Top Shelf Picks: Best NHL Bets and Props Today (Bet on Blues to Stay Hot vs. Canadiens)

Iain MacMillan | Mar 25, 2025

Bet on the Blues to stay hot tonight when they take on the Canadiens. / Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The final stretch of the NHL regular season is here. Teams battling for postseason berths and playoff seeding makes plenty of must-watch action on a nightly basis. Tuesday night is no different.

As always, I have three bets locked in. This time, it's a favorite, an underdog, and a player prop. Let's dive into them.

• Season-to-date record: 140-144-8 (-12.88 units)

Best NHL Picks Today

• Sabres +130 vs. Senators via DraftKings
• Blues -155 vs. Canadiens via DraftKings
• Valeri Nichushkin Anytime Goal (+150) via BetMGM

Senators vs. Sabres Prediction

The Senators have been hot lately, going 8-4-1 since the All-Star break. With that in mind, I don't think their underlying metrics match their record. For example, they rank 27th in the NHL in 5-on-5 expected goals percentage in that time frame. Meanwhile, the Sabres, are 22nd in that stat.

The underlying numbers shoe the Sabres are a great bet as home underdogs tonight. The Senators are due for regression.

Pick: Sabres +130

Canadiens vs. Blues Prediction

The Blues have been the best team in the NHL since the All-Star break. Not only are they 12-2-2 in that time period, but they have the metrics to back it up, ranking fourth in the league in 5-on-5 expected goals percentage. A big part of that success has been their defense, leading the league in 5-on-5 expected goals against and ranking second in high-danger scoring chances allowed.

I have faith St. Louis is going to continue to hot streak tonight against an overperforming Canadiens team.

Pick: Blues -155

Red Wings vs. Avalanche Prediction

Valeri Nichushkin has been red-hot in March. He has six goals and 11 points this month, including scoring a goal in three of his last five games. Now that he's been playing on the top line, he has seen a significant increase to his ice time as well. Tonight seems like a great spot for him to score again as he and the Avalanche take on Cam Talbot of the Red Wings who has an .898 save percentage and an .849 save percentage in March.

Pick: Valeri Nichushkin Anytime Goal (+150)

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