Last Updated on February 5, 2026 11:40 am by Anthony Rome
Tonight’s NHL slate brings a nice mix of competitive matchups and value on the board. With several division races tightening and teams jockeying for playoff positioning before the Olympic break, there are a few spots where the betting lines don’t entirely reflect recent trends, offensive strength, or matchup specifics. Our Thursday NHL Best Bets Feb. 5 column offers three selections from tonight’s slate.
NHL Best Bet: Sabres -121 (vs. Penguins)
Buffalo’s lineup has been clicking and the Sabres enter tonight with a strong home record and plenty of offensive momentum, making them a value play at around -130 on the moneyline. Both teams rank among the higher-scoring clubs since Christmas, but Buffalo’s ability to stay structured in their own zone and produce scoring chances across all forward lines gives them the edge here.
Buffalo’s forwards like Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch drive consistent goal threat, and the Sabres have had success in clutch moments — something Pittsburgh has struggled with defensively late in games this year. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s offense has been streaky, and their goaltending situation isn’t as locked in as it needs to be to chase a road win outright. This feels like a Sabres game to win, not just cover the spread.
NHL Best Bet: Senators -129 (at Flyers)
Here’s another straight moneyline play that offers bettors some real juice without overshooting the -150 cut-off. The Ottawa Senators are getting a slight nod as road favorites at about -129, and that makes sense based on their recent form and stick work in key areas.
While the Flyers can get hot offensively, the Senators have been playing with structure defensively and have enough scoring depth to make things uncomfortable for Philadelphia. Historically, Ottawa’s ability to climb back into games and control pace has often flustered the Flyers’ transition game. With the slight moneyline edge and an Ottawa squad that tends to perform when under the radar, this line has value.
NHL Best Bet: Predators/Capitals over 6.5
This total sticks out tonight because both of these teams have shown they can push past six combined goals when pace and pace transitions open up. Recent history between these clubs shows a lot of close-to-high scoring affairs, and with offensive weapons like Roman Josi, Filip Forsberg for Nashville and the balanced Washington attack ready to strike, this feels like a game that carries a bit more scoring juice than the books have priced.
Nashville’s recent games have involved goal tilts, and Washington has allowed its share of scoring chances at home — a recipe that supports moving over 6.5 goals at a playable price.
Thursday NHL Best Bets Feb. 5
- Buffalo Sabres -121
- Ottawa Senators -129
- Predators/Capitals over 6.5
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