We are loving the action throughout this impressive NHL season so far. As we move into the final stretch of the season, each division’s ladder has already become well formed. This means that every single win or loss can have a significant impact on the position each team will finish in when the regular season draws to a close, so it is important that you don’t miss any of the action!
Here at SportsTips, we are just as keen on the NHL as you are! We spend each and every day going through the best games and previewing them for you. Our experts offer up their free NHL picks, which means that you not only get enjoyment out of watching some intriguing games, but also make extra cash while doing so!
Look below to find our free NHL picks, as we preview the best five games on today’s schedule.
Pittsburgh Penguins @ Tampa Bay Lightning – 7.00PM ET
The Pittsburgh Penguins are in the middle of their three game road trip and on Thursday night they will face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Since the middle of January, the Penguins have been on either a winning or losing streak, the started out with a six game winning streak, then a four game losing streak, followed by a four game winning streak, then back to a three game losing streak, and finally, they are currently on a two game winning streak. The Lightning are currently on a five game winning streak, and this takes their season record to 35-11-6.
Marko Nadin
The Tampa Bay Lightning are second in the Eastern Conference with a 3 points deficit to the leading Carolina Hurricanes. The Lightning have won the last five games and are now at 35-11-6. The defending champions are coming off a 5-2 win over the Ottawa Senators. They have won 5 of the last 6 games against the Penguins with four of them going over 5.5 goals. Tampa Bay has won 48 of the last 66 home games and 20 of the last 28 games following a win. They have also won 5 of the last six games after scoring at least five goals in the previous game.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 33-14-8 record. After losing three straight games, they bounced back with two wins against the Islanders and the Blue Jackets. Pittsburgh allows only 2.6 goals per game which puts them 4th in the league. The Penguins have won 17 of the last 22 road games and five of the last six playing after 3 or more days of rest. They have won 41 of the last 60 games following a win. Pittsburgh has played under the total goals margin in the last four games.
Marko’s NHL Pick: Under 6 (-106)
Tony Battalio
This is going to be one of the best games on the Thursday evening slate as the Pittsburgh Penguins head south to play the two time defending Stanley Cup champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Pittsburgh comes into this game with a record of 33-14-8 through their first 55 games of the season. The Penguins have performed better than some people would’ve expected them to this season. As they look like a team with a ton of potential who can make a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Even Sidney Crosby seems to have found his old self again this season, and that is huge for the Penguins this year.
.@MosaicInFlorida is donating $500 for every goal and $5,000 for every hat trick we score at home this season as part of our Goals for Food initiative.
With 8 goals in February, we added another $4,000 to our season total! 👏 pic.twitter.com/U1r8fFVrFQ
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 2, 2022
The Tampa Bay Lightning have their sights set on a three peat this season. However, it certainly won’t be a cake walk for them this year and for the third season in a row they will need to get hot at the right time. Tampa Bay comes into this game with a record of 35-11-6 through their first 52 games of the season. The Lightning are currently on a five game winning streak and have won six out of their last seven on the season. As for the result of this game, I have Tampa Bay getting another victory in this one at home over the Penguins.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning (-166)
Jeffery Thomas
The Pittsburgh Penguins got three days off after taking down the Blue Jackets on Sunday and will look to extend this modest two game winning streak on Thursday in this marquee matchup. These two teams met on October 12th, opening night of the season when the Tampa Bay Lightning raised their second straight Stanley Cup Champion banner. The cheering quickly subsided when the Penguins jumped all over the Lightning en route to a 6-2 victory. They got the win that night without Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin, but Tampa quickly got their revenge two weeks later in a 5-1 victory in Pittsburgh.
Now these Eastern Conference powerhouses will meet for the third time, with only two points separating them. Both teams come in on winning streaks and it’ll be interesting to see how this one plays out. As mentioned before, the road teams have won each of the first two meetings of these teams and I love the value we’re getting here with the road Penguins on the spread. It should be a closely contested battle of two great teams and I don’t see either side pulling away, despite how the previous two matchups went.
Jeffery’s NHL Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins +1.5 (-172)
Ottawa Senators @ Florida Panthers – 7.00PM ET
Two teams from opposite ends of the Atlantic Division will clash on Thursday night in the NHL when we see the Ottawa Senators take on the Florida Panthers. The Senators have lost their last two games in a row, with losses to the Canadiens and Lightning. The Panthers will be looking to get back on track, after dropping their last three games in a row, and this takes their season record to 35-13-5.
