NHL Betting Picks For Thursday, February 8


Tuesday was the second straight 2-0 night for our free NHL picks, bumping the season record up to 22-11.

Washington scored in the final minute of regulation time to break a 2-2 tie with Columbus and cash our Team Total Over 2.5. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights and Penguins easily sailed Over the total of 6 as Pittsburgh spoiled Marc-Andre Fleury’s return with a 5-4 victory over Vegas.

Our other pick, the Colorado Avalanche first period moneyline, pushed as the Avs and Sharks finished the opening frame scoreless. Colorado went on to beat San Jose 3-1.

On to tonight, where there are 9 games on the National Hockey League slate. We’ve got free NHL betting predictions for 2 of them.

Don’t forget to check out our live odds page if you’re interested in seeing tonight’s NHL betting lines. Otherwise, here’s what we like for tonight:

NHL Betting Picks For Tonight

Calgary Flames at New Jersey Devils

Pardon the pun, but the Flames are hot, collecting points in 13 of their last 15 games with a 9-2-4 surge. Even when they were blowing third-period leads in a recent 4-game losing skid, they still picked up overtime points in 2 of those games, and they seem to be back on track now with 3 straight victories.

The Calgary offense is firing, potting at least 3 goals in 4 of its last 5 games, and they roll into New Jersey with a 14-5-5 road record. Facing a Devils defense that has allowed at least 3 goals in 7 of its last 9 outings, there’s not much reason to think the Flames’ offensive production slows at all here.

It also helps that the Devils will probably fight back a bit, coming into this game with a 15-8-3 record at home and having potted 3+ goals in each of their last 4 games. If New Jersey scores at least 2 tonight, that forces Calgary to get to at least 3 in order to win the game.

NHL Betting Prediction: Flames Team Total Over 2.5 -130 (5Dimes)

Dallas Stars at Chicago Blackhawks

Maybe it’s because of the play of Central Division rivals Winnipeg and Nashville, but the Stars aren’t getting much attention for the excellent level of hockey they’re playing lately. Ken Hitchcock has Dallas going the right direction in its own end (the Stars have held 6 of their last 8 opponents to 1 goal in regulation time), and the talented Stars attack is doing enough most nights to take advantage. Over its last 10 games, Dallas is 7-2-1, and those losses came sandwiched around the all-star break when players might not have been completely focused.

Chicago’s stumbling towards a rare spring without postseason hockey, losing 7 of its last 9 games to fall even farther out of the tough Central race. The Blackhawks simply can’t score goals right now, striking for 2 or less in 7 of their last 10. At home, they’ve gone Under in 12 of their last 14 games, playing a lifeless and boring brand of hockey that doesn’t exactly inspire the fans.

Dallas has won all 3 meetings with Chicago this season, and given the directions that these teams are going right now, it’s hard not to expect a 4th straight win for the Stars here.

NHL Betting Prediction: Dallas Stars Moneyline -115