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
Corbin Carroll doubled and tripled in a win for the Diamondbacks on Monday over the Padres.
Getting to play your home games in Arizona and being faster than the overwhelming majority of players gives you a good chance to pile up the triples, and Carroll has done just that with 10 already before the All-Star break. The 24-year-old also doubled while improving his season slash to .250/.332/.563. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if Carroll approached 20-plus three-baggers someday. It could even be 2025.
Manny Machado homered while going 3-for-5 in a 6-3 loss for the Padres on Monday to the Diamondbacks.
Kevin Ginkel was credited with a save after firing a scoreless ninth against the Padres on Monday.
Zac Gallen struck out nine over six innings while allowing only an unearned run to get a win over the Padres on Monday.
Yu Darvish gave up two runs over 3 2/3 innings with five strikeouts in a loss to the Diamondbacks on Monday.
Travis d’Arnaud homered and drove in three runs to help the Angels to a win over the Rangers on Monday.