings, just as they did in a 4-1 win against them earlier this season. More of the same for the Kings in this one, I believe.

Calgary Flames over Vancouver Canucks – Friday January 6

If you are looking for a game to bet the OVER on, this may well be it. 7 of the last 8 meetings between these two teams has yielded 5 goals or more, so that may be the way to be here. As for straight up, I like the Flames here, as they have taken 5 of their last 6 games with the Canucks, and are on a decent run of form now.