Rivalries ignite as hot streaks collide. Dive into picks and predictions for Thursday’s crucial NHL matchups.
Thursday’s NHL slate features seven compelling games, offering fans a mix of high-stakes rivalries, playoff implications, and exciting individual performances. As the regular season heads toward the Olympic break, every point becomes more valuable, making tonight’s contests crucial for teams looking to solidify their position in the standings.
From seasoned powerhouses trying to maintain momentum to scrappy underdogs hoping to pull off an upset, there is no shortage of storylines that could impact the playoff picture.
In this breakdown, we will take a close look at each matchup, examine team trends, highlight key players to watch, and provide a pick for every game based on recent performances and historical tendencies.
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Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres
Spread: +1.5 (-227) | -1.5 (+185)
Over/Under: 6.5 Goals
Tonight marks the 216th all-time meeting between the Penguins and Sabres. Pittsburgh has historically held the edge, winning six of their last nine meetings, though they have lost two of their last three trips to Buffalo. Earlier this season, the Penguins defeated the Sabres 4-2. Both teams enter this matchup in strong form, each winning six of their last eight games. Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin has been sensational with ten points in his last five games, while Pittsburgh’s Anthony Mantha has tallied seven points over the same span.
Pick: Penguins ML (+105)
After dropping two straight games, the Penguins are likely to keep this one close and avoid a third straight loss. History suggests they match up well against Buffalo and should continue to have the Sabres’ number.
New York Islanders at New Jersey Devils
Spread: +1.5 (-278) | -1.5 (+220)
Over/Under: 5.5 Goals
The Islanders have dominated the Devils in recent years, winning six of the last seven matchups. New York looks to sweep the season series after a 9-0 victory in their last meeting. Mathew Barzal has been outstanding, registering seven points in his last five games. The Devils, however, have struggled, losing nine of their last 15 games and just one of their last five. Defenseman Dougie Hamilton, with four points in his last five games, will need to step up for New Jersey to compete.
Pick: Devils ML (-110)
Despite being listed as favorites, the Devils have struggled recently and are long overdue for a win. Facing the Islanders, they will push hard to avoid being swept for the fourth straight time this season, especially after their last lopsided defeat.
Carolina Hurricanes at New York Rangers
Spread: -1.5 (+118) | +1.5 (-139)
Over/Under: 5.5 Goals
This matchup closes the season series between the Hurricanes and Rangers. Carolina has taken two of the three meetings, winning by increasing margins each time, suggesting a close contest tonight. The Hurricanes have won seven of their last nine games, while the Rangers have just one win in their last seven. Seth Jarvis has six points in his last five games for Carolina, while New York will rely on Mika Zibanejad, who has four points over his last five games, to step up in the absence of Artemi Panarin.
Pick: Rangers +1.5 (-139)
New York is overdue for a win and should keep this one close. In a familiar divisional matchup, the Rangers have the tools to keep the score tight and potentially force an overtime scenario.
Ottawa Senators at Philadelphia Flyers
Spread: -1.5 (+180) | +1.5 (-222)
Over/Under: 6.0 Goals
Both teams come in with potent offenses. Ottawa has won four of its last five games, while the Flyers have kept games close despite dropping five of seven. Tim Stutzle leads Ottawa with eight points over his last five games, and Philadelphia’s Travis Konecny is even hotter with nine points in his last five. Ottawa has claimed both previous meetings this season and will be aiming for a sweep.
Pick: Flyers ML (+115)
Riding the home team feels safer in this scenario. The Flyers are due for a win and have the opportunity to deliver one in front of their home crowd, snapping a recent losing streak.
Nashville Predators at Washington Capitals
Spread: +1.5 (-175) | -1.5 (+145)
Over/Under: 6.5 Goals
Nashville is riding a five-game point streak and is fighting for a playoff position. Washington, outside the playoff picture, has won three of its last four and is looking to regain the form that made them President’s Trophy contenders last season. Roman Josi leads the Predators with nine points over his last five games, while Jakob Chychrun has six points in his last five for the Capitals. Earlier in the season, Nashville edged out a 3-2 victory, hinting at another close matchup tonight.
Pick: Capitals ML (-161)
Nashville’s streak is likely to end here. Washington, fighting for postseason relevance, has the motivation and depth to take a close game against the Predators.
Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning
Spread: +1.5 (-154) | -1.5 (+130)
Over/Under: 6.0 Goals
The Battle of Florida is always a must-watch. The Panthers are fighting to climb back into the playoff picture and come off a 5-4 shootout win over Boston. The Lightning are on fire, winning seven of their last eight. Florida has won all three previous matchups this season, which could give them confidence despite playing back-to-back nights. Sam Reinhart has five points over his last five games for Florida, while Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov has 16 points in the same span.
Pick: Panthers +1.5 (-154)
All signs point to Tampa Bay, which makes this a prime opportunity to go against the favorite. The Panthers are resilient and could rebound with a strong effort after Wednesday’s victory.
LA Kings at Vegas Golden Knights
Spread: +1.5 (-238) | -1.5 (+190)
Over/Under: 6.0 Goals
LA has won one of its last four games, while Vegas has won only one of its last six. Adrian Kempe leads the Kings with seven points over his last five games, and Jack Eichel has five points in the same span for the Golden Knights. Earlier in the season, the road team has won both matchups, adding intrigue to tonight’s contest.
Pick: Kings ML (+110)
Expect a one-goal game. LA could secure their a much-needed win, or Vegas could snap a losing streak. The Kings’ energy and recent momentum make them the better choice in a close contest.
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