NHL Predictions | Kraken, Blue Jackets, Lightning Best Bets Today
Sportsgrid Staff
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NHL Best Bets for Thursday Night
With the NHL season in full swing, we’re diving into three of the best betting opportunities on tonight’s slate. By combining team trends, advanced metrics, and recent performances, we’ve identified key spots where the odds don’t fully reflect a team’s chances. Here’s where the best value lies in Thursday night’s NHL action.
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Utah Hockey Club vs Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to be undervalued despite playing some of their best hockey in 2025. Since January 4, Columbus has gone 10-4-1, showing significant improvement in both possession metrics and scoring depth. Most notably, the Blue Jackets have out-chanced their opponents in back-to-back games, generating double-digit high-danger chances in both.
Meanwhile, the Utah Hockey Club struggles defensively, leaving ample opportunities for their opponents to capitalize. Over their last six games, three teams have racked up at least 11 high-danger scoring chances against Utah, and in their two road matchups, they’ve allowed an average of 28.5 scoring chances and 13 high-danger opportunities per game.
Columbus has found an offensive rhythm, and with their recent form and home-ice advantage, they have significant value as underdogs in this matchup.
Best Bet: Blue Jackets Moneyline (+125)
Ottawa Senators vs Tampa Bay Lightning
The Ottawa Senators are in a tough scheduling spot, facing the Tampa Bay Lightning in back-to-back games on the road. This quick turnaround often favors the home team, and based on Tuesday’s 4-3 Tampa Bay win, the Sens look overmatched.
Ottawa’s offensive struggles were on full display, as they managed just 20 scoring chances and six high-danger opportunities while allowing Tampa Bay to rack up 34 and 11, respectively. The Senators’ 37.9% Corsi rating and 34.5% expected goals-for percentage indicate they were significantly outplayed—marking the fourth time in eight games they’ve fallen below 35% expected goals-for.
Conversely, Tampa Bay’s offense is surging. The Lightning have recorded at least 11 high-danger chances in three straight games, producing a cumulative 56.9% expected goals-for rating, surpassing 60% in two of those contests.
With Ottawa’s defensive struggles and poor recent form, Tampa Bay should once again dictate play, making them a strong bet to win this matchup.
Best Bet: Lightning Moneyline (-162)
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Toronto Maple Leafs vs Seattle Kraken
The Toronto Maple Leafs are off to a strong start on their four-game road trip, winning the first two contests. However, a letdown spot looms against a Seattle Kraken team that has quietly tightened up defensively.
Seattle has held four of its last five opponents to nine or fewer high-danger chances, averaging just 8.3 per game over that stretch. The improved defensive structure has led to a 50.9% expected goals-for rating, helping them control possession in four of their last five games.
Toronto, on the other hand, has struggled to generate five-on-five offense. Despite recent wins, they have been limited to just one five-on-five goal in three of their last six games. Since January 11, the Leafs are scoring on just 7.0% of their five-on-five shots, averaging only 1.7 goals per game at even strength.
While Toronto’s offense remains inconsistent, the Kraken’s scoring has surged, netting 12 goals over their last three contests. With Seattle’s improved defensive play and Toronto’s finishing struggles, the Kraken are in a prime position to pull off an upset at home.
Best Bet: Kraken Moneyline (+132)
*All Odds Courtesy FanDuel
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