NHL Best Bets for Friday 1/16/26
Use Code WWWC The NHL is a great league to bet on and has plenty of betting angles. Now, we have the best bets for the NHL games for Friday 1/16/26 here at Winners and Whiners. Make sure you check out all of our free NHL picks to find even more great winning picks.
Sharks vs Red Wings
Both San Jose and Detroit have shown flashes of strong play this season, especially considering their recent struggles in prior years. Even though the Sharks are listed as the underdog on the moneyline, that’s not the angle I’m targeting here. Instead, I’m focusing on the puck line, where San Jose sits at +1.5 with a price of -142. Given how evenly matched these two teams appear on paper and across the betting lines, that number feels fair and very manageable. With neither side holding a clear edge, the Sharks keeping this game close looks like a solid play.
Panthers vs Hurricanes
Florida and Carolina have delivered some entertaining battles in recent seasons, and this year has continued that trend. While the Panthers have already taken the season series, the bigger story lies with the total. The number is set at 6.5 goals, and both previous meetings between these teams this year have gone over that mark. With the way these offenses generate chances, I expect another high-scoring contest that pushes this total past the posted number once again.
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Lightning vs Blues
When breaking down Tampa Bay versus St. Louis, the total stands out right away. At just 5.5 goals, the line feels a bit low for two teams capable of putting pucks in the net. Tampa averages 3.51 goals per game, while the Blues allow 3.38 on the defensive side. That combination suggests the Lightning could flirt with four goals on their own. Even if St. Louis contributes just a couple, that’s more than enough to clear this total, making the over the preferred play.
Predators vs Avalanche
Colorado’s home dominance is impossible to ignore, as the Avalanche remain unbeaten on their own ice this season. While the moneyline price of -310 isn’t attractive from a betting perspective, the puck line offers much better value. Colorado sits at -1.5 with odds around -125, which is far more reasonable. With a high-powered offense and a disciplined defense that limits scoring chances, the Avalanche are well-positioned to win by multiple goals.
Ducks vs Kings
Both Anaheim and Los Angeles have shown moments of solid play, but consistency has been hard to come by for either side. Even with the Kings heavily favoured, this matchup isn’t as straightforward as it may appear. The angle I like here is the under, with the total set at 6.5 goals. Los Angeles averages just 2.59 goals per game while allowing 2.74, and their offensive struggles should limit scoring opportunities. Although the Ducks average more goals, their defense hasn’t been strong enough to exploit the Kings. All signs point toward a lower-scoring affair.
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