NHL Best Bets Today, 1/22: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Wednesday
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.
- Expert Picks Bruins vs. Devils
- Nico Hischier Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (+108 on FanDuel)
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.
- Expert Picks Blue Jackets vs. Maple Leafs
- Kirill Marchenko Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-135 on DraftKings)
Best NHL Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 1/22
- Winnipeg Jets Moneyline (+106 on FanDuel)
Player News
Pirates RHP prospect Bubba Chandler recorded five strikeouts and allowed two runs over 6 1/3 innings on Saturday for Triple-A Indianapolis.
Chandler authored a dominant performance in his latest Triple-A gem, carrying a no-hit bid into the seventh inning before finally giving up a single and a walk, which ended his longest outing of the season. Both runs were charged to him following his exit from the contest. The electrifying 22-year-old righty has looked like a potential fantasy ace, recording a stellar 2.27 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 61/20 K/BB ratio across 43 2/3 innings (10 starts). It’s hard to imagine what else Pittsburgh’s front office needs to see before he gets his opportunity in the majors.
Athletics RHP prospect Luis Morales fired six hitless innings on Saturday for Triple-A Las Vegas.
Morales put together an extremely impressive Triple-A debut, retiring 11 consecutive batters to open the contest before finally issuing a walk. It would be the lone baserunner he allowed over six nearly-perfect frames. The 22-year-old top pitching prospect was promoted to the doorstep of the big leagues earlier this week after posting a strong 2.98 ERA and 53/15 K/BB ratio across 42 1/3 innings (eight starts) for Double-A Midland.
Royals 1B/OF prospect Jac Caglianone homered for the third straight game on Saturday for Triple-A Omaha.
Caglianone hasn’t skipped a beat since being promoted to the doorstep of the majors earlier this week, going deep in three of five contests. The 22-year-old slugging prospect is hitting .286 (6-for-21) during that span. It feels like only a matter of time before Kansas City is forced to give him an opportunity at the highest level given how much he’s excelled in the upper minors this season. He’s rapidly becoming one of the few prospects fantasy managers should strongly consider stashing for the second half stretch run.
Rangers signed SS Richie Martin to a minor league contract.
Martin hasn’t appeared in the big leagues since the 2022 campaign when he got into 13 games for the Orioles. The 30-year-old middle infielder fortifies the Rangers’ organizational depth after a strong 22-game stint with the Gastonia Ghost Peppers of the independent Atlantic League.
Orioles designated LHP Cionel Pérez for assignment.
Pérez was removed from Baltimore’s active roster prior to the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Red Sox. The 29-year-old southpaw struggled to a bloated 8.31 ERA across 21 2/3 innings (19 appearances) this season. Given his previous track record, there should be some interest on waivers.
Orioles selected the contract of RHP Yaramil Hiraldo from Triple-A Norfolk.
Hiraldo got the call to join Baltimore’s bullpen for the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Red Sox. The 29-year-old righty posted a solid 2.45 ERA across three minor-league levels this season in the Orioles’ system.