NHL expert picks today: Friday's best bets highlight Wild vs. Ducks play [1/2/2026]

Updated: Jan 2, 2026, 1:39 PM ET | First published: Jan 2, 2026, 12:06 AM ET

Written by Jason Bevilacqua, Head of Content and Communities

Get NHL expert picks and best bets for Friday, January 2, 2026.

NHL Best Bets. — These NHL betting picks for January 2, 2026, are based on the latest odds and probabilities for Friday's games.

Today’s NHL expert picks for January 2, 2026 are here, with Wild vs. Ducks among the top plays identified by our model across Friday’s NHL slate.

Dimers’ predictive analytics engine runs 24/7, going over the latest hockey odds to uncover real betting edges. The result? Data-backed plays that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.

List of NHL expert picks tonight [1/2, updated 1:39PM ET]

Below, you’ll find today’s best hockey bets, ranked by edge for Friday, January 2, 2026.

Wild vs. Ducks under 6.5 goals (-110)

Edge: 2.2%
Probability: 54.6%
Matchup: Wild vs. Ducks (10:30PM ET, Friday)

Our model has identified value on under 6.5 goals in Wild vs. Ducks at -110 odds. A 54.6% probability produces an edge of 2.2%, making this the strongest play for today's NHL slate.

NHL best bets summary: Friday, 1/2/2026

As of 1:39PM ET, here is our top NHL bet by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Wild vs. Ducks	Under 6.5 Goals	-110 @ FanDuel	2.2%	54.6%

List of upcoming NHL games to bet on [1/2/2026]

Golden Knights vs. Blues (3:00PM ET, Friday)
Rangers vs. Panthers (8:00PM ET, Friday)
Wild vs. Ducks (10:30PM ET, Friday)
Kraken vs. Canucks (10:30PM ET, Friday)
Penguins vs. Red Wings (12:00PM ET, Saturday)

NHL betting tools explained

This short video breaks down how Dimers’ NHL models work and how you can apply projections and market insights before placing a bet.

Conclusion

Our NHL best bets are locked and loaded for January 2, 2026, featuring plays such as under 6.5 goals in the Wild vs. Ducks matchup. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

This article, enhanced by AI and automation, aims to deliver accurate NHL insights quickly, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are rooted in current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.

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Written by

Jason Bevilacqua

Head of Content and Communities

Jason Bevilacqua, an expert in MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS, and NFL, delivers game previews, best bets, and props. Since 2020, as Head of Social and Community at Dimers, he has contributed insightful articles utilizing data-driven models and simulations.

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