Well we took it on the chin yesterday for the first time in 2024 with no winners to speak of in a disappointing night on the betting front. The good thing about a bad gambling night is that the next day comes quickly and you can wipe the slate clean in the search for winners on a brand new board! I am doing just that as there's no time to cry over yesterday as we have 12 games on the NHL slate that starts in the early afternoon! A handful of picks can be found in the article today that include a Money Line, Puck Line and game total and of course the Dog the of Day makes it return! If you like the rationale then tail the picks, if you don't feel free to fade as sometimes the best bets are the ones not taken!

  • Season Record: 78-66-3
  • Bankroll: +6.35 units
  • Dog of the Day Record: 7-8 (+1.9 Units)

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**all bets are one unit unless specifically mentioned.

NHL Best Bets for January 20th

Colorado Avalanche at Philadelphia Flyers

I've been down this road before with the Flyers this season and somehow they have burned me more times than not. I am going back at them today though as the Avalanche come to town trying to end Philly's 5 game winning streak. The Flyers continue to be one of the more confounding teams this NHL season as they don't score a lot and they give up goals around league average numbers, yet they are 25-14-6 and 2nd place in the Metropolitan Division. If there's one thing I know its that numbers catch up with you eventually and when you play a Colorado team that scores 4 goals per game on the road over the past month. I have a tough seeing the Flyers keep up in this one seeing they've scored just 2.7 goals on home ice over the previous 30 days and their roster just isn't talented enough. The goaltending is the equalizer and has been for Philly but they are going to have their hands full tonight so give me the Avs to win at tremendous value too I might add. 

Pick: Colorado Avalanche Money Line (-120 on BetMGM)

 

Montreal Canadiens at Boston Bruins

What a great rivalry the Habs and Bruins have been over the years, but recently its been a bit one sided as Boston has won 4 of the last 5 games heading into tonight. I see much of the same again as the Canadiens on the road are allowing 3.7 goals per game over the last 30 days while scoring just 2.7 on offense. They are also 10-12 straight up away from home this season and 29th in Corsi For % which means they are getting dominated at even strength. On the Boston side they have been one of the best home teams this season at 14-3-3 and are 11-8 against the spread. The Bruins offensive numbers are also on a rocket ride of late scoring 5 goals per game on home ice over the past month of games. All of that given, I think the Bruins cruise in this one tonight and cover the Puck Line. 

Pick: Boston Bruins Puck Line -1.5 (-110 on Caesars)

 

Dallas Stars at New Jersey Devils

Two of the highest scoring teams in the NHL meet up tonight in what should be a fun one to watch! The Stars have abanoned their old ways of playing defense first hockey this season and it really shows as they've scored 3.61 goals per game while allowing 3.05 goals on the season. This has led to them going over the total in 27 of 42 games this season and I'm thinking they do it again this evening. On the Devils side they are a powerhouse as well hitting the over in 13 of 20 home games this season while scoring 3.3 goals per game and allowing 3.7 goals over the past 30 days on home ice. The goaltenders have yet to be announced but between the group they all have GAAs north of 2.75 and the offenses should carry the day so give me the over in this matchup for a boatload of goals!

Pick: Dallas Stars & New Jersey Devils Over 6.5 Goals (-115 on BetMGM)

 

DOG OF THE DAY

New York Rangers Money Line at Los Angeles Kings (+105 on DraftKings)