Puck Luck: Thursday's Best NHL Picks

Puck Luck is a daily picks piece breaking down the best NHL bets going.

Phoenix Coyotes at Chicago Blackhawks (-195, 5.5)

The Blackhawks have avoided the dreaded Stanley Cup hangover, losing just twice in regulation this season. That’s impressive. What’s also impressive is that the Coyotes have won six straight games in Chicago and still fly under the radar despite a sparkling 13-4-2 record. This team still needs to tighten up defensively, but can compete with any team in the West on any given night. If you’re looking for a fat underdog Thursday night, the Coyotes are the best bet on the board. To me, the under is safer in what should be a tight-checking battle.

Pick: Under 5.5

Anaheim Ducks at Tampa Bay Lightning (-105, 5.5)

The Lightning pulled together following Steven Stamkos’ injury to earn a 2-1 shootouts win at Montreal before returning home for this date with the Ducks. This is the type of game they’ll miss Stamkos. Anaheim is a big, fast team that loves to put the puck in deep and wear down its opposition’s defence and the Lightning just don’t have the depth to keep pace here. The Ducks just suffered an ugly loss at Florida and will likely be without Ryan Getzlaf again, but Corey Perry will step up as long as he plays (illness). The Ducks know they’ll need a better effort here on the second game of the road trip.

Pick: Anaheim Ducks

Dallas Stars at Calgary Flames (-110, 5.5)

Playing the second half of a back-to-back is always a lot easier when you win the front end, then face a tough club that will challenge you physically the next. That’s what Dallas has here. The Stars dominated the Oilers 3-0 Wednesday night and have the skill to do the same to Calgary Thursday. As long as the Stars don’t stumble out of the gate, they should be heading to Vancouver after pocketing another victory.

Pick: Dallas Stars