Last Updated on January 31, 2026 12:41 pm by Anthony Rome
Will the Sharks handle the Flames when the two teams clash in Calgary at 4:00 p.m. ET on Saturday? Is the total in the Jets-Panthers matchup at 4:00 p.m. ET set too high? Can the Predators pull off the upset in New York when they take on the Islanders at 7:00 p.m. ET? Our Saturday NHL Best Bets Jan. 31 column hands out selections for all three of these matchups.
NHL Best Bet: Sharks -106 (at Flames)
San Jose enters tonight’s game as the consensus moneyline favorite in this mid-afternoon Pacific matchup. The Sharks have been competitive this season, and while they aren’t a runaway power, they’ve posted better results and road resilience compared to Calgary — a club that’s struggled to stay consistent and has a losing record at home.
Why this moneyline makes sense:
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The Sharks have enjoyed some momentum against Western Conference opponents and are getting respect from consensus picks.
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Calgary has been a middling team this season, and San Jose’s structure gives them an edge in tight contests.
💡 Bet: San Jose Sharks ML — Sharks to win in regulation.
NHL Best Bet: Predators +113 (at Islanders)
The Predators offer solid value on the moneyline tonight. Nashville has shown the ability to close out tight games and generate offense against Islanders defenses that struggle to sustain momentum.
Key reasons to back Nashville:
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At around -130 or better, this moneyline fits your pricing criteria.
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Predators have balanced scoring and a goaltender capable of keeping them competitive in low-to-moderate scoring games.
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New York’s defensive structure can be leaky if Nashville gets on the board first.
💡 Bet: Predators ML — take Nashville straight up.
NHL Best Bet: Jets/Panthers under 6
The Jets vs. Panthers game shows a totals line of 6.0 goals, and this matchup leans toward tighter scoring than the projected line suggests. Winnipeg has struggled for consistent offense this season, and while Florida can score, both teams tend to tighten up at home or in neutral-site-style games later in the afternoon.
Total play rationale:
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Jets offense has been unpredictable and low volume on the road this season.
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Panthers while capable, aren’t a 6+ goals team in most games and often play controlled hockey at home.
💡 Bet: Under 6.0 goals — expect a lower scoring game.
Saturday NHL Best Bets Jan. 31
- San Jose Sharks -106
- Jets/Panthers Under 6
- Nashville Predators +113
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