Marko Nadin
The Florida Panthers were on top of the Eastern Conference for the most of the season but now are third with a 35-13-5 record. They are still the best home team in the East with 23 wins in 29 games. The Panthers have lost the last three games, all of them at home. They lost 3-4 against Edmonton in the last game. Florida is the best offensive team in the league scoring 4.1 goals per game on 36.8 shots on goal. The Panthers have won 3 of the last 4 games against Ottawa. They have won the last 5 games coming off three days of rest.
The Ottawa Senators 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 19-28-5 record. They have lost 4 of the last 5 games, winning only against Minnesota in that span. The Senators are coming off a 2-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ottawa won the last game against Florida 8-2 in December 2021. The Senators have won the last 4 games following a loss of at least three goals difference. They have also won 5 of the last 6 games after allowing at least 5 goals in the previous game.
Marko’s NHL Pick: Florida Panthers (-420)
Tony Battalio
This one could get ugly fast as the Ottawa Senators are traveling south and across the border to go to the Sunshine State to take on the Florida Panthers in this one. The Ottawa Senators have been having a rough season thus far as they are below .500 with less than 30 games left in the regular season. They come into this game with a record of 19-28-5 through their first 52 games of the season. Ottawa is already virtually eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs at this point and are already likely looking towards the off-season and the draft.
🎥 Huberdeau, Lundell, and Coach Brunette on turning things around tomorrow at home. pic.twitter.com/0SmT8kKfIL
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) March 2, 2022
The Florida Panthers have been one of the best teams in the National Hockey League so far this season. They come into this matchup against Ottawa with a record of 35-13-5 through their first 53 games of the season. Florida is one of the main favorites in the Eastern Conference to win the conference championship and the Stanley Cup Finals. They are currently in second place of the Atlantic Division, as they are a single point behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for first place in the division. As for the result of this game, I have the Florida Panthers getting the easy win over the Ottawa Senators at home.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Florida Panthers (-420)
Jeffery Thomas
The Panthers are having a great season but have to get back on track now after three losses in a row to the Predators, Blue Jackets and Oilers. The most shocking part of the losing streak is that they were all at home, where they have been dominant on the year. A Thursday matchup at home against the hapless Senators is exactly what they need to right the ship. Ottawa lost 2-5 in Tampa on Tuesday after going up 2-0 early in the first period. By the end of that period the game was tied and then by the end of the 2nd they were down 2. It was just another bad loss and their record now sits at 19-28-5, which has them at 6th place in the Atlantic Division.
Having 4 days off should do wonders for a Panthers team that suffered a heartbreaking 3-4 loss in their last game against Edmonton. Now with a game where they have favorable matchups in all aspects, I expect them to dominate from the opening puck drop. Their defense will be able to create turnovers and limit shots, and their offense should have no problem getting whatever they want. Panthers all day.
Jeffery’s NHL Pick: Florida Panthers -2.5 (+104)
Carolina Hurricanes @ Washington Capitals – 7.00PM ET
The Carolina Hurricanes wrap up their short two game road trip on Thursday night when they clash with the Washington Capitals. The Hurricanes had their five game winning streak snapped last time out, thanks to the Red Wings, 3-4, in overtime. The Capitals will be looking to get back on track after dropping their last three games to the Rangers, Flyers and Maple Leafs.
Marko Nadin
The Carolina Hurricanes jumped in the front seat in the Eastern Conference and will try to stay there by the end of the regular season. Currently they are at 37-11-5 record and are coming off a 3-4 overtime loss against the Detroit Red Wings. That was the Hurricanes’ first loss after five consecutive wins. Carolina has won 18 of the last 24 games against teams with a winning record and 23 of the last 29 Thursday games. Carolina has played over the total goals margin in 6 of the last 7 road games.
The Washington Capitals are eighth in the Eastern Conference with a 28-18-9 record and have an 8 point advantage over Columbus who is 9th. The Capitals have lost the last three games to the New York Rangers, Philadelphia and Toronto. Washington has won the last three games against Carolina, including a 4-2 win this season. The Capitals have lost 5 of the last 7 games as home underdog and the last 6 at home overall. They have played over the total goals margin in the last four home games as underdogs.
