Written by Graeme on Saturday, January 17th, 2026
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Quite the day yesterday in the NHL.
The Florida Panthers got absolutely destroyed by the Hurricanes in an absolute thrashing. 9-1 for Carolina.
Tampa in regulation was the trap spot I expected, so glad I avoided that.
Wings came in as expected – just wish the data had backed it up but hopefully some of you backed.
And thankfully the data did not back up Avs -1.5 as they got cleaned out by the Preds.
Let’s see what we got on a very busy Saturday – looks to be one potential trap play i’m going to walk into, and man not seeing much else.
Sabres vs Wild
Sabres continue to look good,and are favoured here against a struggling Minnesota Wild. Data doesn’t lean their way, unfortunately.
Flyers vs Rangers
Both unbackable. I’d certainly lean Flyers but you can’t convince me to blindly back a team on a losing run like this – and at the odds it’d have to be in regulation. No thanks.
Flames vs Islanders
Fuck the Islanders. Not seeing anything in the data here anyway.
Mammoth vs Kraken
I like the Mammoth here. Let’s see if the data back is up. Much better CF % FF%, slightly better SCGF. better GF% although it’s close and xGF% is quite close too with Mammoth just leading there.
I’d take them incl OT/SO, but I don’t have enough confidence to take them in regulation at their odds.
Devils vs Hurricanes
Happy to pass with Canes coming off that bit of a bizarro game.
Penguins vs Blue Jackets
Happy to pass as they recently played and Penguins are starting to bother me a bit lately betting wise.
Even looking at the data – yeeeah there is nothing.
Capitals vs Panthers
Happy to pass after last night. By the metrics – eh, who knows. Caps offense concern me right now as mentioned earlier in the week.
Senators vs Canadiens
Sens with two wins in a row. Bookies have them as decent favourites. By the data yeah maybe. It’s tricky as their goaltending record last 10 is high but obviously a few anomalies in there.
I’m not seeing enough to back them.
Jets vs Leafs
Jets look to continue their run. These two had a 9 goal thriller on January 1st.
The over 5.5 feels like a big fat trap considering the Jets recent results and how some of teh Leafs games have gone.
By the data – I mean I don’t hate 5.5. Leafs GA/60 and xGF/60 are a bit negative for it but their SCGF/60 is so great right now.
If it’s a trap then hey I’m walking right into it. Even if Nylander is out I can’t see it being THAT much of a factor.
Over 5.5 Goals
Ontario: 1.83 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Canada: 1.83 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
USA: -120 Odds at Intertops.
Everyone Else: 1.83 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2026/01/17 10:44:47 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Blackhawks vs Bruins
Based on their run, I obviously like the Bruins here. However all of those wins are at home and this is their first road game in a bit so that makes it risky. Their road form isn’t bad at 10-11-1. But it’s a little bit too close for comfort for me at the odds.
Canucks vs Oilers
I mean SURELY the Oilers don’t blow this one. Canucks are a dumpster fire right now. However with this being the first time the Canucks are at home in awhile, and looking at their actual offensive advanced metrics – I am going to pass. A high CF/60 and xGF/60 could make this an interesting one.
Ducks vs Kings
Just played.
Knights vs Predators
Both on a B2B, happy to pass.
