Welcome to NHL Best Bets for Wednesday, January 22nd! We have a smaller four-game slate but there are some solid teams in action tonight with plenty of players to target. 

 

NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 1/22

We've seen a ton of higher-scoring games across the league and I get the sense that it will continue for the next two weeks. We're coming up to the 4 Nations Tournament and things will likely be fast and furious until then. 

Boston Bruins vs. New Jersey Devils Prediction: Wednesday, January 22nd

The turn of the calendar year has not been friendly for the New Jersey Devils, as they are just 2-7, a clear downturn in consistency compared to where they were. 

They are a good team overall and in a spot to rebound against the Boston Bruins, another team that has been anything but consistent. Since the start of January, the Bruins have allowed 71.18 Total Shot Attempts per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the worst in the NHL. 

This is a clear opportunity for the Devils to get things going in the right direction and jump-start their offense against a struggling defense. This is where we'll turn to Nico Hischier, the top-line center for the Devils. He comes in with at least two shots on goal in seven of the nine games since the start of January, while being over this 2.5 mark in five of those games. 

It might not be pretty for the Devils recently but this is a good spot for Hischier to get things going. 

 

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Prediction: Wednesday, January 22nd

The Columbus Blue Jackets are visiting the Toronto Maple Leafs, in what should be an awesome matchup tonight. The Blue Jackets are playing much better this season than some anticipated and it's led to some profitability in the prop market. 

Since the start of January, both teams are in the bottom 12 of the league in Total Shot Attempts Allowed per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. A lack of defense overall should allow some nice back-and-forth action, opening up plenty of scoring chances. 

Let's turn to Kirill Marchekno, who comes in with 135 total shots this season, which is good for the second-most on the Blue Jackets. That's good for 2.9 per game this season while seeing time on the first forward line and the first power-play unit. 

The -135 is a bit of juice but Marchenko has been a consistent option in the Blue Jackets' offense this season and they'll need the chances to keep up the Leafs' scoring. 

 

Best NHL Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 1/22