Written by Graeme on Saturday, December 27th, 2025
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I hope everyone had a good holiday season.
The NHL is back after a brief break with a lot of games.
You never know how teams are going to react post-Christmas break. Whether some are coming out extra motivated, others are still feeling the turkey etc.
One of those things where it’s not worth factoring into the actual bets as it’d all be guesswork, but sometimes better to bet a little bit less and proceed with caution.
Let’s get at it:
Islanders vs Rangers:
Eh – nothing jumping out for either team.
Leafs vs Senators:
Feels so weird seeing the Leafs as home dogs here. By the metrics odds are spot on.
Jets vs Wild:
After a great run, the Wild come in on the back of two losses. Jets are not a pushover but I do think the Wild should have what it takes here. Yeah worse CF% but that’s typical for the Wild.
I dunno it’s one of those games where I don’t have too much to say – I just look at the data and think yeah that’s a play. Coming off the back of two losses, hopefully the Wild have that extra motivation tonight.
Wild incl OT/SO
Ontario: 1.86 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Canada: 1.86 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
USA: -114 Odds at BetOnline.
Everyone Else: 1.86 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2025/12/27 8:48:43 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Panthers vs Lightning:
Just recently played. Bookies have it as a flip. I’d have to agree. Nothing jumping out from the data that has me lean one way or the other.
Devils vs Capitals:
Devils come in on the back of two losses. Their offense has been torrid lately. It’s a tricky one – I’d love to take the Caps here as dogs with how woeful the Devils scoring has been – but their xG is excellent, and with the Caps defensive metrics this could be a decent matchup for them.
Hurricanes vs Red Wings:
I’m not backing it but I think Wings aren’t too shabby a bet here at their odds.
Sabres vs Bruins:
I quite like the Sabres here but the data doesn’t back it up. Feels more like 50/50 type odds. But I’m definitely not taking Boston either so no play.
Stars vs Blackhawks:
Would have to be Stars -1.5. Advanced metrics don’t back that up at all.
Blues vs Predators:
These two played on December 11th and Predators ran out 7-2 winners. Then again on the 15th, and Preds 5-2 winners. So of course they are dogs here. Love hockey for that. The metrics do lean the Preds way actually. I’m a bit hesitant with how recently they played, but think there is enough to go with Predators incl OT/SO if Saros in net. I like what they have been doing lately and hope they can continue it on this road trip.
Ontario: 1.95 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Canada: 1.95 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
USA: -106 Odds at BetOnline.
Everyone Else: 1.95 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2025/12/27 8:48:43 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Kings vs Ducks:
I’m good not backing either team here.
Flames vs Oilers:
Just played.
Canucks vs Sharks:
Canucks are too big a favourite considering the metrics and data I’d say – but then you throw in the Sharks goaltending and it makes more sense. Not really one I’m interested in backing.
Knights vs Avs:
Avs probably take it. Would have to be in regulation and no thanks.