Marko’s NHL Pick: Carolina Hurricanes (-126)
Tony Battalio
The Carolina Hurricanes have been another one of the top teams in the National Hockey League. Much like Tampa Bay and Florida, the Southeastern part of the United States has produced some fantastic hockey this season, and has three teams that are very capable of winning a Stanley Cup trophy this year. Carolina comes into this game with a record of 37-11-5 through their first 53 games of the season. The Carolina Hurricanes are currently on a one game losing streak after losing to the Detroit Red Wings in their last game. The loss to Detroit snapped a five game winning streak for Carolina.
These guys can Finnish 🇫🇮 pic.twitter.com/2ouuQ3SrML
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) March 2, 2022
The Washington Capitals are coming into this game with a record of 28-18-9 through their first 55 games of the season. Led by Alexander Ovechkin who is on a historic mission of his own, the Washington Capitals will be looking to lift another Stanley Cup this season. Washington is currently sitting in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division as they hold onto the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. However the Columbus Blue Jackets are right on their tails, only a couple games behind. As for the result of this game, I have the Hurricanes getting the win over Washington on the road.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Carolina Hurricanes (-126)
Jeffery Thomas
Most teams love playing at home, but it hasn’t been the case for the Washington Capitals, who went 0-4 in February in DC and have lost the last six at home overall. All the losses were in regulation and in half of them, they’ve failed to score more than 1 goal. That’s all good news for the Hurricanes who will come in on a seven-game points streak despite losing their last game to Detroit (in overtime of course). Prior to that game, they had won five straight and a win here would help extend their lead in the Metropolitan Division.
The Capitals have not won a game in two weeks, which was 5-3 over the Flyers way back on February 17. I don’t think this a good spot for them to get out of that rut, against a Carolina team that has been one of the most consistent and balanced teams all year. The goaltending for the Canes has been their catalyst, and now they get to face a Caps team that has no offense right now. Carolina will roll into DC and get this victory on Thursday.
Jeffery’s NHL Pick: Carolina Hurricanes (-126)
Montreal Canadiens @ Calgary Flames – 9.00PM ET
The road trip continues for the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday when they travel to Calgary and take on the Flames. The Canadiens were on their longest winning streak of their season (by far), but last time out they lost to the Jets, 4-8, snapping their streak at five games. The Flames will be looking to build on their winning streak, as they have back-to-back wins over the Wild.
Marko Nadin
The Calgary Flames are third in the Western Conference with a 32-14-6 record. They have won 12 of the last 13 games, losing only to the Vancouver Canucks in that span. The Flames are coming off back-to-back wins over the Minnesota Wild by a 4 goal differential in each of them. The Flames score 3.5 goals per game which ranks them 7th in the league and are second allowing 2.4 goals per game. The Flames have won the last five games after scoring at least 5 goals in the previous one.
The Montreal Canadiens are on the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 13-34-7 record. The last season’s Stanley Cup finalists won 5 straight games before losing 4-8 against Winnipeg in the last one. They have the second-worst offense in the league scoring 2.3 goals per game on 29.5 shots on goal per game and 12.4 PP%. Montreal has won the last two games against Calgary. Montreal has lost 24 of the last 31 games after one day rest and 42 of the last 55 games overall.
Marko’s NHL Pick: Calgary Flames (-430)
Tony Battalio
The Montreal Canadiens have had a rough season up until this point. It won’t get any easier for them when they meet the hottest team in the National Hockey League at the moment, the Calgary Flames on the road in Alberta. Montreal comes into this game with a record of 13-34-7 as they are 28 games below the .500 mark through their first 54 games of the season. The Canadiens are in last place in the Atlantic Division at this point in the season and that is unlikely to change anytime soon.
Prochain arrêt, Calgary.
Next stop, Calgary.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/rbJ4kQT1Gv
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 2, 2022
The Calgary Flames, as previously mentioned, have been the hottest team in the National Hockey League for the last month or so. They come into this game sitting on top of the Pacific Division after surging past the Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings in recent weeks. Calgary comes into this all Canadian matchup with a record of 32-14-6 through their first 52 games of the season. They have emerged as a serious Stanley Cup trophy threat and as for the result of this game, I have Calgary getting the win over Montreal.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Calgary Flames (-430)
Jeffery Thomas
It’s been a very rough season for the Canadiens, but ever since their head coaching change, Montreal has been an actually decent hockey club. They’ve amassed a 5-4 record under coach Martin St. Louis and have seen an uptick in offensive production. Their trio of Josh Anderson, Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield have combined for 28 points in the nine games under St. Louis. They face a stiff test on Thursday against a Calgary team that has been super dominant over the past month, and really put the league on notice in their recent home and home series against the Wild.
