Written by Graeme on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026
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Unfortunate that the Winter Classic was quite a blowout yesterday. Always enjoy those different setups for games though and really neat to see visually.
Not really too much else to say yesterday. Knights lost in a tight one. Kraken also a tight one.
Wild ran riot over the Ducks there.
Let’s look at Saturdays big slate.
Hopefully the teams have got the electrolytes going to get rid of their New Years hangovers.
And a big shoutout to Wilfried Nancy – hope you are the Celtic manager for years to come. He may not even be the Celtic manager by the time I’ve finished these tips!
Wings vs Penguins
Just played. I always pass on those.
Blue Jackets vs Sabres:
Bookies have this as 50/50. Jackets had strung three wins together before losing to the Devils. Sabres on quite the impressive run.
Data goes the Jackets way on everything except goaltending, which is the big factor for Buffalo right now. They’ve held together so well that I can’t back against them. I do think there is value in the Jackets winning here, but it’s very tough when the bet is riding highly on a goaltending performance.
Devils vs Mammoth:
Two teams coming off wins here. They did recently play on the 19th where the Devils sneaked a 2-1 win on the road.
A slight edge to the Mammoth here, but at the odds, and with both teams respective home/road records, not a play for me.
Oilers vs Flyers:
Oilers been a bit hot and cold lately – same with Flyers. Bookies have the Oilers as heavy favourites. I….really don’t see that. It seems like much closer to a 50/50 game for me.
I…actually think there might be something here for Philly. The xG stats are quite erratic, but I think there is solid value on the Flyers here. I’m definitelt a bit concenred with how the Flyers handle the Oilers speed, but they played tight enough against them back in November.
Primarily for value.
Flyers incl OT/SO if Vladar in net
Ontario: 2.50 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Canada: 2.50 Odds at Bovada
USA: +150 Odds at Bovada
Everyone Else: 2.50 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2026/01/03 11:02:40 AM EST but are subject to change.)
Blues vs Canadiens:
Blues on a B2B which makes this one trickier although coming off a nice win so could be momentum. At the price, happy to pass on the Habs here.
Sharks vs Lightning:
Not seeing anything here. Sharks are a bit too erratic at both sides of the ice to feel confident backing Tampa in reg. I do think Tampa should take it though but I’d need better odds.
Capitals vs Blackhawks:
It’s all about whether the metrics are there to back the Caps -1.5. And they are not – not even close. I mean I can’tb ack them with how their offense is but man with the Caps metrics etc – I don’t mind a sneaky play on the Blackhawks today.
Like it’s to the point where I am legitimately re-looking it and seeing if I can back it, as I love that price. They have started to kinda click and get used to life without Bedard.
Easily falls into the “Yeah I am betting it but cannot bring myself to advise” it category.
Hurricanes vs Avalanche:
Nothing here. I think Avs should take it but not a fan of the price on the road.
Flames vs Predators:
Flames slight favourites here as they look to build off that big Philly win. Tough contest against the Preds. This is one of those games where if the data leaned either way I’d go right to it. But not seeing anything in the metrics here. Looks like a close one and a good battle.
Islanders vs Leafs:
Bookies have this one as a 50/50. Probably largely in part due to the Leafs piss-poor road record. Thankfully the metrics really arent in their favour enough to force me to make a decision on that one. I definitely could see a Leafs win here but with that road record, I don’t mind passing.
Senators vs Jets:
Yeah I mean these two juuuust played. By the data I’d probably go Sens again but you know how it is with these quick turnarounds.
Kings vs Wild:
With the Wild on a B2B I will pass.
Canucks vs Bruins:
And not really spotting anything here. Some leans towards the Bruins but certainly not at 1.76 odds on the road.
Blackhawks +1.5, Avs in regulation, fuck the Islanders