Best NHL Bets Today | NHL Picks, January 3

There are only two NHL games playing in the middle of the week, but they are games that have huge benefits. The race for the NHL Playoffs is already starting to get heavy in a few loaded divisions, including the game of the night tonight. Another matchup has the potential to be a significant betting opportunity for casual NHL fans and sports bettors. These oddsmakers are giving great opportunities for fans of the NHL and casual bettors to potentially earn some great winnings tonight through DraftKings.

New Jersey Devils vs. Washington Capitals

• Time: 7:30 PM E.T. - Wednesday

• Moneyline: Devils (-162) | Capitals (+136)

• Puck Line: Devils -1.5 (+145) | Capitals +1.5 (-175) 

• Total: Over 6.5 (-108) | Under 6.5 (-112)

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. Skate into NHL action with DraftKings – Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets!

My Pick: Washington Capitals (WAS)

The top game of the night is set for the Metropolitan Divisional battle between the Washington Capitals (18-11-6) host the New Jersey Devils (19-14-2). The Capitals and the Devils are just below the bottom half of easily the NHL's best and most competitive division. Any win will be huge in the race for the NHL Playoffs.

This game will be the third matchup of the season between the Capitals and the Devils as Washinton has won both outcomes. The Capitals took the early season game on October 25 with a 6-4 score as center Dylan Strome scored two goals. Devils forward Tyler Toffoli accounted for two goals and an assist, while center Jack Hughes accounted for three assists.

A few weeks later, the Capitals took care of business with their offense, once again, on November 10 with a 4-2 in Newark, New Jersey for the second time. Washington forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel accounted for one goal and an assist.

Tonight will be the first time the rivals will meet in Washington D.C. this season. The Devils are coming into this game with the seventh-ranked scoring offense (3.46 goals per game). The Capitals, who are more conservative and slower-paced on offense, are only averaging 2.39 points per game.

Defensively, Washington has a significant edge as it ranks tenth in the league in goals allowed per game (2.8) while New Jersey allows 3.59 goals per game (28th in the league).

 While the Devils are the more consistent team offensively, the Capitals are a team that plays up to the opponent's level of productivity, especially if that opponent are the Devils.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Anaheim Ducks

• Time: 9:00 PM E.T. - Wednesday

• Moneyline: Maple Leafs (-192) | Ducks (+160)

• Puck Line: Maple Leafs -1.5 (+124) | Ducks +1.5 (-148) 

• Total: Over 6.5 (-130) | Under 6.5 (+110)

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook. Head on over to DraftKings to bet on our picks!

My Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs (TOR)

The final game of the night is set for an Eastern Conference versus Western Conference matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs visiting the Anaheim Ducks. This game will be the first time that the Maple Leafs and the Ducks meet on the ice this season.

Toronto is coming off a huge 3-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings to shed a three-game losing streak. Anaheim has won only one game in the last five matchups with their one game being a huge 5-2 over the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Maple Leafs are coming into this game with a more efficient offense thanks to the seller play of center Auston Matthews and forward William Nylander. They are averaging 3.51 goals per game due to their stellar play from their star duo and a tremendous amount of role players. Anaheim is only averaging 2.56 goals per game, among the worst in the league due to the inefficient amount of star players on their team.

There's not that much of a difference defensively, however, as Toronto is allowing an average of 3.4 goals per game while Anaheim allows an average of 3.39 goals per game. The Maple Leafs have a much more trusting defense.

Toronto is a team that has Stanley Cup Finals hopes, while Anaheim is still rebuilding as a franchise. The Maple Leafs are more capable of shedding a significant losing streak than the Ducks.

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