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NHL expert picks today: Thursday's best bets include Kraken vs. Avalanche play [4/16/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Dave Garofolo, Content Producer
Get NHL expert picks and best bets for Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Today’s NHL expert picks for April 16, 2026 are here, with Kraken vs. Avalanche and Sharks vs. Jets among the top plays identified by our model across Thursday’s NHL action.
Dimers’ predictive analytics engine runs 24/7, going over the latest hockey odds to uncover top betting edges. The result? Data-backed plays that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.
List of NHL expert picks tonight [4/16, updated 8:33AM ET]
Below, you’ll find today’s best hockey bets, ranked by edge for Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Kraken vs. Avalanche under 6.5 goals (+114)
- Edge: 7.4%
- Probability: 54.1%
- Matchup: Kraken vs. Avalanche (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
Our model has identified value on under 6.5 goals in Kraken vs. Avalanche at +114 odds. A 54.1% probability produces an edge of 7.4%, making this the strongest play for today's NHL slate.
Sharks vs. Jets under 6.5 goals (+102)
- Edge: 4.1%
- Probability: 53.6%
- Matchup: Sharks vs. Jets (8:00PM ET, Thursday)
Sharks vs. Jets under 6.5 goals carries a 4.1% edge and a probability of 53.6% at +102 odds, according to our model.
Ducks vs. Predators over 6.5 goals (-102)
- Edge: 3.2%
- Probability: 53.7%
- Matchup: Ducks vs. Predators (8:00PM ET, Thursday)
Ducks vs. Predators over 6.5 goals at -102 odds shows a 3.2% edge, supported by a 53.7% probability in simulations.
Kings vs. Flames over 5.5 goals (+110)
- Edge: 2.5%
- Probability: 50.1%
- Matchup: Kings vs. Flames (9:00PM ET, Thursday)
A 2.5% edge and 50.1% probability make Kings vs. Flames over 5.5 goals at a value play in the Kings vs. Flames matchup, per our model.
Canucks +1.5 (+105)
- Edge: 2.4%
- Probability: 51.2%
- Matchup: Canucks vs. Oilers (9:00PM ET, Thursday)
Canucks +1.5 at +105 odds presents a 2.4% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 51.2%.
Canucks ML (+260)
- Edge: 2.2%
- Probability: 29.9%
- Matchup: Canucks vs. Oilers (9:00PM ET, Thursday)
Our model finds value on Canucks to win at +260 odds, supported by an edge of 2.2%.
NHL best bets summary: Thursday, 4/16/2026
As of 8:33AM ET, here are our top NHL bets by edge recommended by our model:
| Matchup | Bet | Odds | Edge | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kraken vs. Avalanche | Under 6.5 Goals | +114 @ DraftKings | 7.4% | 54.1% |
| Sharks vs. Jets | Under 6.5 Goals | +102 @ DraftKings | 4.1% | 53.6% |
| Ducks vs. Predators | Over 6.5 Goals | -102 @ DraftKings | 3.2% | 53.7% |
| Kings vs. Flames | Over 5.5 Goals | +110 @ DraftKings | 2.5% | 50.1% |
| Canucks vs. Oilers | Canucks +1.5 | +105 @ BetMGM | 2.4% | 51.2% |
| Canucks vs. Oilers | Canucks ML | +260 @ BetMGM | 2.2% | 29.9% |
List of upcoming NHL games to bet on [4/16/2026]
- Blues vs. Mammoth (7:30PM ET, Thursday)
- Sharks vs. Jets (8:00PM ET, Thursday)
- Ducks vs. Predators (8:00PM ET, Thursday)
- Kings vs. Flames (9:00PM ET, Thursday)
- Canucks vs. Oilers (9:00PM ET, Thursday)
- Kraken vs. Avalanche (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
Conclusion
Our NHL best bets are locked and loaded for April 16, 2026, featuring plays such as under 6.5 goals in the Kraken vs. Avalanche matchup and under 6.5 goals in the Sharks vs. Jets matchup. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.
Our predictions are rooted in current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice, head to our Responsible Gambling hub.
All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.
Dave Garofolo uses sophisticated AI-driven analytics to make predictions and evaluate player performances in the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, NCAAM, and PGA TOUR tournaments, crafting insightful game and prop previews.
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