We're riding into this week after a big 4-1 Saturday last time out and with the Olympic break looming, we're not passing on any prime opportunities to stack this NHL loot. With an unusually busy Friday night schedule that saw 16 teams in action, this week's betting board is uncharacteristically thin, especially if you count out there two matinee tilts. We're honing in on the evening matchups with our top-three betting breakdowns and favorite side plays for tonight's mini seven-game slate. As always, good luck and let's get this paper.

Updated 2025-26 Saturday Record (Daily Record Tracked/Posted @Flips_Picks):

Gold: 6-5
Silver: 6-5
Bronze: 7-4
Side Bets: 13-18

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Gold Selection
Tampa Bay Lightning @ Columbus Blue Jackets – Pick: Lightning ML (-120)

At this point, betting against the Tampa Bay Lightning feels like stepping in front of a moving freight train. The Bolts are once again reminding the league why they remain one of the NHL's gold-standard organizations, rolling through opponents with depth, structure, and elite star power. Nikita Kucherov is driving the bus yet again, authoring another MVP-caliber season with a ridiculous 74 points, and when he's humming, this entire lineup follows suit.

Yes, this is the second leg of a back-to-back for Tampa after a road win in Chicago last night, and yes, Jonas Johansson is expected to get the nod in net. Johansson has been shaky at times this season, sporting a 2.73 GAA and .896 SV% — not exactly numbers that inspire blind confidence. But context matters. Tampa continues to insulate its goaltenders better than most teams in the league, and they're coming into this matchup red-hot, winners of three straight and an absurd 9-0-1 over their last 10 games.

Perhaps most importantly, the Lightning are road warriors. Their 19-4-4 record away from Amalie Arena is among the NHL's best, and it speaks to their maturity and ability to dictate games regardless of venue. Even with the schedule spot and backup goalie baked into the line, Tampa's depth, elite puck possession, and finishing ability make them the clear play. Sometimes the sharp bet is trusting the best team — and this is one of those spots against the Blue Jackets.

Silver Selection
Detroit Red Wings @ Winnipeg Jets – Pick: Dylan Larkin Anytime Assist (+142)

Larkin has quietly been one of the most complete and productive forwards in the league this season, and his playmaking upside makes this anytime assist prop a strong value look. The Red Wings captain has already piled up 25 goals and 22 assists on the year, and he continues to be the engine that drives Detroit's offensive success. The matchup helps, too. Winnipeg has been one of the biggest disappointments in the NHL this season, failing to live up to expectations and struggling to find consistency on both sides of the puck. Meanwhile, Detroit is flying. The Wings are 7-2-1 over their last 10 games and sit just one point back of the Eastern Conference lead, playing fast, confident hockey with purpose.

Larkin's chemistry with Lucas Raymond has been a major factor in that surge. Raymond is red-hot right now, and Larkin's ability to draw defenders and distribute through seams puts him in prime position to pick up helpers. Add in his strong history against Winnipeg — 13 points in 19 career regular-season games — and the case gets even stronger. With Detroit rolling and their top line clicking, Larkin setting up a goal feels more likely than not.

Bronze Selection
L.A. Kings @ St. Louis Blues – Pick: Kings ML (-137)

Sometimes the simplest handicap is the correct one, and this matchup screams opportunity for the Los Angeles Kings. The St. Louis Blues are spiraling — losers of three straight, sliding into second-last in the Western Conference, and surrounded by trade deadline rumors involving nearly every core piece on the roster. When names like Robert Thomas, Jordan Kyrou, Justin Faulk, and even Jordan Binnington are all floating in speculation, it's hard to maintain focus.

Speaking of Binnington, his struggles have been well documented. An 8-14-6 record with a bloated 3.57 GAA and .868 SV% has torpedoed St. Louis far too often. On the second night of a back-to-back after a loss to Dallas, the Blues are expected to turn to Joel Hofer, who has been marginally better at 11-10-2 but still faces a tough spot behind a leaky defensive group. St. Louis has allowed the fourth-most goals in the NHL this season, and those issues don't magically disappear on tired legs.

Los Angeles, on the other hand, comes in rested and motivated. While the Kings have been average of late, they're firmly in the playoff hunt in the Pacific Division and know these are the games they have to bank. Darcy Kuemper has been excellent this season while posting a 12-9-9 record, giving L.A. reliable goaltending night in and night out. Kuemper will need to re-find his early-season form if this group wants to punch its postseason ticket, and that starts tonight against the hapless Blues. The Kings already handled the Blues in their lone meeting earlier this year and should again tonight against a disjointed St. Louis team that's trending in the wrong direction. L.A. is a smart, steady moneyline play.

Side Bets
Florida Panthers @ Minnesota Wild – Pick: Wild ML (-148)
Detroit Red Wings @ Winnipeg Jets – Pick: Red Wings ML (+128)
Carolina Hurricanes @ Ottawa Senators – Pick: Hurricanes ML (-148)

Flip Livingstone is an NHL betting expert, fantasy writer, and daily podcast host with the Locked On Fantasy Hockey pod. He also has experience at outlets such as theScore NHL, Postmedia, and Hockey Night in Canada. You can follow him @Flips_Picks.