NHL.com identifies key gameday matchups and players to watch throughout the 2023-24 season.
---
Note: Betting lines provided by Betway (U.S., Ontario)
---
1. New Jersey Devils at Columbus Blue Jackets (7 p.m. ET; MSGSN, BSOH)
NJD puckline (-1.5 goals): +110
CBJ puckline (+1.5 goals): -130
The Devils are 7-3-0 in their past 10 games and will visit the Blue Jackets, who are 4-5-1 in that same span. Columbus is coming off a big 6-5 OT victory in their last game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Dec. 14 but have notable injury concerns, missing forwards Patrik Laine (upper body) and Boone Jenner (fractured jaw) due to injuries. New Jersey ranks eighth in the NHL in goals per game (3.48) this season and 11th in shots on goal per game (32.1).
Jesper Bratt is on a six-game point streak with eight points (four goals, four assists) in the span. Bratt has at least five shots on goal in two of his past three games and has high upside on their top line with elite center Jack Hughes. Devils captain Nico Hischier has five points (two goals, three assists) in his past five games. For the Blue Jackets, forward Kent Johnson has six points (two goals, four assists) in his past four games and Yegor Chinakhov is on a three-game point streak with six points (four goals, two assists) in the span.
2. Washington Capitals at Nashville Predators (8 p.m. ET; MNMT, BSSO, NHLN)
WSH moneyline: +110
NSH moneyline: -130
The Capitals are allowing the 10th-fewest goals per game (2.85) in the NHL this season and will visit the Predators, who rank 13th in that category (3.10). Nashville ranks fourth in the League in offensive zone time (43.1%) and are on the second leg of a back-to-back after defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 6-5 in OT on Friday. Washington is 2-0-2 in the past four games and have scored at least four goals in two of the past three.
Nashville defenseman Roman Josi has six points (one goal, five assists) during his three-game point streak and forward Filip Forsberg has five points (two goals, three assists) in the same span. For Washington, Dylan Strome has points in three of his past four games with five points (four goals, one assist) in the span. Strome is on their top line with wing Tom Wilson, who has four points (two goals, two assists) in his past four games.
3. Los Angeles Kings at Seattle Kraken (10 p.m. ET; ROOT-NW, KCAL)
Over 6 total goals: +102
Under 6 total goals: -122
The Kings have lost consecutive games and are 6-3-1 in the past 10 and will visit the Kraken, who have won back-to-back contests. Los Angeles ranks third in the NHL in goals per game (3.62) this season and ranks fourth in shots on goal per game (33.2). Seattle has scored 11 goals across their past two games while allowing just one goal in that span.
Kevin Fiala has points in four of his past five games with six assists in the span. Center Anze Kopitar has seven points (one goal, six assists) in his past six games and his linemate Adrian Kempe has six points (one goal, five assists) in that same span. The Seattle defense has been impactful recently with Will Borgen having five assists in his past four games and Vince Dunn having five points (one goal, four assists) in his past six.
---
Canadian Readers
Only available in Ontario, 19+. Bet the responsible way. Visit our Responsible Gambling page or contact us for further details. ConnexOntario provides service information and resources for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or mental health. The service is free, confidential, and available anytime. Call ConnexOntario 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at www.connexontario.ca
U.S. Readers
Odds subject to change. Must be 21+ and present in AZ/CO/IN/IA/LA (permitted parishes)/NJ/OH/PA/VA. Gambling problem? Call/text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit s.betway.com/rg
