NHL Best Bets Today, 1/29: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Wednesday

We have a solid five-game NHL slate to get us through the middle of the week and the story tonight is injuries.
A few teams are starting to see players pile up on the injury report and it changes lines and roles for the remaining players. With that said, let's jump into today's NHL Best Bets!
NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 1/29
While NHL injuries suck to see in terms of real-life hockey and putting the best product on the ice, it does open up an opportunity in the prop market.
If we believe certain players are due for an increased role, we can jump on props early before the sportsbooks react, which is perfect for our NHL best bets today.
Flyers vs. Devils Prediction: Wednesday, January 29th
The other night, we were under the impression that the New Jersey Devils' top-line center, Nico Hischier, was day-to-day and would be a minor issue. Today, we got the update that he is “week-to-week”, which changes our view of their players and their props.
While Jack Hughes is always a solid option, let's turn to Jesper Bratt, who should be looking to do a bit more on the offensive end to make up for Hischier being out. Long story short, Hughes' props are always in the same spot, but I believe we can jump on some Bratt props now and moving forward.
He comes in with 27 shots on goal in his last 10 games and while some of that sample size is with Hischier in the lineup, it's good to see he has at least three shots in each of his last four games. Three of those game occurred with Hischier in the lineup, a good indication that he's already a consistent shooter for the Devils.
When it comes to the matchup versus the Flyers, it's the same one we saw on Monday night where Bratt had six shots on goal. Bratt's prop is only at 2.5 and we're still getting plus money on it. I'm anticipating that it will stay at 2.5 for a few games but the juice will shift to the over. Let's jump on this while we can.
- Expert Flyers vs. Devils Picks:
- Jesper Bratt Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (+122 on FanDuel)
- New Jersey 3-Way Money Line (-110 on FanDuel)
Wild vs. Maple Leafs Prediction: Wednesday, January 29th
The Maple Leafs come into this game on a two-game losing and I expect them to come away with the win over the short-handed Minnesota Wild.
A lack of scoring over the last two games for the Leafs but it hasn't been for a lack of trying, as they've out-shot their opponents in these last two losses. If they're going to bounce back with a win, I expect a good performance out of their best player, Auston Matthews.
He was held to just a single shot on goal in their most recent game versus the Ottawa Senators, but that shouldn't be the case tonight versus Minnesota. Since the start of the month, the Wild have allowed 62.9 Total Shot Attempts per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the seventh-worst in the league.
For the Lefas, over that same time and in the same situations, they've created 61.38 Total Shot Attempts, which is the 11th-highest in the league. The Leafs need to get back in the win column and Matthews will lead the way tonight.
- Expert Wild vs. Maple Leafs Picks:
- Auston Matthews Over 3.5 Shots on Goal (-132 on FanDuel)
Best NHL Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 1/29
- Vancouver Canucks vs. Nashville Predators over 5.5 Toal (-118 on FanDuel)
Player News
Edward Cabrera was removed from Friday night’s start against the Orioles after four innings due to an apparent injury.
The 27-year-old hurler landed awkwardly after delivering a pitch at the end of the fourth inning and then was seen heading into the tunnel with the training staff, never to return. Look for the Marlins to provide an update on his status as soon as more information becomes available.
Tyler Kolek had 10 points (4-of-11 FGs), six rebounds, eight assists, one steal and one block against the Pistons on Friday.
Kolek played 27 minutes in the loss to the Pistons. The 24-year-old point guard had 10 points on 11 shots, missed all five of his three-point attempts and had five turnovers despite his eight assists. Kolek is behind Miles McBride and Jordan Clarkson as backup point guards for the Knicks, but he’s a solid depth player as he showed at times last season.
Carlos Santana went 1-for-4 and belted a go-ahead two-run homer in the sixth inning on Friday, propelling the Guardians to a 4-2 victory over the White Sox in the first game of their twin bill.
Santana ambushed a first-pitch cutter from Tyler Alexander and crushed it for a 418-foot (109.3 mph EV) two-run shot to center that gave the Guardians a 4-2 lead they would never relinquish. He has had a rough time at the plate in his third tour with the Guardians, slashing .230/.325/.362 with 11 long balls and 40 RBI.
Angel Martinez belted a solo home run in the second inning on Friday, helping to power the Guardians past the White Sox in the first game of their doubleheader.
Martinez went back-to-back with teammate Daniel Schneemann off of White Sox’ rookie right-hander Shane Smith in the second inning, with his 355-foot blast increasing the Guardians’ lead to 2-0. He also doubled off of Dan Altavilla, finishing the night 2-for-3. On the season, the versatile 23-year-old is now slashing .243/.269/.400 with eight long balls and 32 RBI.
Chaz Lanier had 10 points (4-of-11 FGs), two rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block and two three-pointers against the Knicks on Friday.
The Pistons drafted Lanier because of his shooting. The 23-year-old made 3.2 threes per game and shot 39.5 percent from behind the three-point line last year at Tennessee. His Summer League debut wasn’t indicative of the talent the Pistons saw in him. Lanier had just 10 points on 11 shots and was 2-of-7 from behind the three-point line. That’s why he’s getting some much needed experience in Summer League. Lanier will look to provide the Pistons with much needed outside shooting after the team moved on from Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley this offseason.
Emmanuel Clase closed out the White Sox in the first game of Friday’s doubleheader, working a scoreless ninth inning to protect a two-run advantage.
Clase only made things mildly interesting, allowing a leadoff single to Chase Meidroth that brought the tying run to the plate, but he battled back to retire the next three hitters in order to end it. Clase has now made good on 20 of his first 24 save chances on the season while posting a 3.05 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and a 40/10 K/BB ratio across 41 1/3 innings.