Hello and welcome everyone to the Friday edition of the NHL Best Bets on December 20th, 2024! We are back again today after going 6-1 in yesterday’s NHL picks in a slate in which we absolutely demolished the books! 

The NHL has given us a chance to follow up on that epic day with 7 games to target for today's NHL best bets so check them out below and let’s stay hot!

 

 

 

NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 12/20

In this NHL Best Bets Today article you will find a wide array of choices from some Money Lines and Team totals to plenty of player props for the action today in NHL Picks!

Now, let's dive into my expert NHL Best Bets today!

  • Regular Season Record: 103-77-1
  • Bankroll: +13.6 Units

*Follow me on X/Twitter @jwaggs10

 

 

 

Hurricanes vs. Capitals Prediction: Friday, December 20th

It’s a big-time matchup in the Metropolitan Division tonight as first place is up for grabs between the Hurricanes & Capitals! I see this game going a specific way from a wagering angle though and it's not supporting these two efficient offenses.

The Hurricanes for what feels like over the past 5 years have been one of the very best defensive sides in the game and this season is no different. They are allowing just 2.77 goals against per game which grades out to 7th best in the NHL and their goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov ranks 14th in goaltenders that have made at least 15 starts this season in goals saved above expected. 

On the Capitals side of things, it's much of the same with them ranked 6th best in goals against per game allowing just 2.68 goals per game. Their top goalie Logan Thomson ranks 9th in the same parameters as Kochetkov in goals saved above expected at 9.01! This game should probably have a total of 5.5 for tonight but instead it's 6 so I will take that value and bet on the under. 

 

 

 

Best NHL Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 12/20