NHL Tips

NHL Tips

Match Analysis – 22/12/2025

Detroit Red Wings — Washington Capitals · Sunday · 21 Dec 2025 · 20:00

Detroit return to the ice immediately after Saturday’s convincing 5–2 win in Washington, as the home‑and‑home series shifts to Michigan. The Red Wings exploded early, building a 4–0 second‑period lead behind dominant shot numbers (17–6 in the first period) and strong contributions across the lineup. Seider recorded a goal and an assist, Copp and Edvinsson added two assists each, and Leonard opened the scoring just 65 seconds in, netting his first of the season after being recalled from the AHL. Gibson backed the effort with 24 saves in a complete team performance.

Washington, meanwhile, couldn’t carry over the momentum from their 4–0 shutout of Toronto. A poor start left them chasing the game, struggling through the neutral zone and losing forecheck battles. They rallied to 4–2 and had a third goal wiped out for goaltender interference, but the early damage was too much. Protas scored again, reaching 12 goals, yet the Capitals have now dropped four of their last five (1‑3‑1). Sunday’s rematch is expected to feature Lindgren versus Talbot, with both goalies owning mixed career numbers in this matchup.

Given the back‑to‑back nature, travel, expected adjustments and the volatility shown by both teams within 24 hours, there’s no clear betting angle. No bet

Minnesota Wild — Colorado Avalanche · Monday · 22 Dec 2025 · 01:00

The Central Division currently houses the NHL’s three best teams, and two of them clash in Saint Paul. Minnesota enter the matchup riding a seven‑game winning streak, outscoring opponents 33–11 during that run. The addition of Quinn Hughes has elevated an already strong roster — he has three points in four games and has stabilized the blue line. The Wild have scored at least five goals in each of their last four outings, with Boldy and Kaprizov driving the offense. Even with several injuries, Minnesota have gone 19‑3‑2 in their last 24 games and look as dangerous as any team in the league.

Colorado, however, remain the benchmark. The Avalanche have just one regulation loss since Oct. 25 and have collected points in 24 of their last 25 games. Nathan MacKinnon is tied for the league lead in scoring with 59 points and leads the NHL in goals, Necas continues to produce at a high level, and Cale Makar remains one of the most dominant defensemen in the sport. Colorado’s depth is unmatched: nine players have at least 18 points and five have reached double‑digit goals. Contributions come from every line, and the team’s structure rarely wavers.

Minnesota’s form is impressive, but Colorado’s consistency, depth and elite top‑end talent make them the more reliable side in this matchup. Even at a shorter price, the visitors hold the edge. Colorado @1.63

Boston Bruins — Ottawa Senators · Monday · 22 Dec 2025 · 02:00

Boston and Ottawa meet for the fourth and final time this season, wrapping up a demanding back‑to‑back weekend. The Senators arrive in excellent form, riding a three‑game winning streak after a 6–4 victory over Chicago. Tkachuk has five goals in his last three outings, Stützle extended his point streak to six games with 13 points in that span, and Zetterlund continues to contribute. Chabot’s return after missing 15 of the previous 16 games added stability on the blue line, though the loss of Kleven creates another defensive gap. Ullmark — facing his former team — is expected to start.

The Bruins, meanwhile, suffered their third loss in four games with a 5–4 shootout defeat to Vancouver. Despite firing 42 shots and leading twice, defensive lapses in the third period and a scoreless shootout cost them. Geekie reached 25 goals on the season and 50 in the 2025 calendar year, but Boston’s inability to close games has become a recurring issue. Swayman made his fourth straight start, leaving Korpisalo idle since Dec. 11 — and the last time he faced Ottawa, he allowed four goals on 21 shots. Boston have the talent, but their late‑game execution has been shaky.

Ottawa are in better rhythm, but Boston typically respond when under pressure, especially at home and against a divisional opponent that has already beaten them this season. At 2.20, the price leans toward the hosts. Boston @2.20

Dallas Stars — Toronto Maple Leafs · Monday · 22 Dec 2025 · 02:00

Dallas enter this matchup in full scoring flow, putting up 17 goals over their last three games and crushing Anaheim 8–3 in the second half of a back‑to‑back — a situation in which they are a perfect 5–0 this season. Gulutzan’s team played with structure and pace, while Jason Robertson snapped back into form with a two‑goal, one‑assist performance. The Stars now sit second in the NHL standings, trailing only Colorado.

Toronto, meanwhile, continue to struggle. Despite an early goal in Nashville, they let multiple leads slip and managed only 22 shots for the second straight game. Their power play remains ineffective (14.1%), the revamped top unit failed to convert, and the Leafs have now dropped four of their last five. Even with a strong recent record against Dallas, Toronto’s current form is shaky and mentally fragile.

Given Dallas’ momentum and Toronto’s inconsistency, the betting markets don’t offer a clear angle here. No notable value detected.

Nashville Predators — New York Rangers · Monday · 22 Dec 2025 · 02:00

The Predators and Rangers meet in Nashville just before the holiday break, both coming off Saturday wins and looking to build momentum. New York rallied from 4–2 down to beat Philadelphia in a shootout, showing the resilience that has earned them points in 10 of their last 14 games. Their 13 road wins are tied for the most in the NHL, but the potential loss of captain J.T. Miller — combined with Adam Fox still on LTIR — leaves an already low‑scoring offense even thinner.

Nashville, meanwhile, secured a much‑needed 5–3 win over Toronto, with Evangelista scoring a brilliant solo game‑winner. The Predators still struggle to generate offense consistently, but they’ve won four of their last six and climbed out of the Central Division basement, sitting just five points off a wild‑card spot.

With both teams battling scoring issues, dealing with injuries and coming off back‑to‑back games, the matchup doesn’t present a clear betting edge. No bet