NHL Picks

Matvei Gridin is receiving a late-season audition in an offensive role and has recorded two or more shots in 10 of his past 13 games while piling up an impressive 61 attempts. The 2024 first-round selection averaged a healthy 2.78 shots per game during his AHL stint this season, and the high-volume shooting dates back to putting up 4.21 per game in the QMJHL while making the CHL All-Rookie Team last year.

Moritz Seider has really upped his shot volume without Dylan Larkin in the lineup. He has averaged 4.0 shots on 7.8 attempts over four games since Larkin went down with an injury.

He did it against a difficult string of opponents as well. Seider faced the 6th, 7th, 11th, and 14th best teams in the league when it comes to suppressing shots. He still recorded 3+ shots on goal in three of four, and at least six attempts in all four.

Seider should excel against a Flames team that sits 31st in shot suppression over their past 10 games.

Jack Hughes has picked up a helper in 16 of his last 24 games, good for a 67% clip. Only once did he go back-to-back games without an assist – and he failed to record one last time out against Los Angeles.

He has a nice matchup to get right back on the horse. The Bruins rank 28th in shot suppression, tied for 18th in goals against, and have won only 12 of 31 road games.

Excluding Top-10 goal suppression teams, Hughes has an assist in 58% of his contests this season. That hit rate jumps to 77% following one day of rest.

Nobody is happier about the arrival of Artemi Panarin than Anze Kopitar. He is centering Panarin and Adrian Kempe – the team’s two leading scorers – on the top line and his production rate has predictably taken off.

Kopitar has points in six of seven games playing between the two star wingers despite five of them coming against teams in playoff position.

While the Rangers have improved defensively of late, they still sit tied for 20th in goals allowed. This is a solid matchup for Kopitar to stay hot.

The Kings are dealing with cluster injuries on the wing, most recently losing Kevin Fiala and Joel Armia.

Trevor Moore has stepped up without those players in the mix. He has averaged 3.4 shots on 6.6 attempts and gone Over 2.5 shots in seven of eight appearances. Moore recorded two shots in the only exception so he has given himself a fighting chance every single night.

A lot of his volume comes from the slot, where the Rangers rank 28th in shots allowed over the last 10 games. Expect him to take advantage.

Valeri Nichushkin has averaged more than two points per 60 with Nathan MacKinnon, and the trio, including Martin Necas, has posted an encouraging 72% xG share through 18 minutes.

The Avalanche have lost just four home games in regulation this season, but that presents opportunity, however slim. The Penguins have one of the best road records in the NHL at 17-9-7, which makes these odds at nearly +200 worth a look.