NHL expert picks today: New Year's Eve best bets include Blues vs. Avalanche play [12/31/2025]

Today’s NHL expert picks for New Year's Eve are here, with Blues vs. Avalanche among the top plays identified by our model across Wednesday’s NHL slate.

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

List of NHL expert picks tonight [12/31, updated 8:35PM ET]

Below, you’ll find today’s best hockey bets, ranked by edge for Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Blues +1.5 (+124)

• Edge: 5.8%
• Probability: 50.4%
• Matchup: Blues vs. Avalanche (9:00PM ET, Wednesday)

Our model has identified value on Blues +1.5 at +124 odds. A 50.4% probability produces an edge of 5.8%, making this the strongest play for today's NHL slate.

Blues ML (+290)

• Edge: 3.2%
• Probability: 28.8%
• Matchup: Blues vs. Avalanche (9:00PM ET, Wednesday)

Blues ML carries a 3.2% edge and a probability of 28.8% at +290 odds, according to our model.

Canadiens ML (+172)

• Edge: 2.4%
• Probability: 39.1%
• Matchup: Canadiens vs. Hurricanes (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

A 2.4% edge and 39.1% probability make Canadiens at the moneyline at a value play in the Canadiens vs. Hurricanes matchup, per our model.

Lightning +1.5 (-210)

• Edge: 2.3%
• Probability: 70%
• Matchup: Lightning vs. Kings (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

Lightning +1.5 at -210 odds presents a 2.3% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 70%.

NHL best bets summary: Wednesday, 12/31/2025

As of 8:35PM ET, here are our top NHL bets by edge recommended by our model:

List of upcoming NHL games to bet on [12/31/2025]

• Blues vs. Avalanche (9:00PM ET, Wednesday)
• Flyers vs. Flames (9:30PM ET, Wednesday)
• Bruins vs. Oilers (9:30PM ET, Wednesday)
• Capitals vs. Senators (1:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Mammoth vs. Islanders (3:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Lightning vs. Kings (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Jets vs. Maple Leafs (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Canadiens vs. Hurricanes (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Red Wings vs. Penguins (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Stars vs. Blackhawks (8:30PM ET, Thursday)

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Conclusion

Our NHL best bets are locked and loaded for December 31, 2025, featuring plays such as Blues +1.5 and Blues ML. 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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