Updated: 8:50 AM ET January 22, 2026

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The bridge to Friday brings a nice 8-game slate in the NHL. The action begins hot and heavy at 7:00 pm ET with Golden Knights vs Bruins and Sabres vs Canadiens. The evening is then capped with another great game, with Red Wings vs Wild live on ESPN at 9:30 pm ET. Hockey fans are in for a great night. If you will be tuning in and want to have some action, I’ve picked out my NHL best bets for tonight, with lines and odds courtesy of DraftKings at the time of writing. Also, be sure to check out all of our NHL predictions for every game throughout the season, including all 8 matchups today.

NHL best bet: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 over Chicago Blackhawks (-120)

The Hurricanes make for a tough matchup against most teams in the NHL. The Blackhawks are certainly no exception. Carolina enters this game having won 3 consecutive games as part of a current 7-1-1 run. The Hurricanes have been one of the best teams in hockey all season, and their recent play suggests they are destined to continue their long-season form. Carolina ranks 4th in the NHL in goals scored per game and 8th in goals allowed per game. They have flexed both strengths, having outscored opponents 15-3 during their 3-game winning streak.

This is a tough matchup for a Blackhawks team that has dropped 3 out of their last 4 games, and scored just 6 total goals during that span. With that, they have scored 2 or fewer goals in 5 out of their last 6 games. If either team holds to both their season-long and recent averages, this one should be all Carolina. The Hurricanes’ advantages are furthered by hosting this matchup at the Lenovo Center, where they have won 5 straight and are 18-8-1 on the season. The Hurricanes puck line has appeal tonight.

NHL best bet: Dallas Stars vs Columbus Blue Jackets over 6.5 (-105)

The dynamic in this game is an interesting one. Dallas has been arguably the second-best team in the NHL all year. However, they have hit a recent slump that they just can’t seem to break. Meanwhile, Columbus is a week removed from a head coaching change that, so far, has bore fruit, as they try to climb back into the playoff race. With that, there is desperation on both sides of this game. Where there is desperation, there is a team with extra vulnerability that is more likely to take chances on the offensive side of the puck.

The Stars got a much-needed win on Tuesday with a 6-2 victory over the Bruins. That follows a stretch in which they really struggled to keep the puck out of their net. Dallas has recently shown a range of outcomes that is now matched up against a Columbus team that has also been volatile. The Blue Jackets have either scored or allowed 4+ goals in 9 out of their last 10 games, not leaving much work remaining for the over. The matchup, recent results, and urgency of both teams bodes well for the over.

NHL best bet: Detroit Red Wings vs Minnesota Wild over 6.5 (+114)

The plus-money odds for the game total over in this one is great value, even for a total of 6.5 goals. The over has hit in 12 out of Minnesota’s last 13 games, and their average game total during that stretch is 7.31 goals. Minnesota’s record in those games is 6-4-3, including 3 home games and 10 road games. Lately, it has not mattered whether the Wild win or lose, or where they play. Their game totals are climbing thanks to rampant volatility on both sides of the puck. 

The Red Wings make for a good dance partner for a game total over. Their offense is buzzing lately, scoring 4+ goals in 6 out of their last 8 games. That follows consecutive games in which they allowed 4 goals. The Red Wings are playing great hockey right now and have a nice matchup against a Wild team that has allowed goals in bunches lately. If they hold to their recent averages, they will be able to generate offense against the Wild and force Minnesota to have to score to stay in the game. These are 2 offensive, somewhat volatile teams, and the over is a great look. 

Read our full Red Wings vs Wild prediction for tonight’s matchup on ESPN