Olympic returns and shocking upsets dominate the ice. Discover betting insights for eight crucial NHL matchups, with a focus on revitalized teams and playoff races.
Wednesday’s NHL schedule features eight intriguing matchups, offering fans a mix of high-stakes rivalries, playoff implications, and star performances. As teams gear up following the Olympic break, each point carries added significance, making tonight’s games critical for squads aiming to secure or improve their positions in the standings.
From established contenders trying to maintain momentum to underdogs looking for an upset, there are plenty of storylines that could shape the playoff race. In this preview, we’ll break down each matchup, explore recent team trends, highlight players to watch, and provide a pick for every game based on performance trends, head-to-head history, and current form.
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Buffalo Sabres at New Jersey Devils
Spread: +1.5 (-250) | -1.5 (+200)
Over/Under: 6.0 Goals
The Devils have taken six of the last nine matchups against the Sabres, though Buffalo claimed a road victory in New Jersey this past December, marking their first win in the Devils’ arena since April 2022. Expect the Devils to bounce back, led by American star Jack Hughes, who returns to the lineup riding high after winning Olympic gold.
Goaltender Jacob Markstrom also rejoins the team with a boost of confidence following standout performances with Sweden at the Games. The Sabres remain a formidable opponent, but with New Jersey’s Olympic-fueled momentum, the Devils are poised to be even harder to stop as they come out of the break.
Pick: Devils ML (-115)
Philadelphia Flyers at Washington Capitals
Spread: +1.5 (-189) | -1.5 (+155)
Over/Under: 6.0 Goals
The Flyers have quietly emerged as one of the league’s strongest betting teams this season, boasting an 18-9 record against the spread on the road. Adding to their momentum, the Flyers defeated the Washington Capitals 4-2 at home in early February just before the Olympic break. The Capitals entered the hiatus on a hot streak, winning four of their last five games, with their only loss during that stretch coming at the hands of Philadelphia.
Pick: Flyers +1.5 (-189)
Toronto Maple Leafs at Tampa Bay Lightning
Spread: +1.5 (-125) | -1.5 (+105)
Over/Under: 6.0 Goals
The Maple Leafs hit the road to face one of the league’s hottest teams, coming off a streaky run of form. Toronto closed out the Olympic break with three consecutive wins after dropping eight of their previous nine games, while the Tampa Bay Lightning have been nearly unstoppable, winning 19 of their last 21 outings. The Lightning are heavy favorites for good reason, and with many of their key players enjoying a full Olympic break, they’ll be well-rested and primed for a dominant performance in their season return.
Pick: Lightning -1.5 (+105)
Seattle Kraken at Dallas Stars
Spread: +1.5 (-169) | -1.5 (+140)
Over/Under: 5.5 Goals
Seattle went into the Olympic break on a high note, winning six of their final eight games, while the Dallas Stars were riding their own momentum, having snapped a losing skid with six straight victories. Expect a tighter contest than many anticipate, as Seattle enters with an impressive 19-9 record against the spread on the road this season. The Kraken should test the Stars’ resolve and make for a closely contested matchup.
Pick: Kraken +1.5 (-169)
Colorado Avalanche at Utah Mammoth
Spread: -1.5 (+180) | +1.5 (-222)
Over/Under: 6.0 Goals
The Avalanche have been difficult to predict lately, dropping to a 6-7-2 record over their final 15 games before the Olympic break, while the Utah Mammoth have been red-hot, posting an 11-3-1 mark over the same stretch. With both teams highly motivated, a high-scoring contest is likely.
Colorado stars Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas both faced challenging situations at the Olympics, while Mammoth captain Clayton Keller returns fresh off a gold medal victory, eager to help his team secure a big win. Expect an exciting, offense-heavy matchup between two talented squads.
Pick: Over 6.0 Goals (-120)
Vegas Golden Knights at Los Angeles Kings
Spread: +1.5 (-278) | -1.5 (+220)
Over/Under: 5.5 Goals
It’s somewhat surprising to see the Vegas Golden Knights listed as a slight underdog, but that designation reflects their inconsistent play and tendency to frustrate bettors. The Golden Knights have struggled on the road this season, going just 11-17 against the spread, though they do enter this matchup having won two straight against the Los Angeles Kings.
History suggests a tight contest, as three of the last four meetings between these teams have been decided by a single goal, with the road team taking three of those four games. While winning three in a row against the Kings will be a tall order for Vegas, they are in position to pull off a surprising upset in this matchup.
Pick: Golden Knights ML (-105)
Winnipeg Jets at Vancouver Canucks
Spread: -1.5 (+180) | +1.5 (-222)
Over/Under: 6.0 Goals
Vancouver has struggled this season, but they could enter this matchup with a prime opportunity to take advantage of a shorthanded Winnipeg Jets squad. Star winger Kyle Connor remains in question as he travels for several commitments following his Olympic gold medal win, alongside Jets goaltender and reigning NHL MVP Connor Hellebuyck.
On top of that, Winnipeg placed their top defenseman Josh Morrissey on injured reserve Tuesday. With so many key players unavailable, the Canucks have a strong chance to capitalize and could pull off a surprising upset on the road.
Pick: Canucks ML (+115)
Edmonton Oilers at Anaheim Ducks
Spread: -1.5 (+180) | +1.5 (-222)
Over/Under: 6.5 Goals
Everyone is expecting Connor McDavid to return to the Oilers lineup, fired up after coming up short on his gold medal aspirations with Team Canada but the lines for this one are so close for a reason.
Not to mention, it won't be easy for the Oilers to score with the Ducks getting back star goaltender Lukas Dostal, who was superb for Czechia during the Olympics and is ready to give Edmonton a hard time and hold them off the scoreboard.
Pick: Under 6.5 Goals (+100)
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