They dominated the set by an aggregate score of 12-3 and now will look to keep the hot streak going against Montreal in front of their home fans. The Flames have averaged a robust 4.37 goals in their last eight games. Games in Calgary recently have also been going over at an alarming rate also, with a 5-2-1 record and a combined average of 6.62 goals in their last eight home games. With Calgary being such a huge favorite, the best value in this game is on the total which sits at 6.5 currently, and given the recent form of both teams we should comfortably get the over.
Jeffery’s NHL Pick: Over 6.5 (-104)
Colorado Avalanche @ Arizona Coyotes – 9:00PM ET
Another game today where we see two teams from opposite ends of the same division go toe-to-toe. This time we will see the Colorado Avalanche travel to Arizona and take on the Coyotes. The Avalanche are currently on a four game winning streak, with wins over the Red Wings, Jets, Golden Knights and Islanders. The Coyotes have lost four of their last six games, and this takes their season record to 14-35-4.
Marko Nadin
The Colorado Avalanche are the best team in the league with a 40-10-4 record. They have won the last 4 games and are coming off a 5-3 win over the New York Islanders. Colorado scores 4 goals per game while allowing 2.8. They have won 4 of the last 5 games against Arizona. The Avalanche have won 9 of the last 10 road games and 40 of the last 57 games against Western Conference teams. Colorado has played over the total goals margin in the last 4 games against teams with a losing record.
The Arizona Coyotes are on the bottom of the Western Conference with a 14-35-4 record. They have lost 3 of the last 5 games, most recently 3-5 against Winnipeg. Arizona is the worst offensive team in the league with 2.3 goals on 25.9 shots on goal. Arizona has lost 38 of the last 51 games as an underdog and 21 of the last 27 as home underdog. The Coyotes have lost 17 of the last 21 games following a game in which they allowed 5 or more goals.
Marko’s NHL Pick: Colorado Avalanche (-410)
Tony Battalio
The Colorado Avalanche are the favorites for the Stanley Cup trophy and have been for the majority of the regular season. They come into this game as the top team in the National Hockey League with a record of 40-10-4 through their first 54 games of the season. They are in first place and hold a double digit lead in the Central Division as they look to be running away with it, and will likely end up finishing first place in the Western Conference as well. Colorado is currently on a four game winning streak they will be looking to extend in this one against the worst team in the league, the Arizona Coyotes.
It’s a beautiful day to fly. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/qVmOYHiX7q
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 2, 2022
The previously mentioned Arizona Coyotes have had an embarrassingly rough season. As they have been the worst team in the National Hockey League and nearly locked out of their arena due to non payment issues as well. They come into this game with a record of 14-35-4 as they are 25 games below .500 through their first 53 games of the season. They are currently on a one game losing streak after getting beat in their last contest by the Winnipeg Jets by a score of 3-5 at home. As for the result of this contest, I have the Coyotes losing another one and I look for the Colorado Avalanche to get the easy win on the road.
Tony’s NHL Pick: Colorado Avalanche (-410)
Jeffery Thomas
It was a 5-3 win over the Islanders at home on Tuesday for the Colorado Avalanche that pushed their winning streak out to four games. They’ve been one of the most dominant teams all season and there’s been no sign of slowing down for them. They are susceptible to hiccups away from their home ice, with 9 of their 14 losses this year coming away from their Ball Arena. With an inferior opponent in Arizona on Thursday followed by a colossal meeting with the Flames, they’ll have to be careful of this trappy look ahead spot. The Coyotes will be on three days rest and will be looking to take down the Avs for a second time this season.
This scrappy bunch has recently taken down Vegas and Dallas as a +200 or higher underdog so they can’t be overlooked. The main reason for those upsets was the play of starting goaltender Scott Hedgewood, who has allowed 2 or fewer goals in four of his last six outings. All signs point to a possible covering of the spread by Arizona but the talent gap is just too vast in this meeting. Arizona would be more likely to sneak up on Colorado if they hadn’t already beat them this year, but now the Avs know they have to take them seriously and that’s exactly what they’ll do. Give me the Avalanche in a rout.
Jeffery’s NHL Pick: Colorado Avalanche -2.5 (+116)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of writing, courtesy of FanDuel.
